Description
French Chicken Casserole is a rustic and comforting dish featuring tender chicken braised with aromatic vegetables, garlic, fresh herbs, and a savory broth. Inspired by French country cooking, it’s rich, elegant, and perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, cooking until softened.
- Stir in mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Return chicken to the pot.
- Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- If desired, stir in heavy cream before serving for a richer sauce.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- Boneless chicken thighs cook faster; reduce baking time accordingly.
- Add baby potatoes to the pot for a complete one-pan meal.
- For a sweeter flavor, substitute some chicken broth with apple cider.
- Swap rosemary for tarragon for a classic French herb flavor.
- To thicken the sauce, simmer uncovered for a few minutes or use a cornstarch slurry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
