Description
Classic French chicken casserole blends tender poultry with rich, herbed sauce from Provence. Rustic comfort awaits home cooks seeking authentic French countryside flavors you’ll savor with each hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken legs and thighs
- 4 ounces (oz) thick-cut bacon (diced)
- 2 large onions (sliced)
- 2 cups mushrooms (quartered)
- 2 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 cups dry red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons (tbsps) olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons (tbsps) all-purpose flour
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) dried thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley (garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients and preheat oven to 350F (175C), ensuring even temperature distribution.
- Warm olive oil in a large casserole dish and thoroughly brown chicken pieces on all surfaces, creating a rich golden exterior. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same dish, render bacon until crisp and golden, releasing its smoky flavor. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and diced carrots, sautéing until vegetables become tender and translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually pour wine and chicken broth, whisking to create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Introduce bay leaves, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the dish’s aromatic profile. Carefully return browned chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the casserole dish and transfer to the preheated oven. Allow to cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, periodically checking chicken’s tenderness and sauce consistency.
- Once chicken is perfectly tender and sauce has thickened, remove from oven. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit completely to make the dish lighter and more diet-friendly for those avoiding pork.
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture, ensuring the meat stays juicy during the long cooking process.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely to your taste preferences.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking, which helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld together more intensely.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg