Creamy French Style Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Name: Creamy French Style Chicken Casserole a la Normande
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 apple, peeled and diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Creamy French Style Chicken Casserole a la Normande is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of France right to your table. This comforting casserole combines tender chicken with a rich sauce, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-23T18:18:45.468Z

This dish is inspired by the culinary traditions of Normandy, known for its rich flavors and creamy sauces. The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and apples in a velvety sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken
Perfect balance of flavors with a hint of apple sweetness
A cozy dish that’s perfect for gatherings and family dinners

      

A Taste of France

Creamy French Style Chicken Casserole a la Normande embodies the essence of French cuisine, characterized by its rich flavors and comforting textures. The use of heavy cream and Dijon mustard creates a luxurious sauce that enhances the tender chicken. This dish is not only a feast for the palate but also a visual delight, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy family meal.

The addition of apples provides a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the savory elements of the dish. This unique combination of ingredients gives the casserole a distinct flavor profile, reminiscent of the idyllic countryside of Normandy. With every bite, you'll experience the warmth and heartiness that this dish offers, making it a favorite among family and friends.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it's a holiday gathering, a family reunion, or a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole is incredibly versatile. It can be easily scaled up to serve a larger crowd, ensuring that everyone at the table is satisfied. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as fluffy rice, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad, allowing you to customize your meal to suit your guests' preferences.

Preparing this dish is a straightforward process, making it accessible even for novice cooks. The steps are simple and require minimal effort while still delivering impressive results. With a little preparation, you can serve a deliciously comforting meal that tastes like it came straight from a French bistro.

Tips for the Best Results

To elevate your Creamy French Style Chicken Casserole, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon in addition to the parsley garnish. These herbs will enhance the dish's aromatic qualities and add depth to the flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a slightly tangier sauce, feel free to adjust the amount of Dijon mustard to your liking.

If you're looking to make this recipe ahead of time, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven until heated through. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or hosting gatherings, allowing you to spend more time with your guests.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 apple, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Ensure all ingredients are prepped before you start cooking for a smoother experience.

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the diced apple and cook for another 2 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Serve

Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy chicken casserole!

Serving Suggestions

When serving Creamy French Style Chicken Casserole, consider pairing it with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. These wines complement the creaminess of the dish and enhance the overall dining experience. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling apple cider can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

For sides, a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can add a nice peppery bite and freshness that balances the richness of the casserole. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes can also make excellent accompaniments, ensuring that every bite is satisfying and full of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making the dish even more delicious upon reheating. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.

This casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed. This makes it an ideal meal prep option for busy weeks.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require less cooking time.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and reheat it before serving.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or a light salad.