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French Chicken Casserole

French Chicken Casserole Recipe

The Crispy Chef
This rich, comforting French chicken casserole features tender chicken thighs, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a creamy Dijon sauce — a hearty and elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Course Dinner
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or deep skillet (oven-safe)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Base:

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless or bone-in
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 carrots chopped into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup dry white wine or extra broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the French Flavor Boost:

  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 1 leek cleaned and sliced (optional)
  • 3 tbsp flour or gluten-free alternative
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for dairy-free
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  • Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Sear chicken (skin-side down if using skin-on) until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

  • In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle flour over veggies and stir well.
  • Slowly pour in wine, scraping up brown bits. Let reduce 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Casserole

  • Add chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
  • Return chicken to pot and bring to simmer.
  • Cover and cook: 30 mins for boneless, 45 mins for bone-in.

Step 4: Finish the Casserole

  • Add mushrooms and leeks 15 minutes before chicken is done.
  • Remove bay leaves.
  • Stir in cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer uncovered 5 mins.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Use cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour for gluten-free version.
Make ahead and reheat for even better flavor.
Try variations like a Burgundy-style (with bacon and red wine) or Mediterranean twist (with olives and lemon).

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 32gFat: 22g
Keyword French chicken casserole
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