French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way

Name: French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs total); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups when sliced); 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (about 4-5 sprigs stripped; dried thyme works too, use 1 tsp); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

olivia

Published:

November 27, 2025

French style chicken casserole cooked in the traditional Norman way

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Why Make This Recipe

French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with apples and creamy goodness. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. It’s simple yet full of flavor, bringing a touch of French elegance to your dinner table. The combination of chicken, apples, and fresh thyme creates a harmony that’s both comforting and satisfying.

How to Make French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs total)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups when sliced)
2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (about 4-5 sprigs stripped; dried thyme works too, use 1 tsp)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s foaming but not browned.
Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, to the skillet, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until beautifully caramelized and golden. Flip and brown the other side for about 3 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
In the same skillet, add your sliced onions and apples. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until they are softened and sweet.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds pure flavor gold).
Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, tucking them into the apple-onion mixture.
Slowly pour the heavy cream over everything. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cream is bubbling gently around the edges, the chicken skin is irresistibly golden, and the chicken registers 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.
Once done, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken perfectly.

How to Serve French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way

Serve this casserole straight from the oven for a warm, comforting meal. It pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or a simple green salad for a refreshing balance. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition.

How to Store French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can refrigerate the casserole for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Tips to Make French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way

Ensure the chicken is dried thoroughly; this helps to get the skin crispy.
Feel free to swap out granny smith apples with other firm varieties if you prefer.
Don’t skip scraping the bottom of the skillet while adding the broth, as this step captures extra flavor.

Variation

You can also add other vegetables like carrots or parsnips for added color and flavor. They will cook down beautifully with the apples and onions, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can use boneless thighs, but the cooking time may be shorter. Check for doneness at 25 minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

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

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

This simple and hearty French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious meal!