Description
Bring the flavors of Normandy to your table with this One-Pot Chicken Casserole with Apples & Cream. Juicy chicken thighs, sweet apples, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy cider sauce come together in this elegant, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Produce:
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Liquids:
- 1/2 cup dry apple cider
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing and sautéing)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil or butter. Sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add the apples and thyme:
- Stir in the apple slices and thyme, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze with cider:
- Pour in the dry apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the broth and cream:
- Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer with the chicken:
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Substitute apple cider with white wine if desired.
- Use chicken breasts or boneless thighs for a quicker cooking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: French-inspired
