Description
Hearty french chicken casserole showcases classic French countryside cooking with tender chicken braised in white wine. Rustic ingredients and simple techniques deliver a comforting meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
Vegetables:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C) for even cooking.
- Create a golden sear on chicken thighs using olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat, developing rich flavor before removing from the pan.
- Transform the same pot into a vegetable medley, gently sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Introduce mushrooms to the vegetable mixture, allowing them to release their earthy essence and develop a delicate caramelization for about 3 minutes.
- Deglaze the pot with white wine, then incorporate chicken stock, tomato paste, aromatic thyme, and fragrant bay leaves, creating a complex liquid base that will infuse the chicken with depth.
- Carefully nestle the previously seared chicken thighs back into the herb-infused liquid, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
- Secure the pot with a tight-fitting lid and slide into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and tenderize for a full hour.
- Verify chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender, then discard the bay leaves to prevent any bitter notes.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch, and serve immediately while the casserole remains piping hot.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that reduces total fat content.
- Toast fresh thyme leaves before adding to enhance their aromatic profile and release deeper herbal notes.
- Choose dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for balanced flavor complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Substitute mushrooms with root vegetables like parsnips or turnips if someone has mushroom allergies or dislikes their texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg