Name: French Chicken Normandy Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 3 leeks, white and light green parts halved lengthwise and sliced; 3 apples, cored and sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 4 sprigs thyme; 1/2 cup brandy; 2 cups dry hard apple cider; 1 1/2 cups chicken stock; 1 cup creme fraiche; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 21 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender chicken, the sweet tartness of apples, and the cozy warmth of creamy cider sauce, you’re in the right place. This French Chicken Normandy Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting yet elegant meals that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I absolutely love making it when I want to impress guests or just treat myself to a rich, soulful dinner without too much fuss.

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Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Harmony: The combination of apples, leeks, and cider perfectly balances savory and sweet notes for a multi-dimensional taste experience.
Simple Technique: Browning the chicken first locks in juices and adds that irresistible golden crust before baking.
No-Fuss Casserole: Everything cooks in one dish, meaning less cleanup and maximum flavor melding.
Authentic French Touch: Using brandy, thyme, and crème fraîche brings genuine Normandy charm right into your kitchen.

French Chicken Normandy, Chicken Normandy casserole, Normandy chicken recipe, French chicken dinner, apple cider chicken - The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with several pieces of cooked chicken thighs with crispy, browned skin on top. The chicken thighs are partially covered in a light creamy sauce that has pieces of cooked onions and leeks mixed in. The sauce has a smooth and slightly shiny texture, pooling around and between the chicken pieces. The dish sits on a white marbled surface giving a clean and bright look. The close-up view highlights the golden and slightly charred texture of the chicken skin with seasoning visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this French Chicken Normandy Casserole Recipe come together to create an elegant depth of flavor. The key is fresh produce and quality chicken, plus that splash of brandy and creamy crème fraîche to round everything out beautifully.

French Chicken Normandy, Chicken Normandy casserole, Normandy chicken recipe, French chicken dinner, apple cider chicken - Flat lay of fresh raw bone-in chicken thighs with skin on, a few thick slices of white and light green leeks, three crisp green apples halved and sliced, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small pat of butter, two cloves of garlic with papery skins removed, fresh thyme sprigs still on stems, a small white bowl of creamy Dijon mustard, a small white bowl of light golden brandy, a small white bowl of pale golden dry hard apple cider, a small white bowl of rich creamy creme fraiche, all arranged with kosher salt crystals and whole black peppercorns scattered artfully, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Butter: Gives a delicious richness and helps brown the chicken nicely for flavor and texture.
Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on: These are juicy and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking and baking without drying out.
Leeks: Offer a milder, sweet onion flavor that softens and melds into the sauce.
Apples: Tart and sweet, they add freshness and a subtle fruity note that’s signature to Normandy dishes.
Garlic: Adds just the right hint of warmth without overpowering.
Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that lifts the sauce and adds complexity.
Thyme: An earthy, herby aroma that’s essential to French country cooking.
Brandy: Brings a lovely warmth and depth, helping to deglaze the pan and integrate flavors.
Dry hard apple cider: The star ingredient for authentic Normandy flavor with a natural sweetness and acidity.
Chicken stock: Boosts savory richness and makes the sauce hearty.
Crème fraîche: Creamy and slightly tangy, it finishes the sauce beautifully without curdling.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste — essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’ve played around quite a bit with this French Chicken Normandy Casserole Recipe, and what I love is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you want it a bit creamier, spicier, or even lighter, you can make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the brandy for Calvados apple brandy if I can find it, for a more authentic Normandy touch that really amps up the apple notes.
Dietary modification: If you want it lighter, try swapping the crème fraîche for Greek yogurt added right at the end to keep that creamy tang without too much richness.
Seasonal change: In fall, I like to add a few chestnuts or mushrooms for an earthy twist that pairs beautifully with the cider sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make French Chicken Normandy Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Golden Brown Goodness

Start by heating your butter in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s melting, season your chicken thighs well with salt and pepper. When the butter foams, place them skin-side down and let them brown until the skin is crispy and golden—about 5 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this point; we’ll finish them in the oven. This step seals in flavor and texture, and trust me, it makes all the difference.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat to medium and toss in your sliced leeks. Stir them often so they soften without browning—about 5 minutes. Then add the apples and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, letting their sweetness mellow and mingle with those leeks. Throw in the minced garlic and cook 1 more minute, just until fragrant. This base is what makes the sauce sing—it’s all about those layers.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer Sauce

Stir in the Dijon mustard for a spark of tang, then add your brandy and thyme sprigs. Let it bubble for just 30 seconds so the alcohol cooks off. Pour in the dry hard apple cider and simmer until the liquid reduces by about half—this concentrates all that lovely apple flavor. Add chicken stock and let it reduce again slightly; this gradually thickens the sauce and deepens the savory notes.

Step 4: Creamy Finish and Bake to Perfection

Stir in the crème fraîche, which will give your sauce a beautiful richness and silkiness. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking. Transfer the sauce to your baking dish if you’re not already in an oven-safe pan, arrange the browned chicken thighs on top, skin side up. Pop it in a 400°F oven uncovered, and bake for about 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

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Pro Tips for Making French Chicken Normandy Casserole Recipe

Brown the Chicken First: Don’t skip browning; it’s key for flavor and texture—golden skin makes all the difference.
Use a Dutch Oven or Ovenproof Skillet: This lets you go straight from stove to oven without extra dishes.
Don’t Overcook the Apples: Keep them slightly tender but not mushy to maintain texture contrast.
Simmer to Reduce: Patiently reducing the sauce intensifies flavors and prevents watery casserole.

How to Serve French Chicken Normandy Casserole Recipe

French Chicken Normandy, Chicken Normandy casserole, Normandy chicken recipe, French chicken dinner, apple cider chicken - A close-up view of a golden brown cooked chicken thigh with crispy skin sprinkled with black pepper, being lifted by a black spatula from a white casserole dish filled with creamy sauce and bits of cooked onions, all resting on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth under the dish, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a little fresh thyme sprinkled on top for a pop of green and herbaceous aroma. Sometimes I add a few thin slices of crisp apple on the side for extra freshness and visual appeal, making the whole plate pop with color.

Side Dishes

French green beans tossed with garlic butter or a light side of sautéed spinach pairs beautifully. Also, a creamy mashed potato or buttery noodles soak up that gorgeous sauce perfectly—trust me, you’ll want every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For date nights or dinner parties, I sometimes serve this casserole family-style straight from the rustic casserole dish, paired with crusty French bread. It feels like a warm, inviting meal that encourages sharing stories and second helpings around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole reheats well and actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors develop. Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it’ll still be delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, I recommend portioning the casserole into airtight containers and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to avoid drying out, or microwave in intervals stirring the sauce to keep it creamy and smooth. Adding a splash of stock or water can refresh the sauce if it thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this French Chicken Normandy Casserole Recipe?

You can, but chicken thighs keep the dish juicier and more flavorful during baking. If you do use breasts, consider lowering the baking time and checking frequently to prevent dryness.
What if I don’t have brandy for the sauce?

Substitute with apple cider vinegar diluted with a little water or extra apple cider for acidity and depth, but the brandy does add a special warmth and complexity if you can get it.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

While this specific recipe focuses on chicken, you could experiment with hearty mushrooms and vegetable stock for a plant-based version that captures some of those savory and fruity elements.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and apple-leek mixture in advance, then add the chicken and bake just before serving for fresh, hot results.
What wine pairs best with French Chicken Normandy Casserole Recipe?

A crisp white wine like a Chardonnay or an apple-infused cider pairs beautifully, enhancing the dish’s apple and creamy flavors without overwhelming them.

Final Thoughts

This French Chicken Normandy Casserole Recipe holds a special place on my dinner table because it combines rustic charm with rich, layered flavors that feel indulgent without being complicated. Plus, it always brings people together—the kind of meal that sparks conversation and requests for seconds. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. Trust me, once you nail this dish, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to comfort meals.