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Effortless French Chicken Casserole Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners


  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A comforting and effortless French chicken casserole made in one pan with tender chicken thighs, a creamy white wine sauce, and aromatic herbs—perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them skin-side down for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics:
    Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan, then sauté the onions until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze with White Wine:
    Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Add the Sauce Ingredients:
    Stir in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, and bay leaf. Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Cover and simmer on low for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
  5. Finish with Cream:
    Remove the lid, stir in the heavy cream, and let the sauce thicken for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve & Enjoy:
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Vegetable Additions: Add carrots, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or even turkey.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Ensure Dijon mustard and chicken broth are gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French

Keywords: French chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, one-pan chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner, French comfort food