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Easy French Chicken Casserole

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This Easy French Chicken Casserole is a comforting, one-pan dish that brings classic French flavors to your table with minimal effort. Made with tender chicken thighs, aromatic herbs, mushrooms, carrots, and a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, this dish is both rich and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or an elegant meal to impress guests, this casserole pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

With a balance of savory and creamy elements, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of French cuisine. Plus, it’s easily customizable—swap out proteins, add more vegetables, or make it dairy-free while keeping the dish full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the casserole:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then sear them for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Pour in the chicken broth, then add dried thyme, dried rosemary, and the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the broth and vegetables. Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the oven and place it back on the stovetop over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.

Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

  • Chicken Choice: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best, but you can use bone-in thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken breasts with slight cooking adjustments.
  • Slow Cooker Option: Sear the chicken first, then cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours before adding the cream and Dijon mustard.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently.
  • Wine Pairing: Serve with a glass of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Noir to complement the creamy sauce.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
  • Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water).

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/easy-french-chicken-casserole/