French Chicken Casserole is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, savory herbs, and a creamy sauce. This casserole is made with a combination of fresh ingredients like mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a touch of white wine, all baked together to create a harmonious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this French-inspired casserole is both easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Chicken Casserole has everything you want in a comforting meal—creamy, flavorful sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables. The combination of aromatic herbs and white wine infuses the dish with deep, rich flavors while keeping the chicken moist and juicy. Plus, the casserole is a one-pan dish, making it a breeze to prepare and clean up after. Whether you’re a fan of French cuisine or just looking for a new and delicious way to enjoy chicken, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced

• 1 cup white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this point. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown.

4. Make the Sauce: Add the white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a tablespoon of flour at this point and cook for an additional minute.

5. Assemble the Casserole: Place the seared chicken into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the mushroom sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly covered. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.

6. Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow the top to brown slightly.

7. Serve: Once the casserole is cooked, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach to the casserole for extra nutrition and color. Simply stir them into the sauce before baking.

• Add Cheese: For a cheesy version, sprinkle some grated Gruyère, Parmesan, or mozzarella cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce instead of regular flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, though the texture may be less crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken will work for this recipe. Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly (about 10-15 minutes more) to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

2. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe, as frozen chicken will release excess moisture while baking. Thaw the chicken beforehand to ensure the casserole cooks evenly.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with turkey breasts or thighs. Adjust the cooking time based on the meat you use.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

5. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the sauce ingredients and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.

6. Can I substitute the white wine in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace the white wine with extra chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. The flavor will still be delicious.

7. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Assemble the casserole (without baking it), cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

8. Can I add more garlic to this recipe?

Yes, if you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the sauce. Just make sure to sauté it properly to avoid any bitterness.

9. What can I serve this casserole with?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or crusty bread.

10. How do I make the sauce richer?

For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream or half-and-half instead of just using heavy cream. You could also mix in a little bit of cream cheese to add extra creaminess.

Conclusion

French Chicken Casserole is the perfect balance of rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal that feels luxurious without requiring hours of preparation. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner or something to impress guests, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its savory flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy it with your favorite side dishes, and savor the delicious flavors of French-inspired cooking!

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