French Chicken Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Chicken Casserole, also known as “Coq au Vin Blanc,” is a rustic, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, aromatic herbs, white wine, and vegetables in a luscious sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes. Its rich flavors develop beautifully in the oven, making every bite a delightful experience.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)olive oilbutteronionsgarliccarrotscelerymushroomswhite winechicken brothheavy creamthymebay leafparsleyfloursalt and pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side. Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until softened and lightly browned.

Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Pour in the white wine and stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up the brown bits.

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up, nestling them into the sauce.

Cover and bake in the oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter option.

Swap white wine for dry vermouth or extra broth if avoiding alcohol.

Add potatoes or pearl onions for extra heartiness.

Use tarragon or rosemary instead of thyme for a different herb profile.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

What wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works best.

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time slightly as boneless pieces cook faster.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening to make it gluten-free.

What can I serve with this casserole?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty French bread make excellent sides.

Can I use red wine instead of white?
You can, but it will change the flavor and color significantly.

How do I thicken the sauce more?
Let it simmer uncovered on the stovetop after baking to reduce and thicken.

Can I add cream cheese instead of heavy cream?
Cream cheese can be used for a thicker, tangier twist, but use sparingly.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
Use an oven-safe pot or transfer to a casserole dish and cover with foil.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, once cooked, the alcohol evaporates, and the flavors are rich but mild.

Conclusion

French Chicken Casserole is a satisfying, flavor-packed dish that brings French countryside comfort to your table. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a timeless favorite. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a cozy bistro in Provence.

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