Transport your taste buds to the French countryside with this rustic and hearty French Country Casserole, a one-pot wonder brimming with comforting flavors. Tender, golden-seared chicken thighs are nestled among a medley of wholesome vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and red potatoes, all bathed in a luscious sauce of dry white wine, chicken broth, and a touch of heavy cream. Infused with fragrant thyme and fresh rosemary, this dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated dinner party. With a simple yet flavorful preparation in an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, this casserole highlights the art of slow roasting, bringing out rich, savory depths in every bite. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce. Perfect for warming up on cool evenings, this French-inspired meal captures the heart of rustic home cooking.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the carrots, parsnips, and red potatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to evenly coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, rosemary, remaining salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Ensure the chicken is partially submerged in the sauce.
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Bake for 40 minutes covered, then remove the lid/foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Calories |
4171 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 206.1 g | 264% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.7 g | 388% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 911 mg | 304% | |
| Sodium | 6583 mg | 286% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 341.9 g | 124% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 45.7 g | 163% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.3 g | ||
| Protein | 206.8 g | 414% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 442 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 25.1 mg | 139% | |
| Potassium | 11094 mg | 236% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.