One-pot french-style chicken casserole

This One-Pot French-Style Chicken Casserole features tender chicken thighs, crisp bacon, and a blend of sautéed vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. It's a satisfying dish that brings a taste of France to the table with minimal cleanup.

13 Jan 2026
Cook time 50 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

12 chicken thighs
1 carrot
1 stalk celery
5 bacon strips
1 leek
1 cup mushrooms
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp tarragon (estragon)
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups chicken gravy
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp fresh parsley
One-pot french-style chicken casserole

The one-pot French-style chicken casserole is a hearty and delicious dish perfect for a comforting family meal. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with fresh vegetables, savory bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce for a satisfying one-pot meal. It’s both easy to make and flavorful, bringing a touch of French culinary tradition to your kitchen.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and slice the carrot into thin rounds.
- Slice the celery stalk.
- Cut the bacon strips into small pieces.
- Clean and slice the leek.
- Clean and quarter the mushrooms.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Chop the parsley.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Brown the Chicken Thighs:
- In the same pot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Brown the thighs on both sides until they have a golden color. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the carrots, celery, and leek to the pot and sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the Flour and Liquids:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well so that it coats everything evenly.
- Pour in the white wine and continue to stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate any browned bits.
- Gradually add the chicken gravy and bring to a simmer.
6. Combine Everything:
- Return the bacon and chicken thighs to the pot.
- Add the tarragon and stir to combine.
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy whipping cream and let it cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
8. Garnish:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
9. Serve:
- Serve the casserole hot, possibly with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

This one-pot French-style chicken casserole is a delightful dish that encompasses the flavors of France in every bite. The tender chicken, combined with the rich, creamy sauce and fresh herbs, makes for a heartwarming and hearty meal. Serve this casserole with crusty bread or over buttery mashed potatoes to make it even more enjoyable. Bon appétit!

One-pot french-style chicken casserole FAQ:

How long does it take to cook the chicken thighs in the casserole?

The chicken thighs should be simmered in the casserole for about 30 minutes after browning to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.

What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?

If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute white wine with chicken broth or a mixture of vinegar and water to mimic acidity.

What should I do if the chicken isn’t tender after 30 minutes?

If the chicken isn’t tender after 30 minutes, cover and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally for doneness.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness after about 20-25 minutes of simmering.

How should I store leftovers from the casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Tips:

- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.

- Ensure to evenly chop the vegetables for uniform cooking.

- Cook the bacon until crispy to add extra texture to the dish.

- Deglaze the pot with white wine to incorporate all the browned bits for maximum flavor.

- Simmer the casserole gently to allow flavors to meld together without overcooking the ingredients.

- Fresh tarragon brings a unique flavor, but dried tarragon can be used if fresh is unavailable.

- Add the heavy whipping cream towards the end of the cooking process to maintain its texture and richness.

- Garnish with fresh parsley right before serving to add a bright, herbal note.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 1070kcal
Protein 63g
Carbohydrates 27g
Fiber 2.76g
Sugar 6g
Fat 77g

More recipes

Coriander pesto-crusted chicken

A flavorful coriander pesto-crusted chicken served with sweet potatoes and broccoli.

06 Jan 2026

Chicken kyiv with mashed potato

Enjoy Chicken Kyiv with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

16 Jan 2026

Pesto shrimps

Enjoy fresh pesto shrimps on a bed of lettuce, perfect for a light meal.

21 Nov 2025

Greek-style chicken bake

A vibrant Greek-style chicken bake with lemon and veggies.

01 Jan 2026

Mushrooms and shrimps risotto

A creamy risotto featuring mushrooms and shrimp for a delightful meal.

23 Dec 2025

Teriyaki beef skewers with snow pea salad

Grilled teriyaki beef skewers served with a fresh snow pea salad.

05 Feb 2026

Linguine with roasted red peppers and kalamata olives

Enjoy a vibrant linguine dish with roasted peppers and olives.

03 Jan 2026

Chicken macaroni with cream cheese

Creamy chicken macaroni dish with cream cheese.

01 Dec 2025

Posts