Looking for a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that will impress your guests while being easy to prepare? This French Chicken Casserole recipe, also known as "Coq au Vin Blanc" (chicken in white wine), is a delightful one-pot meal inspired by the rustic flavors of French countryside cooking. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a savory sauce of white wine, cream, fresh herbs, and vegetables, creating a casserole that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a cozy family meal, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Read on to discover how to make this delicious French Chicken Casserole, along with tips, substitutions, and ideas for serving.

What Is a French Chicken Casserole?
A French Chicken Casserole is a classic dish rooted in the traditions of French farmhouse cooking. This casserole typically features bone-in chicken thighs or legs cooked slowly in a creamy, flavorful sauce made from white wine, herbs, garlic, onions, and sometimes mushrooms or root vegetables. The dish is a variation of the famous "Coq au Vin," traditionally made with red wine, but this version uses white wine for a lighter, more delicate flavor. It’s a one-pot meal that's perfect for cold evenings or special dinners, combining rich, savory flavors with an elegant presentation.
Ingredients List for French Chicken Casserole
Here’s everything you need to create this delicious French Chicken Casserole:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a combination of thighs and drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the chicken)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced, button or cremini work well)
- 1 ½ cups dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a subtle tang)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Additional Ingredients List (Optional Add-ons)
Here are some optional ingredients to enhance your French Chicken Casserole:
- ¼ cup crème fraîche (for added richness)
- 2 tablespoon butter (for a richer sauce)
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar (for a tangier flavor)
- 1 cup diced potatoes (for a heartier dish)
- ½ teaspoon Herbes de Provence (for an extra layer of French herbs)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds depth to the sauce)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, to sprinkle over the casserole before baking)
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily adapt this French Chicken Casserole recipe to your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations:
- Boneless Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter dish, though bone-in cuts add more flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a medley of hearty vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cauliflower. Use vegetable broth and add chickpeas for extra protein.
- Red Wine: For a deeper, richer flavor, substitute white wine with red wine for a classic Coq au Vin-style casserole.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Slow Cooker Option: You can make this recipe in a slow cooker by browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables first, then adding everything to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This French Chicken Casserole is surprisingly easy to prepare, and everything cooks together in one pot for a fuss-free meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe casserole or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot, skin-side down, and brown for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the carrots, celery, and mushrooms: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and mushrooms, and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they start to soften. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot with Wine
- Add the white wine: Pour the white wine into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (this adds flavor to the sauce). Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the broth and cream: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- Make a roux: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a bit of the hot broth from the pot to form a smooth paste (this prevents lumps). Stir the paste back into the pot to thicken the sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
- Return the chicken to the pot: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the casserole, skin-side up, making sure they are partially submerged in the sauce but not fully covered.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with parsley: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the French Chicken Casserole hot, with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
How to Cook French Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven and brown the chicken thighs.
- Sauté the vegetables until softened, then deglaze with white wine.
- Add broth, cream, and seasonings to the pot, and simmer the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce with a roux, and return the chicken to the pot.
- Bake in the oven until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pot when browning the chicken: If you crowd the pot, the chicken will steam instead of brown. Sear the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Not reducing the wine: Failing to reduce the wine enough will leave the sauce too liquidy. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce before adding the broth and cream.
- Overcooking the chicken: Avoid drying out the chicken by checking the internal temperature (165°F or 74°C) and removing it from the oven as soon as it's fully cooked.
Serving and Presentation Tips
While this French Chicken Casserole is rustic and homey, you can elevate its presentation with these simple tips:
- Serve in the pot: Present the casserole directly in the Dutch oven or baking dish for a family-style serving that feels both casual and elegant.
- Top with fresh herbs: A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme will add brightness and color to the dish.
- Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes: Serve with rustic French bread to mop up the creamy sauce, or spoon it over mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
How to Serve French Chicken Casserole
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With crusty bread: A warm baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- With mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the flavors of the casserole and help to make it an even more filling meal.
- Over rice or pasta: Spoon the chicken and sauce over rice, egg noodles, or pasta for a heartier dish.
- Alongside roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus for a complete and balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for French Chicken Casserole
- Garnish generously: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or even rosemary can brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
- Individual servings: For a dinner party, serve individual portions of the casserole on plates, with the sauce spooned artfully over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan: If you like cheese, a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan over the top of the casserole adds an extra touch of richness.
French Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: The bones add flavor, and the skin helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Let the sauce simmer: Allow the sauce to reduce before thickening for deeper flavors.
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time browning the chicken and vegetables. It adds crucial flavor to the final dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be made ahead of time. Simply cook the dish, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
Can I freeze French Chicken Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
Can I substitute the white wine with something else?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with extra chicken broth. A splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can add the tanginess that wine would normally provide.
Can I use boneless chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. However, bone-in chicken will provide a more flavorful dish.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve this casserole with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over rice. For a lighter side, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad pair nicely with the richness of the dish.
Conclusion
This French Chicken Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that brings the flavors of French farmhouse cooking to your table. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family meal or a special occasion, the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs is sure to impress. Plus, with the flexibility to add your favorite vegetables, wines, and seasonings, this recipe can easily be tailored to suit your preferences. Serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of the flavorful sauce, and enjoy a taste of France from the comfort of your home. Bon appétit!
PrintFrench Chicken Casserole Recipe
- This French Chicken Casserole is a comforting, rustic dish perfect for cozy dinners. It features tender chicken thighs simmered with carrots, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs in a creamy white wine sauce, all baked to perfection. Simple yet elegant, this one-pot meal is packed with flavor and can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a complete dinner. With minimal prep, it's an ideal recipe for both special occasions and weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides in the pot. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add carrots and mushrooms, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it reduce by half.
- Add chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and thyme, stirring to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and bake for 45 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For added richness, you can swap heavy cream for crème fraîche.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a crusty baguette.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
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