Ingredients

8 chicken thighs
4 tablespoons olive oil
24 small shallots , peeled
7 ounces smoked back bacon , cut into large dice
5 carrots , cut into batons ( about 300g )
6 -7 ounces button mushrooms , trimmed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 garlic cloves , finely diced
1 1/2 cups red wine , full-bodied
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
4 tablespoons brandy
3 sprigs parsley
3 sprigs lemon thyme ( or normal thyme and a splash of lemon juice )
1 small bay leaf
1 strip lemon zest
salt & freshly ground black pepper
Chicken, red wine, and bacon casserole is a classic French dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This version of the recipe is particularly delicious because it is made with tender chicken thighs, smoked bacon, and a full-bodied red wine sauce that is to die for. The vegetables in the recipe like shallots, mushrooms, and carrots add depth of flavor and contribute to the hearty and rich texture of the meal. This recipe is a perfect option for sharing with friends and family at a dinner party or for a cozy night in with your loved ones. Serve the chicken and red wine bacon casserole hot with crusty bread to sop up every last drop of sauce.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2.In a large ovenproof casserole dish, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3.Add the bacon and cook until crispy.
4.Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5.Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
6.Add the chicken to the casserole dish and cook until browned on all sides.
7.Remove the chicken from the casserole dish and set aside with the bacon.
8.Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the casserole dish.
9.Add the shallots, carrots, mushrooms, and garlic and cook until softened.
10.Add the flour to the vegetables and cook for 1 minute.
11.Add the red wine, chicken broth, brandy, parsley, lemon thyme, bay leaf, and lemon zest to the casserole dish and bring to a boil.
12.Return the chicken and bacon to the casserole dish and season with salt and pepper.
13.Cover the casserole dish and place it in the oven to cook for 35-40 minutes.
14.Remove the casserole dish and serve the chicken and red wine bacon casserole hot with crusty bread.

PROS

This chicken, red wine, and bacon casserole is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect to serve on a cold winter day.

The dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it a perfect recipe for meal prep or for larger gatherings.

CONS

This recipe requires a significant amount of cooking time and a variety of ingredients.

It may be difficult for beginners to get everything just right.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This chicken and red wine bacon casserole is a good source of protein and iron but it is not particularly healthy due to the high levels of saturated fat from the bacon.
However, the dish contains a variety of vegetables like carrots and mushrooms that contribute to the overall nutrient density of the meal.

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