Poulet De France
Poulet De France is a comforting baked chicken casserole featuring seasoned stuffing, tender chopped chicken, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted Cheddar cheese. Its rich flavors and hearty texture make it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests seeking classic, satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
- 12 oz seasoned bread stuffing ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp melted margarine ⓘ
- 2 c chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 c cooked chopped chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 c finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c minced chives ⓘ
- 1/2 c finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c light mayonnaise ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c milk ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 c grated mild Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix stuffing, melted margarine, and 1 1/2 cups chicken broth.
- In another bowl, combine cooked chopped chicken, 3/4 cup chicken broth, chopped onion, minced chives, chopped celery, light mayonnaise, and salt.
- Spread half the stuffing mixture in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish treated with nonstick spray.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the stuffing in the baking dish.
- Cover with the remaining stuffing.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and condensed cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the assembled casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic powder or herbs like thyme to the stuffing mix. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for light mayonnaise. You can use turkey instead of chicken, making it a great option for leftover turkey from your holiday feast. This dish also works well with any seasoned bread for the stuffing, so feel free to experiment with different types.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main dish on its own. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also goes well with cranberry sauce on the side, adding a sweet contrast. For a comforting twist, serve it alongside homemade chicken soup for a cozy dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poulet De France contains roughly 757 calories, with 34g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (331% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (207% of the Daily Value), and calcium (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2211mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. For a vegetarian option, try a can of cream of celery soup or make your own using vegetable broth and a roux.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).