Oven-Baked Chicken and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet with Crispy Topping

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A one-pot French-inspired casserole combining juicy chicken thighs, smoky sausage, and white beans baked with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This french ready in about 75 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, smoked sausage, canned cannellini beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 French cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Brown chicken skin side down for 5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook 3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 oz diced pancetta to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes until crispy. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 1 large diced carrot, sauté for 6 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 oz sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3 minutes to release flavors.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 3 cups drained canned cannellini beans. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Return chicken thighs to the pan, skin side up.
  6. Step 6: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and beans are bubbling.
  7. Step 7: Remove skillet, sprinkle 1 cup panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top, drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp olive oil.
  8. Step 8: Return to oven and bake another 20 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp.
  9. Step 9: Let rest 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Chicken and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet with Crispy Topping take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Oven-Baked Chicken and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet with Crispy Topping?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Chicken and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet with Crispy Topping?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Oven-Baked Chicken and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet with Crispy Topping for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Oven-Baked Chicken and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet with Crispy Topping?

French french like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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