New England Bean & Bog Cassoulet

Dinner

When I moved to New England, I embraced the local cuisine. My cassoulet with baked beans pays tribute to a French classic and to New England in one hearty, heartwarming dish.

Average Rating: 5

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Cook: 35 min.
YIELD: 8 servings (3-1/2 quarts).

5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
1 package (12 ounces) fully cooked Italian chicken sausage links, cut into 1/2-in. slices
4 shallots, finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 can (28 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) baked beans
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
3 day-old croissants, cubed (about 6 cups)
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. In batches, brown chicken thighs on both sides; remove from pan, reserving drippings. Add sausage; cook and stir until lightly browned. Remove from pan.
2. In same pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add shallots, rosemary and thyme; cook and stir until shallots are tender, 1-2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, beans, broth and cranberries. Return chicken and sausage to pan; bring to a boil. Bake, covered, until chicken is tender, 20-25 minutes.
3. Toss croissant pieces with remaining oil; sprinkle with lemon pepper. Arrange over chicken mixture. Bake, uncovered, until croissants are golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.