Chicken Normandy is a delightful French-inspired dish that perfectly embodies the essence of fall. Known as Poulet à la Normande, this recipe features tender chicken simmered in a creamy apple cider sauce, accompanied by sautéed apples and onions. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a comforting meal that’s ideal for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Normandy

This Chicken Normandy recipe is a culinary treasure that brings several benefits to your dining table. First, it’s a Normandy-style chicken dish that is not only delicious but also unique. Second, the use of apple cider makes it a French chicken with cider that adds a refreshing twist to traditional chicken recipes. Third, it’s loaded with flavor, featuring sautéed apples and a creamy sauce that elevates the dish. Fourth, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory tastes, making it suitable for any palate. Fifth, the recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. Finally, with its gluten-free nature, it caters to various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic dish.

Ingredients for Chicken Normandy

Gather these items:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless, skin-on for flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup unsweetened apple cider
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

How to Make Chicken Normandy Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add butter. Sauté apples and onions for 5–7 minutes until softened and caramelized. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Stir in Dijon mustard, pour in apple cider and chicken broth, and scrape any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
4. Step 4: Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve warm with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Normandy

Keep these in mind:

• Serve with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste.
• For a twist, add mushrooms to the sautéed apples and onions.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature for best results.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Normandy

This chicken dish with apples and cream pairs beautifully with several sides. Consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the luscious cider sauce. Alternatively, wild rice adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish well. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, can provide a colorful and nutritious side to round out your meal.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Normandy

To store leftovers, place Chicken Normandy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain moisture. This dish is also great for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Normandy

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Normandy?

The secret lies in searing the chicken properly to create a flavorful crust. Using fresh ingredients, especially apples and herbs, enhances the flavor profile of this cider-braised chicken recipe, making each bite memorable.

Can I make Chicken Normandy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Just reheat it gently before serving to ensure that the chicken remains tender and the sauce creamy, making it an ideal option for entertaining.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Normandy?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken, as this can lead to steaming rather than browning. Additionally, be cautious not to overcook the chicken, which can result in dryness.

Variations of Chicken Normandy You Can Try

If you’re looking for easy Chicken Normandy variations, consider adding mushrooms for extra texture and umami. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or tarragon, for a unique twist. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

For more delicious recipes, check out our spaghetti with garlic and oil or apple pie. You can also explore Mediterranean chickpea salad for a refreshing side dish.

Chicken Normandy: 5 Steps to a Cozy Classic

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Chicken Normandy Recipe with Apple Cider Sauce – A Cozy Fall Classic. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a creamy apple cider sauce with sautéed apples, onions, and Dijon mustard.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless, skin-on for flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup unsweetened apple cider
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add butter. Sauté apples and onions for 5–7 minutes until softened and caramelized. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in Dijon mustard, pour in apple cider and chicken broth, and scrape any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
4. Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
5. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve warm with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Serve with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 120mg