Creamy French Chicken Normandy Recipe: A Classic Apple & Cider Delight
Step into the heart of French country cooking with this exquisite Chicken Normandy recipe. This delightful dish effortlessly combines tender, juicy chicken with crispy bacon, sweet caramelized apples, and a luxurious, silky cider cream sauce. It’s a culinary journey to the picturesque region of Normandy, famous for its apples, cider, and rich dairy products.
Our easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can create this full-flavored, elegant meal in your own kitchen, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner. The unique blend of dry cider and heavy cream creates a sauce that is both robust and refined, while the apple slices add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful counterpoint to the savory elements. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this timeless French classic!
Experience the Rich Flavors of Normandy in Every Bite
The region of Normandy in northwestern France is renowned for its lush orchards, producing some of the finest apples, which in turn are used to make exquisite cider and potent Calvados (apple brandy). It’s no surprise then that these ingredients form the backbone of many local dishes, including the beloved Chicken à la Normande. This dish truly embodies the essence of the region, bringing together the tender texture of chicken, the smoky notes of bacon, the crisp sweetness of apples, and the creamy richness of a cider-infused sauce.
Our recipe for creamy chicken Normandy masterfully blends these elements to create a harmonious symphony of tastes. The chicken, whether breast or thigh, cooks gently in the oven, absorbing the aromatic flavors of the shallots and cider. The final touch of heavy cream transforms the pan drippings into a velvety sauce that coats every piece, while the sautéed apple wedges add a delightful texture and a hint of natural sweetness. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an authentic French dining experience waiting to happen.
Serve this comforting stew alongside classic French accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce, or a delicate tagliatelle. Each bite transports you to the charming countryside of Normandy, making this classic French chicken dish a guaranteed family favorite.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Chicken Normandy Recipe
Beyond its delicious taste, there are many reasons why this French Chicken Normandy will become a staple in your culinary repertoire:
- Rich & Creamy Comfort: The silky sauce, infused with dry cider and heavy cream, offers unparalleled comfort, making it perfect for chilly evenings or a satisfying weekend meal. This creamy cider chicken is pure indulgence.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The savory chicken and crispy bacon are beautifully complemented by the subtle sweetness of caramelized apples and the tangy freshness of dry cider, creating a complex yet harmonious flavor profile that defines this apple chicken recipe.
- Effortless Elegance: Despite its sophisticated taste, this easy chicken Normandy dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring straightforward steps and common ingredients. It’s ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike, ensuring a gourmet meal without the fuss.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, Chicken Normandy fits any occasion. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and can be adapted to your preference, making it a truly flexible Normandy chicken dish.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh chicken, crisp apples, and quality dairy, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet is crafted from wholesome components, contributing to a balanced diet.
Get ready to add a touch of French culinary magic to your table with this truly special recipe that’s sure to impress!
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📖 Recipe Card: French Chicken Normandy with Cider and Apples
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast, or four chicken thigh fillets, for extra juiciness
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, preferably grass-fed for richer flavor
- ¼ pound bacon bits, or thinly sliced, diced pancetta for a refined touch
- 3 shallots, finely chopped for a delicate onion flavor
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cup dry cider, preferably a dry Normandy cider for authentic flavor
- 2 medium firm apples, such as Elstar, Granny Smith, or Goudreinet, peeled, cored, and cut into sturdy wedges
- 1 cup heavy cream, for a rich and velvety sauce
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 ℉ (175 °C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
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2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear. Generously sprinkle them with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.4 chicken breast, salt and pepper
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3. Apply Mustard: Evenly rub the Dijon mustard over all surfaces of the seasoned chicken. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the next steps, allowing the flavors to meld.4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
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4. Melt Butter: In a large, ovenproof pan (a Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet works perfectly for this Normandy chicken dish), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until shimmering.3 tablespoons butter
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5. Sear Chicken: Carefully place the mustard-rubbed chicken into the hot pan. Brown it on both sides until a beautiful golden crust forms (this takes approximately 3 minutes per side). Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. It will finish cooking in the oven, ensuring tender results for your chicken with apples and cider.
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6. Sauté Bacon and Shallots: In the same pan, add the bacon bits (or diced pancetta) and chopped shallots. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is wonderfully crispy and the shallots are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This builds the base of your rich creamy cider chicken sauce.¼ pound bacon bits, 3 shallots
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7. Deglaze and Thicken: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the bacon and shallots. Stir well to coat, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. This step is crucial for thickening your sauce to the perfect consistency for this French chicken Normandy.1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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8. Add Cider and Simmer: Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling it among the bacon and shallots. Pour the dry cider over the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these add immense flavor to your sauce.1 ¼ cup dry cider
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9. Oven Braise: Cover the pan tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and carefully transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 60 minutes, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to deepen. This slow braise is key to a succulent Normandy chicken dish.
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10. Prepare Apples: While the chicken is braising, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate frying pan over medium heat.
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11. Caramelize Apples: Add the apple slices to the frying pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly tender but still retain some firmness. This caramelization enhances their sweetness and adds a crucial element to the apple chicken recipe. Remove from heat and keep warm.2 medium apples
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12. Rest Chicken: Once the oven time is complete, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a clean plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you finish the sauce.
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13. Reduce Sauce: Place the pan with the liquid back on the stovetop over high heat. Bring to a rolling boil and reduce the sauce for approximately 10 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency and the flavors have concentrated. This creates the rich base for your creamy cider chicken.
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14. Finish with Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Heat briefly, just until the sauce is warm and well combined, but do not allow it to boil once the cream is added, as it may curdle.1 cup heavy cream
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15. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust with extra salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to perfect the flavors of your French Chicken Normandy.
Serve
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16. Assemble the Dish: Arrange the tender chicken pieces on a warm serving platter or individual plates. Generously pour the rich, creamy cider sauce on top, ensuring every piece is coated.
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17. Garnish and Serve: Artfully place the caramelized apple slices around the chicken. For a final touch of freshness and color, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade French Chicken Normandy!
Notes & Pro Tips
2. Cider Selection for Best Flavor: For an authentic and perfectly balanced flavor, a dry Normandy cider is ideal. Its crisp, slightly tart profile provides a beautiful contrast to the richness of the cream and chicken. If Normandy cider is unavailable, a good quality dry apple cider (not hard cider or apple juice) will also work well. Avoid sweet ciders, as they can make the dish overly sugary.
3. Making it Extra Luxurious with Calvados: To elevate your Chicken Normandy to a truly gourmet level, consider adding a dash of Calvados (apple brandy) after sautéing the shallots and bacon, before pouring in the cider. Flambéing the Calvados will burn off the alcohol, leaving behind a deep, complex apple flavor that adds incredible depth to the sauce. Ensure proper ventilation and safety precautions if flambéing.
4. Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Any leftover Chicken Normandy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezer: Both the chicken and the creamy cider sauce freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers over low heat on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much or seems separated, stir in a splash of milk or extra cream to restore its luscious, creamy consistency. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cream to curdle.
Nutrition Information
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Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Your French Feast
To complete your delightful Chicken Normandy meal, consider these perfect accompaniments that will elevate your dining experience and soak up every drop of that incredible sauce:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food pairing. Their smooth texture and rich flavor provide a wonderful contrast and a perfect vehicle for soaking up the luscious cider cream sauce.
- Crusty Baguette: A quintessential French addition. Tear off pieces of fresh, crusty baguette to sop up the flavorful sauce directly from your plate, ensuring no deliciousness is left behind.
- Tagliatelle or Wide Egg Noodles: For pasta lovers, a bed of al dente tagliatelle or wide egg noodles offers another excellent way to enjoy the creamy sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: A simple side of lightly steamed green vegetables adds a fresh, crisp element and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the dish beautifully.
- Wild Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier, gluten-free option, a side of wild rice or fluffy quinoa can be a great alternative, adding a nutty flavor and wholesome texture that complements the apple chicken recipe.
- Light Green Salad: A fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the creamy sauce, providing a refreshing palate cleanser that completes the meal.
No matter your choice, ensure your side dish is ready to absorb the incredible flavors of the creamy cider chicken sauce for a truly memorable dinner!
Explore More Delicious Stew & Chicken Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the comforting flavors of this French Chicken Normandy recipe, you’ll surely love exploring other hearty and flavorful dishes. Here are a few more culinary adventures to inspire your next meal from our collection:
- Paella with Shrimp and Chorizo
- Sri Lankan Hoppers with Spiced Beef Curry
- Soy Sauce Chicken Drumsticks