Chicken Normandy (French Apple Cider Chicken) Recipe
Chicken Normandy, also known as French Apple Cider Chicken, is a comforting and elegant dish featuring succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked to crispy perfection and simmered in a fragrant sauce made from dry French apple cider, fresh apples, aromatic herbs, and creamy Dijon mustard. This rustic yet refined recipe balances savory richness with the bright sweetness of apples and cider, making it perfect for a cozy dinner served alongside crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Apple Influences
- 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced (preferably a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1 cup dry French apple cider (or substitute with apple juice and a splash of white wine)
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
For Garnishing
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This step enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and prepares it for browning.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. When hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s depth.
- Add Apples and Herbs: Stir in the thinly sliced apples, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped rosemary if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the apples slightly soften, developing their flavor in the pan.
- Deglaze: Pour in the dry French apple cider and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to dislodge browned bits, adding rich flavor. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return Chicken: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pan skin side up. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the chicken temporarily. Stir Dijon mustard and heavy cream into the pan. Simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the pan to warm through briefly. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and parsley if desired before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Normandy warm with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or sautéed greens to fully enjoy the creamy apple cider sauce and savory chicken.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy during cooking.
- For a crisp apple variety, Granny Smith or Fuji apples provide the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Dry French apple cider gives an authentic flavor, but you can substitute with apple juice and a splash of white wine if necessary.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly adds important sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Simmer the chicken gently to avoid drying it out and to allow flavors to meld.
- Optional fresh rosemary adds an herbal note but can be omitted if you prefer.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or sautéed greens.
Keywords: Chicken Normandy, French apple cider chicken, bone-in chicken thighs, creamy apple sauce, French cuisine, savory apple chicken, skillet chicken recipe
