Silky French Orchard Chicken Normandy Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this chicken normandy recipe offers a delightful escape from ordinary meals.

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy apple brandy sauce bring French countryside charm to your table.

The combination of sweet apples and savory herbs creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Calvados, the traditional apple brandy, adds depth and complexity to this classic French dish.

Each bite tells a story of rustic elegance and culinary tradition.

Home cooks can easily transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Prepare to be transported to the lush orchards of Normandy with this irresistible recipe.

Apple Cider Chicken Variations

• Cidery Turkey Swap: Replace chicken with turkey thighs for a leaner protein option with similar cooking techniques.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Edition: Substitute chicken with young jackfruit, using same spices and braising method for plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use cornstarch instead of flour for sauce thickening, ensuring celiac-safe preparation without compromising flavor.
• Low-Sodium Version: Eliminate added salt, use herb-infused broth and minimal bacon for reduced sodium content while maintaining rich taste profile.

Serving French Apple Cider Chicken

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this French apple cider chicken as the star of a hearty family meal, nestled on a large rustic platter surrounded by roasted root vegetables.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Plate individual servings with a delicate drizzle of the rich sauce, garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs and crispy bacon crumbles for a sophisticated touch.
• Comfort Food Pairing: Accompany the dish with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty French bread to soak up the delectable apple cider sauce, creating a perfect comfort food experience.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a delightful chicken salad or slice and serve over mixed greens for a light and flavorful weekend brunch option.

Storage for Apple Cider Chicken

• Store chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat tender and flavors intact.
• Package chicken with sauce in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 2 months for quick future meals.
• Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying out, maintaining the dish's juicy texture.
• Allow chicken to reach room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of brandy?

Yes, you can substitute brandy with white wine or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. Each will slightly alter the flavor profile but still provide depth to the sauce.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe contains flour, which makes it not gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce.

• What cut of chicken works best for this recipe?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or chicken leg quarters are ideal. They remain juicy during braising and absorb more flavor compared to chicken breasts.

French Apple Cider Chicken Sweet Savory Blend

• Savor One-Pan Comfort: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Embrace Seasonal Flavors: Combine sweet apples, rich cider, and hearty chicken for a dish that captures the essence of autumn's warmth and comfort.
• Master Gourmet Technique: Learn professional braising methods that transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal culinary expertise.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spices to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.

What Goes In French Apple Cider Chicken

• Chicken: A tender and succulent meat that serves as the star of this French-inspired dish.

• Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky depth to the overall flavor profile of the recipe.
• Thyme: A classic herb that provides an earthy and aromatic undertone to the sauce.

• Brandy: Brings a sophisticated and warm alcoholic note to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Creates a flavorful base for braising the chicken.
• Apple Cider: Provides a sweet and tangy characteristic to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a smooth, velvety texture to the final dish.

• Apples: Offer a fresh, sweet contrast to the savory elements of the dish.
• Onions, Carrots: Contribute a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken and other ingredients.
• Oil: Used for browning the chicken and creating a golden exterior.

Steps for Apple Cider Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Chicken

Set your oven to 350F.

Take the chicken and gently pat it dry with paper towels.

Sprinkle salt evenly over the entire surface of the chicken to enhance its flavor.

Step 2: Golden Chicken Sear

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the chicken in the pan and cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown.

This process helps lock in the juices and creates a delicious crispy exterior.

Once golden, remove the chicken and set it aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon Rendering

In the same skillet, cook the bacon until it becomes wonderfully crisp and releases its rich, smoky fat.

Transfer the crispy bacon to the plate with the chicken, keeping all those delicious flavors ready for later.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Sprinkle in fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.

Pour in brandy to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful brown bits.

Dust with flour, then slowly add chicken stock and apple cider, stirring constantly to create a smooth, rich sauce.

Step 5: Braising Magic

Carefully return the chicken and bacon to the skillet.

Cover the pan and transfer to the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the lid and continue baking for another 30 minutes, allowing the meat to become tender and the sauce to reduce.

Step 6: Final Flourish

In a separate pan, sauté apple slices until they become slightly caramelized.

Stir heavy cream into the chicken dish and cook for an additional 20 minutes.

Gently fold in the sautéed apples just before serving, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Tips for Juicy Apple Cider Chicken

• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior when browning.
• Cook bacon slowly over medium-low heat to render fat evenly and achieve perfect crunchiness without burning.
• Deglaze the pan with brandy to lift browned bits, creating a rich, complex flavor profile in the sauce.
• Select a dry, high-quality French apple cider for authentic taste and depth in the braising liquid.
• Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn that hold their shape during final cooking stage.

Chicken Normandy Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic happens when classic French chicken Normandy meets rustic comfort on your dinner plate. Creamy apple brandy sauce and tender chicken create a delightful harmony you’ll savor with each elegant, rich bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs and legs
• 4 ounces bacon lardons

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 shallots, diced
• 1 celery rib, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4–5 thyme sprigs
• 2 apples, wedged

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/3 cup chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups hard dry cider
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat chicken pieces with paper towels to ensure dry surface, then generously season with salt across all sides.
2. Heat a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken until achieving a deep golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, render bacon until crispy and uniformly brown, then remove and place alongside chicken.
4. Sauté selected vegetables with fresh thyme in remaining bacon drippings until softened and fragrant. Deglaze pan with brandy, then sprinkle flour to create a roux.
5. Gradually incorporate chicken stock and apple cider, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
6. Carefully return chicken and bacon to the skillet, nestling pieces into the liquid. Cover and transfer to preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
7. Remove cover and continue baking an additional 30 minutes to allow sauce to reduce and chicken to develop deeper flavor.
8. In a separate pan, caramelize apple slices until golden and slightly tender.
9. Stir heavy cream into the skillet, allowing sauce to thicken for an additional 15-20 minutes.
10. Gently fold caramelized apples into the dish just before serving, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is thoroughly patted dry to achieve golden-brown crispy skin during browning.
• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness in the dish.
• Swap traditional brandy with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version that maintains the fruity essence.
• Use hard apple cider for more robust flavor, or apple juice for a milder taste profile.
• Select firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during cooking and provide a slight tartness.
• Consider gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a substitution for traditional wheat flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption, using a meat thermometer for precision.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg