Hello, I’m Sam. Since retiring, I’ve found that simple meals with a touch of tradition bring the most joy. This French Apple Cider Chicken, also known as Chicken Normandy, is one of those comforting dishes that feels both rustic and elegant. It’s a one-pan meal with tender chicken simmered in apple cider, cream, and herbs, a cozy balance of sweet and savory that brings a little French countryside to your kitchen.
A Taste of Normandy at Home
The region of Normandy in northern France is famous for apples, cream, and cider, and this Chicken Normandy recipe brings all three together beautifully. It’s earthy, slightly sweet, and rich without being heavy. You’ll sear golden chicken thighs, deglaze with apple cider, then simmer everything until it’s tender and coated in a silky, aromatic sauce.
If you love balanced flavors like in my Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe or Beef and Noodles Recipe: A Comforting Classic, this dish will feel right at home on your table.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the sauce:
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup apple cider (non-alcoholic or hard cider)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 apple, sliced thin (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
For garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs or parsley
Instructions
- Sear the chicken.
Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the aromatics.
In the same pan, add shallots and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. - Deglaze and simmer.
Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then add apples and thyme. Return chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through. - Finish the sauce.
Remove chicken again, stir in Dijon mustard and cream. Let the sauce reduce for 5 minutes until thickened slightly. Return chicken to coat. - Serve warm.
Plate chicken with apple slices and spoon creamy cider sauce over the top. Garnish with thyme or parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- One-pan simplicity: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- French-inspired flavor: Creamy, herby, and slightly sweet from apples.
- Perfect for guests: Looks elegant but comes together easily.
For another comforting one-pan dinner, check out my Easy Fish Sandwich Recipe or Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer.
Tips from Sam
- Hard cider adds depth, but regular apple cider works fine.
- Don’t rush the reduction, let the sauce thicken naturally for best flavor.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple baguette to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 28g
- Sugar: 8g
French Apple Cider Chicken Recipe: “Chicken Normandy”
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
French Apple Cider Chicken (Chicken Normandy), tender chicken simmered in creamy apple cider sauce with apples and thyme.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup apple cider
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 apple, thinly sliced
2 tsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil and butter in a skillet and sear chicken until golden, about 6–7 minutes per side.
2. Remove chicken and sauté shallot and garlic in the same pan.
3. Deglaze with apple cider and broth, scraping up brown bits.
4. Add apples and thyme; return chicken and simmer 20–25 minutes until cooked.
5. Remove chicken, stir in mustard and cream. Reduce sauce for 5 minutes.
6. Return chicken, coat with sauce, and serve warm with garnish.
Notes
Use hard cider for richer flavor or regular cider for a milder version.
Let sauce thicken naturally before serving.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French