Name: Normandy Chicken – French Apple Cider Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 8 chicken legs or thighs, bone-in with skin; salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon cooking oil; 1 teaspoon butter; 1 onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ apple (Golden Delicious or Jonagold), peeled, cored and diced; 1 apple (Golden Delicious or Jonagold), peeled, cored and sliced into wedges; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 cups (½ litre) apple cider; ½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock; 1 cup (250 ml) light cream (20% fat); 3 sage leaves; 2 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs of fresh thyme; salt and pepper to taste

If you are looking for a soulful, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug from the French countryside, then this Normandy Chicken – French Apple Cider Chicken Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. This dish brings together tender, golden-browned chicken legs simmered slowly in a luscious creamy apple cider sauce, perfectly accented by caramelized apple wedges that add just the right touch of sweetness. Each bite is a delightful balance of savory and fruity flavors, making it a truly unforgettable meal to share with family or friends. Trust me, once you try this classic French casserole, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

On a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface, there are two yellow-green apples with smooth shiny skin near the top right and center left. A yellow onion with dry root strands is positioned at the bottom left corner beside two garlic cloves with pale purple skin. A carton of cooking cream is placed at the lower left edge, and a large dark green glass bottle with a red and white label lays diagonally across the center. Near the top right corner, two small clear glass bowls hold a creamy yellow mustard sauce and a white powder, likely flour. Several small sprigs of fresh thyme and three bay leaves are scattered near the bottom right part of the board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a rich and complex flavor profile. Every component, from the juicy chicken legs to the fragrant herbs and creamy sauce, plays a key role in making this Normandy Chicken – French Apple Cider Chicken Recipe absolutely spectacular.

8 chicken legs or thighs, bone-in with skin: The foundation of the dish, providing juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin when browned properly.
1 onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory base that softens and melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle pungency that enhances the overall aroma and taste.
½ apple, peeled, cored, and diced (Golden Delicious or Jonagold): Provides natural sweetness and a gentle fruitiness during the sauté.
1 apple, peeled, cored, and sliced into wedges (Golden Delicious or Jonagold): These wedges get caramelized for a perfectly tender, golden finish.
2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it that luscious creaminess.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy complexity that balances the sweetness perfectly.
1 tablespoon cooking oil: Essential for browning the chicken to a crispy, golden perfection.
1 teaspoon butter: Used for caramelizing the apple wedges, bringing out their natural sugars.
2 cups (½ litre) apple cider: The star ingredient that imparts the distinctive apple flavor traditional to this French classic.
½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock: Deepens the savory notes and rounds out the sauce.
1 cup (250 ml) light cream: Enriches the sauce with a silky texture without overpowering the other flavors.
3 sage leaves: Herbal and slightly peppery, sage pairs beautifully with apple and chicken.
2 bay leaves: Add subtle warmth and aromatics throughout the slow cooking process.
1 tablespoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme: Earthy and fragrant, thyme adds traditional French flair.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors without overshadowing them.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Normandy Chicken – French Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken legs generously with salt and pepper. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the pan and brown them on all sides until gloriously golden. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful texture, setting the stage for the rich flavors to come. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside so you can build your sauce in the same pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Apples

In the same pan, add your diced onion and cook for about two minutes until it turns translucent, bringing out its natural sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic and the diced half apple, and sauté for another two minutes. The apple will start to caramelize along with the onion and garlic, infusing the dish with its signature fruity warmth. Then sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring constantly to coat everything. Let this cook for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste and to thicken your sauce base.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Simmer

Now it’s time to add the fragrant herbs and liquids. Return the browned chicken to the pan. Add Dijon mustard, bay leaves, thyme, and sage leaves, then pour in the apple cider and chicken stock. Bring everything to a rolling boil to allow the alcohol in the cider to burn off. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, leaving the pan uncovered. This slow cooking for about 45 minutes will tenderize the chicken beautifully while reducing the liquid into a flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Caramelize the Apple Wedges and Finish with Cream

While the chicken is simmering, melt the butter in a separate small frying pan over medium heat. Add the apple wedges and cook them slowly until they develop a golden brown caramelized crust. Then pour in the light cream, bringing it to a gentle boil to create a rich, luscious mixture. Add this creamy apple blend back into the simmering chicken during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This final touch unites the flavors beautifully and adds an irresistible silky texture.

Step 5: Season and Serve

After the chicken has finished cooking and the sauce has thickened perfectly, season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Garnish with fresh thyme for an aromatic finish. The sauce should be creamy yet balanced by the tangy sweetness of the apple cider and the delicate herbs. Your Normandy Chicken – French Apple Cider Chicken Recipe is now ready to wow your plate and your palate.

How to Serve Normandy Chicken – French Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white pot filled with six brown, round pieces of cooked meat sitting in a creamy, light beige sauce mixed with sliced yellow potatoes and small onions. The sauce looks smooth and thick, with some green fresh herbs like thyme sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. The pot has a dark rim, and it sits on a white marbled surface. The lighting makes the sauce appear shiny and appetizing, with visible textures on the meat showing a slight crisp outside layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh thyme sprigs are a classic garnish that enhance the herbaceous notes of the dish while adding a touch of elegance. For a burst of color and extra flavor, thin slices of fresh apple or a small sprinkle of chopped parsley can be charming accents. These simple touches make the presentation feel as delightful as the flavors themselves.

Side Dishes

This creamy, flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every bit of that luscious apple cider sauce. Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots or parsnips, offer earthy balance, while a crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess. Your choice depends on the mood and occasion, but all will complement perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive family-style meal, serve the chicken and sauce in a large rustic casserole dish, letting everyone help themselves to generous portions. Alternatively, plating individual servings with a nest of the sauce-dripping apples alongside a neat portion of mashed potatoes makes for an elegant dinner. A drizzle of extra cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving keeps the dish looking fresh and bright.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Normandy Chicken – French Apple Cider Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen as the dish rests, making next-day servings just as delicious, if not better.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well thanks to its rich sauce and hearty chicken. Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. For best quality, consume within 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating or sticking. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream can help refresh the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

While boneless chicken thighs or breasts will work, bone-in chicken legs provide more flavor and stay juicy during the long simmer. The bone also helps enrich the sauce. If using boneless pieces, reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the meat.

What type of apple cider is best for this dish?

Traditional French apple cider is ideal for its balance of sweetness and acidity, but if you cannot find it, any good-quality apple cider or even non-alcoholic apple juice can be substituted. Just make sure it has a natural, fresh apple flavor to complement the dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the light cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer of your choice to keep the sauce creamy while catering to dairy restrictions. The apple cider and herbs will still shine beautifully.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?

Definitely. Browning the chicken develops a deeper flavor and a lovely texture on the skin that makes the whole dish more satisfying. Skipping this step would result in a less complex taste and a less appealing texture.

How long does this dish take to prepare and cook?

The prep time is quick—about 10 minutes to dice and brown ingredients—while the simmering stage takes around an hour. The total time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that brings the rustic charm of French country cooking right to your dinner table, this Normandy Chicken – French Apple Cider Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. The rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and caramelized apples creates a comforting and elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken and apples together. Bon appétit!