by Judy Link, France Just For You's October guest chef (and Laura's mom)

We loved going to visit Laura and her family when they lived in Normandy. The food is amazing with all the cream, butter and cheese!

On a fall Sunday when we were visiting, after apple picking, we stopped at a charming auberge and were served a dish very similar to this one. I love making Normandy Chicken in the fall because the apples are in season and the dish warms you to the soul thanks to the Calvados (apple brandy)! It serves 4 people, and feel free to substitute the Calvados with Pommeau or even Cognac.

Guest Chef Judy and Normandy Chicken

Guest chef Judy preparing the Normandy Chicken ©Larry Link

 

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cooking apples, cored and sliced into wedges (you can peel or not)
  • Flour for dredging
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • Salt
  • 1 large onion, peeled, sliced lengthwise into wedges
  • 1/2 cup Calvados
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup cream

Instructions

  • Heat 2 tbsp of the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the apple slices and sauté until they turn a little brown around the edges, turning occasionally. Sprinkle the apple slices with a little salt. Remove from pan and set aside on paper towels to drain.
  • Dredge the chicken in flour and place the pieces in the sauté pan. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Cook until the outside is golden and the inside is throughly cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
  • Add the onions and increase the heat to medium-high. Spread the onion slices out in an even layer to cover the pan. As the onions cook they will release moisture that will help deglaze the pan of the browned bits from the chicken. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to brown, for about 5-8 minutes.
  • Add the Calvados to the pan. Using a wooden spoon, scrape any remaining browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the brandy boil until it has reduced by about half. Add the apple cider and bring to a boil. Sprinkle in the thyme. Add just a pinch of salt to the cider. Then, add the apples and when the sauce is reduced to the point where it's a little syrupy, add the cream and turn down the heat. Taste for salt and add some if needed.
  • To serve, spoon some apples and onions on the plate, top with sauce and the chicken.

 

Judy and Larry ready to enjoy the Normandy Chicken

Judy and Larry ready to enjoy the Normandy Chicken, ©Larry Link

- Enjoy Calvados, cider and beautiful scenery along the Cider Road in Normandy.

France Just For You

Experts in self-drive tours in France

Travelers Reviews

5.0
Shelley & Andy
We feel lucky that we found Emilie online! Usually, we like to plan our own trips, but we did not have the language capabilities or confidence to plan this vacation alone. Emilie to the rescue! She listened to our concerns and wishes and planned the perfect trip. Loved the small boutique hotel in the perfect part of Paris, and all the bed and …
Kate
Dealing with Emilie is like having a personal concierge. The 10 day trip was perfect. She allowed time to relax and we were able to experience France like locals. This is our 8 th trip to France but after this tour, it will not be our last. Thank you Emilie!
Teresa & Garry
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made some modifications so that the trip could take place this October and November. They were always responsive and helpful with our questions and concerns. All of the …
Leslie
There are not enough superlatives for our experience with Emilie. Prompt correspondence and thorough questions led to the perfect vacation for my family. Her choice of hotels in Paris and Provence were exactly what I would have chosen on my own. Her tour guide recommendations were spot on. The fact that she arranged all of our transfers, train …
Phil & Pat
Just a quick word of admiration and thanks for well planned and executed vacation for us. Every hotel, Chateau, B&B was clever, different and fun. Guides were outstanding and your recommendations without a flaw. I know we would enjoyed this vacation more because of your efforts Our time in France ends tomorrow and we have memories to carry us to …
Peter
We wanted my spouse's birthday trip to France to be special and we could not have expected such a perfect time. From initial communication with Emilie by email right up to having a driver meet us in Paris CDG airport, it was a stress-free vacation. Emilie provided first class service throughout and tailored our desire to see Paris, the Loire Valley …

What are you looking for?