Norman Chicken (Poulet Normand)

Norman Chicken (Poulet Normand)

 

Norman Chicken (Poulet Normand)

Apples, pork and Calvados – the cooking staples of Normandy. Here is the chicken version using apples and their distilled cousin.

  • 2 Moody’s bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts ( cut in half)

  • 4 Moody’s bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • 1 T canola oil

  • 1 T butter

  • ½ t salt

  • 1/8 t freshly ground pepper

  • 1/3 cup Calvados (applejack or brandy)

  • ½ cup hard cider

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 2 cooking apples (i.e. Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)

  1. Heat the canola oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When sizzling, add the chicken pieces, seasoned with the salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add the Calvados and immediately light with a match to flame (stand back). 

  2. When the flames disappear, reduce the heat to low; add the cider and cream. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Turn and cook, covered, until the thighs are no longer pink in the thickest portion when cut with a knife, 15 to 20 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, peel the apples and cut into 1-inch wide slices. Add to the chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking time. When the chicken is cooked through, remove the pieces along with the apple slices to a platter. Cover with foil to keep warm.

  4. Increase the heat to high; boil the sauce until thickened slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour over the chicken and apples and serve.

Bon appétit!

Wine pairing: Serve with a Chardonnay or Pinot Gris.

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Mussels (Moules Marinières)