Ekani Ella Hairy Bikers’ Normandy Chicken is a classic French dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp apples, and a creamy cider sauce. This elegant yet comforting recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, Normandy Chicken is a celebration of French cuisine at its finest.
What is Hairy Bikers Normandy Chicken?
Hairy Bikers’ Normandy Chicken is a French-inspired dish featuring pan-seared chicken cooked in a creamy cider sauce with apples and shallots. The combination of sweet apples, savory chicken, and a velvety sauce makes it an unforgettable meal.
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- Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Lamb Curry
- Hairy Bikers Fondant Potatoes
- Hairy Bikers Spinach and Ricotta Lasagne
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic French Flavors: A sophisticated yet simple dish.
- Perfect Balance: Combines sweet apples with savory chicken.
- Elegant Presentation: Ideal for entertaining guests.
- Rich and Creamy: A luxurious sauce that pairs well with many sides.
- Easy to Prepare: Straightforward steps with impressive results.
Ingredients Needed for Hairy Bikers Normandy Chicken
- Chicken thighs: 4, skin-on and bone-in for extra flavor
- Apples: 2 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Shallots: 2 large, finely chopped
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, for cooking
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, to prevent butter from burning
- Dry cider: 200ml, for the sauce
- Chicken stock: 150ml, for depth of flavor
- Double cream: 100ml, for richness
- Fresh thyme: 2-3 sprigs
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cup
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Normandy Chicken
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken thighs.
- Heat the butter and oil: Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Apples and Shallots:
- Sauté the apples: In the same pan, add the sliced apples and cook until golden and slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the shallots: Add the chopped shallots to the pan, cooking until softened and translucent.
Make the Sauce:
- Deglaze with cider: Pour in the cider, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the stock and cream: Stir in the chicken stock and double cream, mixing well.
Combine and Simmer:
- Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet. Add the thyme sprigs and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer gently: Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Finish the Dish:
- Add the apples: Return the sautéed apples to the pan in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
What to Serve With Hairy Bikers Normandy Chicken
- Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for soaking up the creamy cider sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: A light side that balances the rich dish.
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into the sauce.
- Rice or Quinoa: Adds a hearty base to the meal.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Normandy Chicken
- Use good-quality cider: A dry cider provides the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Let it simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld.
- Choose firm apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn hold their shape during cooking.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Thyme or parsley enhances the dish’s aroma and presentation.
What are Variations of Hairy Bikers Normandy Chicken?
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms make a delicious addition to the sauce.
- Use chicken breasts: Substitute thighs with skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Make it dairy-free: Replace cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
- Include leeks: Add sliced leeks for extra flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Hairy Bikers Normandy Chicken?
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How Do I Reheat Hairy Bikers Normandy Chicken?
- On the stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of stock if the sauce has thickened.
- In the microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
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- Nigel Slater Tomato Soup
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Hairy Bikers Normandy Chicken
Hairy Bikers’ Normandy Chicken is a French-inspired dish featuring pan-seared chicken cooked in a creamy cider sauce with apples and shallots. The combination of sweet apples, savory chicken, and a velvety sauce makes it an unforgettable meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing and simmering
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 4, skin-on and bone-in for extra flavor
- Apples: 2 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Shallots: 2 large, finely chopped
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, for cooking
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, to prevent butter from burning
- Dry cider: 200ml, for the sauce
- Chicken stock: 150ml, for depth of flavor
- Double cream: 100ml, for richness
- Fresh thyme: 2-3 sprigs
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken thighs.
- Heat the butter and oil: Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Apples and Shallots:
- Sauté the apples: In the same pan, add the sliced apples and cook until golden and slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the shallots: Add the chopped shallots to the pan, cooking until softened and translucent.
Make the Sauce:
- Deglaze with cider: Pour in the cider, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the stock and cream: Stir in the chicken stock and double cream, mixing well.
Combine and Simmer:
- Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet. Add the thyme sprigs and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer gently: Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Finish the Dish:
- Add the apples: Return the sautéed apples to the pan in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Normandy Chicken is a beautifully balanced dish that’s both comforting and elegant. With its tender chicken, creamy cider sauce, and sweet apples, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the delightful flavors of this French-inspired classic!
