One of the many delicious Bored of Lunch cookbook recipes that I enjoy making in my slow cooker is this Chicken Normandy. You will only need a few ingredients like chicken breasts, olive oil, cider, and cream cheese, and it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.

To make this Chicken Normandy in the slow cooker, start by seasoning 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in 1 tsp of olive oil, then slow cook with 200ml cider, 200ml chicken stock, and 3 tbsp cream cheese.

Easy isn’t it? So what are you waiting for! jump into the recipe and make and enjoy every delicious bite of it.

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What is Chicken Normandy?

Chicken Normandy, also known as Poulet à la Normande, is a classic French dish that combines chicken with apples, cider, and cream to create a rich and flavorful sauce.

This dish is typically made by browning chicken pieces, then slow-cooking them in a sauce of cider and cream, often finished with mushrooms and apples for added texture and sweetness.

It’s a perfect example of the use of local ingredients from the Normandy region of France, showcasing the area’s famous apples and cider.

Slow Cooker Chicken Normandy Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tsp olive oil or low-calorie spray
• A handful of fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp half-fat butter
• 200ml cider
• 200ml chicken stock
• 1½ tbsp cornflour
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 bay leaves and 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 onion, chopped
• 200g bacon medallions, chopped, or lardons
• 3 tbsp light soft cream cheese or low-fat crème fraîche
• Salt and pepper to taste
• To serve: baked or air-fried cubed potatoes and peas

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Normandy

1. Sear the chicken: Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium flame, then sear the chicken for 2 minutes until it starts to brown beautifully.
2. Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the seared chicken into your slow cooker. Add all the ingredients listed above, except for 2 sprigs of thyme and the cream cheese or crème fraîche. Set your slow cooker on high for 4 hours or low for 7–8 hours, letting all those flavors meld together into something spectacular.
3. Final touches: Once the cooking time is up, stir in the soft cheese or crème fraîche to introduce a wonderful creaminess to the dish. Garnish with the reserved thyme sprigs or some fresh parsley. Serve it up with those baked or air-fried cubed potatoes and peas for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Searing the Chicken: I found that patting the chicken dry really makes a difference. It’s like giving your chicken a little pep talk before it hits the pan, ensuring it gets that golden glow.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornflour with a bit of cold water before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Enhancing Flavor: Add a splash of white wine along with the cider for an extra layer of flavor complexity in your sauce.
• Prep Ahead: Chop your onions and garlic the night before and store them in the fridge to save time on cooking day.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of steamed green beans for a pop of color and a fresh texture contrast to the creamy chicken.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the Protein: Once, I used thigh fillets instead of breasts. The result? Juicier and more flavorful.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version, keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.
• Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the slow cooker for a smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or blue cheese for a tangy twist in the sauce instead of cream cheese.
• Low-Carb Serving: Instead of potatoes, serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option that’s just as satisfying.

What To Serve With Chicken Normandy

Serve Chicken Normandy with sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, offering a refreshing contrast.

A crusty French bread will be perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce or sautéed apples, enhancing the cider flavors in the dish.

How To Store Chicken Normandy

In The Fridge:

Place the Chicken Normandy in an airtight container or wrap it securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth. This method keeps the chicken moist and the sauce flavorful.

In The Freezer:

Chicken Normandy can be stored in the freezer. First, cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Avoid freezing if you’ve used cream cheese or crème fraîche, as dairy can separate and change texture when frozen.

How To Reheat Chicken Normandy

Reheat your Chicken Normandy by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to thin the sauce if necessary. Warm it gently, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.

Avoid overheating, as it can dry out the chicken and cause the sauce to separate.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Rice Pudding
• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Chicken and Chorizo Pasta
• Slow Cooker Duck Legs