Name: Chicken Fricassee – A Classic, Creamy Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped; 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc); 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chicken Fricassee is a timeless dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience. This French-inspired meal is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy – The sauce is velvety smooth and packed with deep flavors.
Perfectly tender chicken – Slow cooking ensures juicy, fall-apart pieces.
Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find fresh ingredients.
Classic comfort food – A warm and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

Chicken (bone-in or boneless)
Butter
Onion
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Flour
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
White wine
Fresh thyme
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper

Full list of ingredients and exact measurements are below.

Directions

1. Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in butter until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant.

3. Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.

4. Add Liquid and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, white wine, and herbs. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and let it simmer until tender.

5. Finish with Cream

Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use bone-in chicken for more flavor – It adds depth to the sauce.
Don’t rush the simmering process – Slow cooking ensures the best texture.
Deglaze the pan – Scrape up the browned bits for an even richer sauce.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Swap white wine for extra broth if preferred.
Add mushrooms or peas for extra depth and texture.
Use fresh parsley or tarragon for a different herbaceous touch.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Chicken Fricassee pairs beautifully with buttered noodles, fluffy mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. A side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad rounds out the meal perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling.
Freeze for up to a month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make Chicken Fricassee ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with a little butter can work in a pinch.

3. Do I have to use white wine?

No, you can substitute extra broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.

4. How can I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.

Conclusion

Chicken Fricassee is the ultimate creamy comfort food that brings warmth and rich flavor to your table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, this dish is bound to become a household favorite!

Chicken Fricassee – A Classic, Creamy Comfort Food

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A traditional French stew featuring browned chicken pieces simmered in a creamy white mushroom sauce, resulting in a rich and comforting dish.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Braising
Cuisine: French
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Create the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine, cooking for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Allow the wine to reduce by half, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Add the chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 25-30 minutes.
Finish the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve:
- Garnish the Chicken Fricassee with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth.
Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added color and flavor.