Chicken Fricassee is a classic French dish that combines tender, browned chicken pieces with a rich, creamy sauce flavored with white wine, broth, and aromatic herbs. The dish is both comforting and elegant, with the chicken simmered gently until it’s infused with the flavors of the sauce. Vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and carrots often accompany the chicken, adding texture and depth to the dish. This one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, offering a balance of richness and freshness that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer the chicken: Add the chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pan. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken. If you’d like the sauce even thicker, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour mixed with a little water before adding the cream.
- Season and serve: Remove the bay leaf, taste the sauce, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken fricassee with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread to soak up the rich sauce.
This Chicken Fricassee is a luxurious, flavorful dish that’s both hearty and refined, perfect for a comforting yet sophisticated meal.
