Chicken Fricassée is a classic French dish that combines tender, golden-browned chicken with a creamy, velvety sauce enriched with white wine, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. This comforting yet elegant recipe is a perfect balance of richness and lightness, making it a versatile option for both casual dinners and special occasions. Served with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes, Chicken Fricassée showcases timeless culinary techniques that result in a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 chicken drumsticks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Brown the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and brown for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and mushrooms, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken stock, heavy cream, thyme, and bay leaves, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, skin-side up, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Chicken Fricassée is a timeless dish that brings together rustic flavors and a touch of elegance, perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.
