Chicken Fricassée (French Creamy Chicken Stew)

why make this recipe

Chicken Fricassée is a classic French dish that’s comforting, rich, and packed with flavor. The creamy sauce, combined with the tender chicken and mushrooms, creates a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s also a great recipe to make ahead and reheat! This dish is not just comforting; it brings warmth and happiness to the dining table, making it a favorite among friends and family.

how to make Chicken Fricassée

Ingredients

4 chicken drumsticks (~150g/5oz each, Note 1)
4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in (~250g/8oz each, Note 1)
1 tsp salt (cooking / kosher salt)
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 tbsp / 60g unsalted butter
300g / 10oz white mushrooms (halved if small or cut in 4 to 6 if large)
2 medium brown onions (sliced 0.6cm (1/2in) wide)
2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
1 bay leaf (fresh; sub dried)
3 thyme sprigs (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
3 tbsp flour (plain / all-purpose)
1/2 cup white wine (preferably chardonnay, Note 2)
3 cups low sodium chicken stock (preferably homemade!)
1/4 tsp salt (cooking / kosher salt)
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
2/3 cup thickened/heavy cream

Directions

Season chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Brown thighs: Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet or heavy pot with a lid. Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Turn and cook the other side for 1 minute, then remove to a plate.
Brown drumsticks: Brown the drumsticks on three sides, about 2 minutes each. Remove from the skillet.
Sauté mushrooms and onion: Add mushrooms, onion, bay leaf, and thyme to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until the mushrooms are lightly golden.
Garlic and flour: Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
Wine and chicken stock: Add wine, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Stir, scraping the base of the pot to dissolve the brown bits stuck to the pan ("fond") into the sauce.
Return chicken to sauce: Place the chicken back into the sauce, skin side up.
Simmer covered: Cover and simmer for 10 minutes on medium-low heat, so it bubbles constantly but not rapidly.
Uncover and simmer: Remove the lid and let it simmer for another 20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C/167°F or slightly higher.
Creamy sauce: Remove the chicken to a plate. Add cream and stir. Once it simmers, taste the sauce and add more salt if desired.
Serve: Return the chicken to the sauce, remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve! This dish is traditionally served over mashed potatoes or rice, and it also pairs well with short pasta like penne, ziti, or macaroni.

how to serve Chicken Fricassée

Serve Chicken Fricassée hot, spooned over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. This dish is great for family dinners or any special occasion!

how to store Chicken Fricassée

To store leftovers, let the Chicken Fricassée cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

tips to make Chicken Fricassée

Ensure the chicken is dry before seasoning to get a nice golden brown color.
Scraping the pan for the "fond" adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
Don’t rush the simmering step. This ensures the chicken becomes tender and absorbs the flavors.
Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste towards the end of cooking.

variation

For a twist on the traditional recipe, you can add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition and color. You can also use different types of mushrooms or replace white wine with a splash of lemon juice for a lighter taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but it may not be as juicy as bone-in pieces. Adjust cooking time as boneless chicken tends to cook faster.

2. What can I use instead of white wine?
You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or apple cider vinegar if you prefer.

3. Is Chicken Fricassée gluten-free?
The traditional recipe contains flour, which is not gluten-free. You can use a gluten-free flour substitute or cornstarch to thicken the sauce without gluten.