Delicate, creamy, and full of comforting flavor, Chicken Fricassée is a classic French-inspired dish that brings elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort. This timeless recipe features tender chicken pieces gently stewed in a luscious cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a touch of white wine or lemon for brightness. Served with rice, pasta, or crusty bread, this creamy chicken stew is the perfect choice for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
| Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Pieces | 2.5 - 3 lbs (1.1-1.4 kg) |
|---|---|
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (divided) |
| White Pepper | ½ teaspoon (divided) |
| All-Purpose Flour | ¼ cup |
| Unsalted Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Yellow Onion or Shallots | 1 medium onion, or 2-3 large shallots, finely chopped |
| Cremini or White Button Mushrooms | 12 oz (340g), sliced |
| Garlic Cloves | 3-4, minced |
| Chicken Broth | 3 cups (720 ml) |
| Dried Thyme | ½ teaspoon |
| Bay Leaves | 1 |
| Heavy Cream | ¾ cup (180 ml) |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon (optional) |
| Fresh Parsley or Chives | ¼ cup, chopped |
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Prepare and Lightly Brown the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels. Season generously with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon white pepper.
- Lightly dust the chicken pieces with ¼ cup all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the floured chicken pieces in batches, skin-side down first. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, just until lightly golden (not deeply browned) and the skin starts to crisp. The goal is to cook without too much color. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot.
- Add the chopped onion or shallots and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent, but not browned.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Increase heat slightly to medium-high and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and have released their liquid, then started to reabsorb it.
- Add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Build the Sauce
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the vegetables in the pot. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a light roux (a thick paste).
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, pouring in a little at a time while continuously whisking to prevent lumps, until a smooth sauce forms.
- Add the dried thyme (or fresh sprigs) and bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Simmer Chicken in Sauce
- Return the lightly browned chicken pieces to the simmering sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially (leaving a small gap), and let the fricassee simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Serve
- Once the chicken is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce if desired.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
- Stir in the room temperature heavy cream (or half-and-half) until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the optional lemon juice and stir.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt and white pepper as needed.
- Serve the Classic Chicken Fricassee with Mushrooms hot. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley or chives.
Extra Tips for a Perfect Fricassee
- No Browning for Color: Unlike many stews, Fricassee aims for a light-colored, white sauce. Avoid heavily browning the chicken or vegetables.
- Room Temperature Cream: Using room temperature cream and adding it off the heat (or over very low heat) helps prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Velvety Sauce: The roux is key for thickening. Whisking continuously as you add broth ensures a lump-free, smooth sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Fricassee is wonderful served with:
- Fluffy white rice
- Egg noodles
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce
- Make Ahead: While best served fresh, leftovers can be gently reheated on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling after adding the cream.
Nutritional Value
(per serving, based on 4 servings, using a mix of chicken pieces)
| Calories | 550-700 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40-50 grams |
| Fat | 40-55 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20 grams |
| Fiber | 2-3 grams |
Benefits
- ✅ Rich, Comforting Flavor: The creamy mushroom sauce elevates simple chicken into a luxurious meal.
- ✅ High-Quality Protein: Chicken provides lean, satisfying protein to keep you full and nourished.
- ✅ Versatile Accompaniments: Pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or fresh bread.
- ✅ Family-Friendly Classic: Mild yet flavorful, it’s a dish loved by both adults and children.
- ✅ Perfect for Entertaining: An impressive yet easy-to-make dish for dinner parties or holidays.
Chicken Fricassée is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort, elegance, and rich flavors all in one pot. With its tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and delicate seasoning, this dish is sure to impress guests or bring warmth to your family table.
Explore more creamy chicken recipes, French-inspired comfort foods, and easy one-pot meals on our site. Once you try this classic Chicken Fricassée, it might just become your new favorite cozy dinner.