Chicken Fricassee: Classic French Comfort Food

Chicken Fricassee: Classic French Comfort Food

Quick Recipe Overview

– Prep time: 20 minutes
– Cook time: 45 minutes
– Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
– Servings: 4
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Dietary: Non-vegetarian, Gluten-free option available

Equipment Needed

– Large Dutch oven or skillet with lid
– Tongs
– Measuring cups
– Wooden spoon

Ingredients

Main Components

– 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
– 3 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 1 cup chicken stock
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 2 fresh thyme sprigs

Seasonings

– Salt and black pepper
– Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Method

Prep Work

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels
2. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper
3. Optional: Lightly dust chicken with flour

Cooking Steps

1. Heat oil and butter in Dutch oven over medium heat
2. Brown chicken until golden (about 4-5 minutes per side)
3. Remove chicken, set aside
4. In same pan, sauté mushrooms until golden
5. Add onions, cook until translucent
6. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds
7. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir
8. Deglaze pan with white wine, scraping browned bits
9. Add chicken stock, return chicken to pan
10. Add thyme sprigs
11. Cover, simmer on low heat 40-45 minutes
12. Uncover, add cream
13. Simmer additional 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens

Critical Cooking Tips

– Chicken internal temperature must reach 165°F
– Do not boil sauce after adding cream
– Sauce should coat the back of a spoon

Serving Suggestions

– Serve over egg noodles
– Garnish with fresh parsley
– Pair with crusty bread

Storage

– Refrigerate: 3-4 days
– Freeze: Up to 2 months

Variations

– Use chicken breasts instead of thighs
– Add white mushrooms or cremini
– Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Don’t overcrowd the pan
– Maintain medium heat for even browning
– Let chicken rest before serving

Nutritional Note

High-protein dish with moderate fat content. Can be lightened by using less cream or substituting with lighter alternatives.

Pro Chef Tips

– Use bone-in chicken for more flavor
– Allow chicken to come to room temperature before cooking
– Rest chicken 5-10 minutes after cooking for juiciest results