Chicken Fricassee – This iconic French recipe, pronounced free-kah-sey, is a rich dish that combines tender chicken with a white wine cream sauce, fresh herbs, and vegetables, perfect for a weeknight meal or an dinner party.
What is Chicken Fricassee?
Fricassee or fricassée is a method of cooking meat in which it is cut up and braised with other vegetables and served with its creamy white sauce.
Mostly most of the reference describe fricassee as a French stew, usually with a white sauce.
What about chicken fricassee Julia Child – Julia Child Master of French Cooking describes this as the halfway between a stew and sauté in that a saute has no liquid added, while a stew includes liquid from the beginning.
Basically, in a fricassee, cut-up meat is sauteed first (but not browned), then the liquid is added and simmered to finish cooking.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Chicken Fricassee
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks yield the best flavor and stay juicy throughout the cooking process. The skin adds richness to the sauce when seared.
- Sear for Flavor: Take the time to properly brown the chicken. This step develops a deep, savory base for your sauce.
- Build Layers of Flavor: Don’t rush the sautéing of your aromatics (onions, garlic, carrots, and celery). Their sweetness enhances the depth of the dish.
- Wine Choice Matters: A dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, is ideal. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with additional chicken stock and a splash of lemon juice.
- Don’t Skip the Herbs: Fresh thyme, parsley, and bay leaves add a fragrant note that elevates the dish.
Variations to Try
Chicken fricassee is a versatile dish with room for creativity. Here are some delicious variations to consider:
- Mushroom Chicken Fricassee: Add cremini or button mushrooms for an earthy depth to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Fricassee: Swap chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, and mushrooms, and use vegetable stock.
- Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with large shrimp or scallops for a seafood-inspired fricassee.
- Spicy Fricassee: Incorporate a touch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
How to Serve Chicken Fricassee
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- With Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or sourdough loaf is ideal for soaking up every last drop of the sauce.
- Paired with Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with wide egg noodles or pappardelle for a pasta night upgrade.
- Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Serve with oven-roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a balanced plate.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fricassee
- Storing: Transfer leftover chicken fricassee to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the dish gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make chicken fricassee in advance?
Absolutely! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
2. What can I use instead of cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut milk (for a dairy-free option), or a combination of milk and a tablespoon of flour for a lighter version.
3. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can work, but the flavor may not be as rich. Be cautious about cooking times to avoid drying out the meat.
4. What wine pairs best with chicken fricassee?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a light Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with this dish.
5. Is chicken fricassee gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Chicken Fricassee
Chicken Fricassee - This iconic French recipe, pronounced free-kah-sey, is a rich dish that combines tender chicken with a white wine cream sauce, fresh herbs, and vegetables, perfect for a weeknight meal or an dinner party.
Ingredients
- 4 (350g each) chicken thigh, halved
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 150g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 large carrots, peeled, thickly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/2 cup thickened cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon leaves
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, to serve
- Salt, to season
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C. Take a bowl, place the chicken, season with salt and pepper and toss into flour to coat chicken. Once done, shake off any excess flour and transfer chicken to a large plate.
- Heat half the oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, each side or until browned. Cook chicken in batches.
- Heat remaining oil in the dish. Add carrot and onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring or until vegetables are soft.
- Add garlic, mushrooms and cook until mushroom is tender, stirring, for 5 minutes. Return chicken to dish with wine. Bring to the boil.
- Boil for 2 minutes or until it burns off the alcohol. Stir in stock. Bring to the boil. Transfer to oven and bake for 45 minutes uncovered or until chicken is tender.
- Once done, transfer chicken to a plate and Cover to keep warm.
- Combine egg yolks, tarragon, and cream in a jug. Place casserole dish over low heat and add the cream mixture.
- Stir constantly until thickened slightly for about 5 minutes. Add lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Top with thyme and serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 417Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 219mgSodium 492mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 2gSugar 8gProtein 17g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Still Hungry! Try These Other Delicious Chicken Recipes:
- Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga
- Baked Breaded Chicken Breast
- Cordon Bleu Chicken Casserole
Final Thoughts
Chicken fricassee is the epitome of comfort food with a touch of elegance. Its creamy, savory sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic vegetables make it a dish you’ll want to return to time and time again. With its flexibility and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s perfect for everything from cozy family dinners to holiday gatherings. Try this classic recipe, and you’ll see why it has stood the test of time.
