Velvet Cream Chicken

If you’re seeking a meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort, look no further than this exquisite Chicken Fricassee. This classic French chicken stew is a culinary masterpiece featuring succulent chicken thighs, earthy mushrooms, and a delicate, creamy sauce that’s both light and incredibly satisfying. Best of all, it’s an effortlessly delicious one-pot wonder, perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.

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Why This Chicken Fricassee Will Become Your New Favorite

This traditional French chicken fricassee recipe is designed for both ease and exceptional flavor, making it an ideal choice for home cooks. Here’s why it will quickly earn a coveted spot in your recipe rotation:

Effortless One-Pot Cooking: Streamline your cooking process and minimize cleanup. This recipe is predominantly cooked in a single deep skillet or Dutch oven, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and saving you precious time in the kitchen. With approximately 15 minutes of hands-on prep and 45 minutes of simmering, you can have a gourmet meal on the table in about an hour.
Unrivaled Tenderness: We utilize boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are renowned for their rich flavor and ability to remain incredibly moist and tender even after extended cooking. Unlike chicken breast, thighs are forgiving and yield a juicier result, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the creamy sauce.
Luxurious Creamy Sauce: The hallmark of a great fricassee is its light, yet deeply flavorful creamy sauce. Made with a roux base, rich chicken broth, and a touch of heavy cream, this sauce coats every piece of chicken and vegetable, providing a silky texture and savory taste that’s utterly irresistible. It’s comforting without being overly heavy.
Wholesome & Flavorful Ingredients: A classic mirepoix of yellow onion, celery, and carrots provides an aromatic foundation, while fresh white button mushrooms add an earthy depth. Fresh thyme infuses the stew with a wonderfully fragrant, herbaceous note, elevating the overall profile.
A True Comfort Food Classic: Chicken Fricassee is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying, perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. Its elegant presentation belies its simple preparation.

A Glimpse into Chicken Fricassee: French Culinary Heritage

Originating from French cuisine, the term “fricassee” refers to a method of cooking meat, typically poultry, by cutting it into pieces, sautéing, and then braising it in a sauce. It’s often considered a dish that bridges the gap between a sauté and a stew. Historically, fricassee dates back centuries, with early recipes appearing in cookbooks from the 16th century. Unlike many other stews that start with raw meat and simmer for hours, fricassee often involves browning the meat first to develop flavor, then cooking it in a relatively light, typically white or creamy, sauce. This specific preparation gives it a unique texture and flavor profile, distinguishing it from other chicken dishes.

What to Serve with Your Delicious Chicken Fricassee

Chicken Fricassee is a wonderfully versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of our favorite accompaniments:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This is a classic and highly recommended pairing. The velvety mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up every drop of the rich, savory, creamy fricassee sauce, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.
Fluffy White Rice: For a lighter option, a bed of fluffy white rice provides an excellent canvas for the fricassee. Its neutral flavor allows the complexities of the chicken and sauce to shine, and it’s equally adept at absorbing the delicious gravy.
Buttered Egg Noodles: Another comforting choice, buttered egg noodles offer a tender, slightly chewy texture that complements the tender chicken and vegetables. A generous swirl of butter enhances their flavor and mouthfeel.
Crusty French Bread: Don’t let any of that incredible sauce go to waste! A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is ideal for dipping and soaking up the last bits of the fricassee, ensuring every flavorful morsel is enjoyed.
Steamed Green Vegetables: To add a touch of freshness and color, consider serving steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli. Their crisp texture provides a lovely contrast to the creamy stew and adds essential nutrients.
A Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the fricassee, offering a refreshing balance to your meal.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken Fricassee

Crafting a truly memorable Chicken Fricassee begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Approximately 2.5 lbs. These are the star of the dish. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture than chicken breasts, resulting in a more tender and juicy fricassee. Cut them into 1-2 inch pieces for even cooking.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the overall dish, bringing out the best flavors. Season generously, but remember you can always add more later.
Butter: 4 Tablespoons. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness of the dish. It’s used for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, providing a rich, foundational flavor.
Yellow Onion: 1 large, roughly chopped. Onions form the aromatic base of the fricassee, adding sweetness and depth as they caramelize.
Celery: 3 stalks, roughly chopped. Along with onion and carrots, celery contributes to the classic mirepoix, building a savory background flavor.
Carrots: 3 medium, roughly chopped. Carrots add natural sweetness and color to the stew, softening beautifully as they cook.
White Button Mushrooms: 8 oz., sliced. Mushrooms are integral to the earthy flavor profile of fricassee. White button mushrooms are easily accessible, but feel free to use cremini (baby bella) or a mix of your favorite varieties for added complexity.
All-Purpose Flour: 1/3 cup. This is key for creating the roux, which thickens the sauce to that perfect, luscious consistency.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: 2 cups. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the overall salt content of your fricassee, ensuring it’s seasoned to your preference. It forms the liquid base of the stew.
Heavy Cream: 1/3 cup. Added at the end, heavy cream lends the fricassee its signature creamy texture and richness, without making it overly heavy.
Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Fresh herbs make a significant difference in flavor. Thyme provides a warm, slightly peppery, and earthy aroma that complements chicken and mushrooms beautifully. If using dried thyme, use about half the amount.

Step-By-Step Guide to Crafting the Perfect Chicken Fricassee

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken. Begin by patting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear. Season the chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides, then set aside. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Ensure the butter is fully melted and shimmering before proceeding.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken. Add your seasoned chicken thighs to the melted butter in the skillet in batches. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of browning it. Cook each batch for approximately five minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and beautifully caramelized. This searing step locks in flavor. Once browned, transfer all the chicken to a clean plate and set aside, reserving any accumulated juices.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Create the Roux. Using the same skillet with the remaining delicious fat (and adding a little more butter if needed), add your chopped yellow onion. Cook the onion, stirring often, for about five minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Next, sprinkle the 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour directly over the softened onions. Stir continuously for one minute, cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a light roux.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer with Vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly whisk in the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form and the sauce begins to thicken. Increase the heat back to medium-high. Add your sliced mushrooms, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and fresh thyme, along with a pinch more salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish with Cream. Carefully add the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. These juices are packed with flavor! Stir gently to combine, then bring the stew to a low simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and continue to cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 175 degrees F (80 degrees C) and the vegetables are tender. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove the lid, stir in the 1/3 cup of heavy cream, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, stick-to-your-bones kind of meal! It’s a succulent dish we know you’ll absolutely love.

Please let us know if you give this recipe a try. Your feedback is valuable, and if you have any questions about the recipe, just drop a comment below!

Expert Tips & Variations for Your Perfect Chicken Fricassee

Elevate your Chicken Fricassee with these helpful tips and creative variations:

The Right Cookware Makes a Difference: For this recipe, I highly recommend using a Lodge 3.6 Quart cast iron skillet or a Dutch oven. Cast iron provides excellent heat retention and even cooking, contributing to a superior sear on the chicken and a consistent simmer for the stew. Any heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet will work, but cast iron truly enhances the experience.
Mushroom Choices: While classic white button mushrooms are excellent, feel free to experiment! Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms offer a deeper, earthier flavor. For a gourmet touch, consider adding a mix of shiitake, oyster, or wild mushrooms. Just ensure they are cleaned and sliced appropriately.
Pairing with Wine: For a truly French experience, serve this meal with a chilled glass of Chardonnay. Its crispness and subtle oak notes beautifully complement the creamy sauce and rich chicken. Other dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would also be wonderful choices.
Herbacious Variations: If you’re a fan of different herbs, feel free to experiment. A sprig of fresh rosemary alongside the thyme can add another layer of aromatic complexity. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the very end brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Adding More Vegetables: This fricassee is wonderfully adaptable. Consider adding a cup of frozen peas or green beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra color and nutrition. Small diced potatoes or parsnips could also be added with the carrots and celery for a heartier stew.
Make-Ahead and Storage: Chicken Fricassee tastes even better the next day! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Freezing is also an option; it will maintain quality for about 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Gluten-Free Alternative: If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum for thickening) or use a cornstarch slurry. To use cornstarch, skip the flour step, bring the broth to a simmer, then whisk 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering broth until the desired thickness is reached before adding the chicken back.

More Heartwarming Comfort Food Recipes to Enjoy

If you loved this comforting Chicken Fricassee, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to any table:

Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage: A savory and hearty dish packed with flavor, perfect for a fulfilling family dinner.
Marry Me Chicken: Experience why this creamy, sun-dried tomato and parmesan chicken dish is famous for its irresistible appeal.
Lasagna Bolognese: Layers of rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and creamy béchamel make for the ultimate Italian comfort classic.

Chicken Fricassee

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 6 servings

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal, this Chicken Fricassee is it! It’s a classic French chicken stew made with chicken thighs, mushrooms, and a light creamy sauce. AND it’s an easy one-pot meal!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Ingredients

2 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 Tbsp. butter
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
3 stalks celery, roughly chopped
3 medium carrots, roughly chopped
8 oz. sliced white button mushrooms
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tsp. fresh thyme
1 tsp. salt (for seasoning chicken and sauce)
1/2 tsp. pepper (for seasoning chicken and sauce)

Instructions

Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper and set aside. Add butter to a deep skillet or Dutch oven and melt over medium heat.
Add your chicken to the melted butter in the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd, and cook for five minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer all browned chicken to a plate.
Add chopped onion to the skillet with the remaining fat. Cook the onions, stirring often, for about five minutes until softened. Sprinkle your flour over the onions and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly whisk in your chicken broth until smooth. Increase the heat to medium-high and then add your mushrooms, carrots, celery, thyme, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the seared chicken with any accumulated juices back to the skillet and bring to a low simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the internal temperature of the chicken is 175 degrees F (80 degrees C), about 25 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in your heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Notes

I use my Lodge 3.6 Quart cast iron skillet for this recipe.
You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer for this dish. I used white button mushrooms.
I love to serve this meal with mashed potatoes and a chilled glass of Chardonnay.

Nutrition

Keyword: chicken thighs, Comfort Food, stew

Cuisine: French

Course: Main Dish

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