Chicken Fricassee – Easy French Chicken Stew
If you’ve ever wanted to try a classic French dish at home, Chicken Fricassee is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress
Ingredients
One whole chicken (about one point two kilograms) or six chicken pieces (thighs or breasts)
Two tablespoons (thirty grams) butter
Two tablespoons (thirty milliliters) vegetable oil
One medium onion (one hundred twenty grams), finely chopped
Two garlic cloves, minced
One large carrot (one hundred grams), sliced
Two hundred grams fresh mushrooms, sliced
Two tablespoons (twenty grams) flour
Five hundred milliliters chicken stock (warm)
One hundred fifty milliliters heavy cream
One bay leaf
Half teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the chicken
Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry
Season with salt and black pepper
Brown the chicken
Heat butter and oil in a deep skillet or pot
Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides (5–7 minutes per side)
Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside
Cook the vegetables
In the same pot, sauté onion, carrot, and garlic until softened
Add mushrooms and cook until their liquid evaporates
Make the sauce
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute
Gradually pour in chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps
Add bay leaf and thyme
Simmer the stew
Return chicken pieces to the pot
Cover and simmer gently for 30–35 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked
Finish with cream
Remove the bay leaf
Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens
Serving Suggestion
Serve hot with fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or fresh crusty bread
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for extra flavor and a touch of color
Pro Tips
Add a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing twist
Replace cream with coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version
Using chicken thighs with bone and skin gives a deeper flavor to the broth
With just a few simple steps, you can prepare this authentic French Chicken Fricassee at home. Creamy, flavorful, and comforting this recipe is perfect for both everyday meals and special gatherings