chicken and mushroom fricassee

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes

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Every night can be pizza night, if you ask me. Just throw whatever vegetable leftovers you have on there and enjoy!

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Feel free to swap any of the topping in the ingredient list with whatever you have lying around. It will probably taste just as amazing!

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[‘I first encountered Chicken Fricassee on a chilly evening while studying abroad, and its comforting warmth instantly made me feel at home.’, ‘Recreating this Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee has become a cherished ritual, especially when I want something elegant yet deeply satisfying.’, “It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with an amazing aroma and always gets rave reviews from family and friends.”]

Why Make chicken and mushroom fricassee?

This Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee is the epitome of comfort food elevated. It combines simple, accessible ingredients into a dish that feels luxurious and special. It’s surprisingly straightforward, often manageable in one pot, and delivers a deeply satisfying, savory flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone. Perfect for using up chicken and mushrooms, it’s a versatile recipe that works for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions.

Key Benefits

• • Rich & Creamy Sauce: Features a luxurious, velvety sauce made traditionally with broth, aromatics, and enriched with cream.
  • Tender & Juicy Chicken: Gentle simmering ensures the chicken pieces remain incredibly moist and flavorful.
  • Earthy Mushroom Flavor: Sautéed mushrooms add a wonderful depth and umami richness to the dish.
  • Elegant Yet Approachable: Looks and tastes sophisticated, but follows simple cooking techniques suitable for home cooks.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Discover the timeless elegance of a classic Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee. This beloved French dish features succulent pieces of chicken and tender mushrooms simmered gently in a rich, savory white sauce, often enhanced with white wine and finished with cream. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing dinner guests, this Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee recipe strikes a beautiful balance between rustic comfort and refined flavor. Follow along to create your own delightful Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee at home.

Ingredients

• • Chicken Thighs or Breasts: 1.5 lbs (about 680g) (Boneless, skinless, cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
  • Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tbsp (Or a mix of both)
  • Yellow Onion: 1 medium (Finely chopped)
  • Garlic: 2-3 cloves (Minced)
  • Mushrooms: 8 oz (about 225g) (Cremini or button, sliced)
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp (For thickening the sauce)
  • Dry White Wine: 1/2 cup (120ml) (Optional, can substitute with more broth)
  • Chicken Broth: 1.5 cups (360ml) (Low-sodium preferred)
  • Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) (Or half-and-half)
  • Fresh Thyme Sprigs: 2-3 sprigs (Or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp (Chopped, plus more for garnish)
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black Pepper: To taste (Freshly ground recommended)

Instructions

Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp of oil/butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown on all sides (they don’t need to be cooked through). Remove chicken and set aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing; this ensures proper browning rather than steaming.

Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms

Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil/butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme sprigs (if using dried, add with flour) and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Pro Tip: Allow mushrooms to brown undisturbed for a few minutes initially to develop better flavor and texture.

Make the Sauce Base

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. If using white wine, pour it in and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (deglaze). Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.

Pro Tip: Whisk continuously while adding liquid after the flour to prevent lumps from forming.

Simmer the Fricassee

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the seared chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Pro Tip: Maintain a gentle simmer, not a boil, to ensure tender chicken and prevent the sauce from breaking.

Finish and Serve

Remove the thyme sprigs. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh parsley. Heat gently for a few more minutes, but do not let it boil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee hot.

Pro Tip: Stirring in a squeeze of lemon juice at the very end can brighten the flavors beautifully.

Temperature & Timing Guide

Chicken Internal Temperature

Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• • Use an instant-read thermometer.
  • Insert into the thickest part of a chicken piece, avoiding bone if present.

Sauce Simmering

Maintain a low, gentle simmer (small, infrequent bubbles) while cooking the chicken.

• • Avoid rapid boiling, which can toughen chicken and potentially curdle the cream later.
  • Adjust stove heat as necessary.

Reheating Temperature

When reheating leftovers, ensure the fricassee reaches at least 165°F (74°C) throughout.

Variation Ideas

Add Pearl Onions

Include 1/2 cup of blanched pearl onions along with the mushrooms for extra sweetness and texture.

Lemon & Herb Twist

Add the zest of half a lemon and switch thyme for fresh tarragon for a brighter, slightly different flavor profile.

Vegetable Medley

Incorporate diced carrots or peas during the simmering stage for added color and nutrients.

Make it Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle kick.

Dairy-Free Option

Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version (flavor will change slightly).

Tips for Perfect Results

• • Don’t Skip Browning: Properly searing the chicken builds a crucial flavor foundation (fond) in the pan.
  • Mushroom Prep: Wipe mushrooms clean with a damp cloth instead of washing them, as they absorb water easily which hinders browning.
  • Use Quality Broth: The flavor of your chicken broth significantly impacts the final sauce. Use homemade or a good quality store-bought option.
  • Gentle Heat with Cream: Once cream is added, keep the heat low and avoid boiling to prevent the sauce from curdling or separating.
  • Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before serving. It might need a bit more salt, pepper, or even a tiny pinch of sugar to balance flavors.

Leftovers & Reheating

Store leftover Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave reheating is also possible in short bursts, stirring in between, but stovetop reheating generally yields better results for maintaining sauce consistency.

Serving Suggestions

• • Fluffy Rice: Serve over simple white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine) to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing; the ultimate comfort food combination.
  • Buttered Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles provide a perfect base for the rich fricassee.
  • Crusty Bread: Essential for mopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce from the plate.
  • Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: A simple green vegetable provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is an estimate only, calculated using an online database. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients, measurements, and cooking methods used.

• • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Protein: 38g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 650mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into similar-sized pieces. Be mindful not to overcook them, as breast meat can dry out faster than thigh meat; reduce simmering time slightly if needed.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water/broth and stir in near the end) to thicken the sauce.

Q: What kind of mushrooms work best?

A: Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms offer great flavor. Standard button mushrooms are also excellent. For a richer flavor, consider using wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms, or a mix.

Q: Can I freeze chicken fricassee?

A: Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy upon thawing. For best results, you could freeze the fricassee before adding the cream, then thaw, reheat, and stir in the cream just before serving. If freezing the finished dish, reheat gently and stir well.

Q: What if I don’t want to use white wine?

A: Simply substitute the white wine with an equal amount of additional chicken broth. You could also add a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end to mimic the acidity.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Chicken fricassee reheats very well. Prepare the dish completely, let it cool, and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop as described in the ‘Leftovers & Reheating’ section.

Ready to Whip Up This Classic!?

Ready to bring a taste of French comfort into your kitchen? This Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee recipe is your ticket to a delicious, satisfying meal that feels both special and achievable. Gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy the delightful results!