Chicken Fricassee is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is simple to make. The first time I made it, I was sure it would be complicated, but I quickly realized that it’s just tender chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce with a few basic ingredients.

I started making this dish because I wanted something comforting and hearty but different from my usual go-to chicken recipes. It turned out to be the perfect balance between a stew and a creamy skillet meal. The chicken comes out juicy and full of flavor, the sauce is rich and velvety, and everything is cooked in one pan, which means less cleanup.

Now, this easy Chicken Fricassee is one of my favorite weeknight dinners. It’s great for when I want something warm and satisfying, and it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread.

Servings	Total
4	40mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I first heard about Chicken Fricassee from an old cookbook I found at a thrift store. It was listed as a classic French dish, and I was intrigued by how simple the ingredients were. I decided to give it a try, and after a few tweaks, I had a version that was easy, creamy, and delicious.

Over the years, I’ve adjusted the recipe to fit my taste and schedule. I sometimes swap ingredients depending on what I have at home, but the core of the dish stays the same: chicken, a creamy sauce, and simple herbs that bring everything together beautifully.

Now, this dish is a regular in my kitchen, and every time I make it, I wonder why I don’t cook it more often!

Why Chicken Fricassee?

There are so many reasons why this dish has become one of my favorites:

One-Pan Meal – Everything is cooked in the same pan, which makes cleanup easy.
Creamy and Comforting – The sauce is rich, silky, and full of flavor.
Easy Yet Elegant – Feels like a fancy dish but is simple enough for a weeknight.
Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love it!
Customizable – You can add mushrooms, carrots, or peas for extra flavor.

If you want a classic, delicious, and easy chicken dish, Chicken Fricassee is a must-try!

What Is Chicken Fricassee Made Of?

Chicken Fricassee is a simple, creamy chicken dish made with just a handful of basic ingredients:

Chicken – Traditionally made with bone-in, skin-on chicken, but you can use boneless if you prefer.
Butter & Olive Oil – For sautéing and creating a rich base.
Onions & Garlic – Adds depth and aroma.
Flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
Chicken Broth & White Wine – Creates a flavorful sauce.
Heavy Cream – Makes the dish creamy and rich.
Thyme & Bay Leaf – Adds that classic French flavor.
Mushrooms (Optional) – Adds a nice earthy taste.

The ingredients are simple, but when they come together, they make a dish that’s flavorful, satisfying, and elegant.

What to Have with Chicken Fricassee

This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to make a full meal, here are some great pairings:

Mashed Potatoes – The sauce is amazing over creamy potatoes.
Rice – A simple side that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Crusty Bread – Perfect for scooping up every last drop of sauce.
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or peas balance out the richness.
Buttered Noodles – A great option if you want something hearty.

No matter how you serve it, Chicken Fricassee is always a comforting and satisfying meal.

Is Chicken Fricassee Healthy?

This dish is rich and creamy, but it can still be a balanced and nutritious meal. Here’s how to make it a little healthier:

Use boneless, skinless chicken breast to reduce fat.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
Use less butter and oil to cut down on extra fat.
Add more vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or peas for fiber.

Even with these tweaks, it still tastes amazing and keeps that comfort food feeling!

Kitchen Equipment

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

Large skillet or Dutch oven – For cooking the chicken and sauce.
Cutting board & knife – For prepping ingredients.
Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring.
Measuring cups & spoons – For the sauce ingredients.

Everything is cooked in one pan, which makes cleanup easy!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup white wine (or extra chicken broth)
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 sprig of fresh thyme)
1 bay leaf
½ cup heavy cream

Directions:

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan.
Sear for 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the onion and mushrooms (if using).
Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan.
Add the chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf.

Step 4: Simmer the chicken

Return the chicken to the pan, skin side up.
Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, until the chicken is tender.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for 2 more minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips

For extra richness, add a splash of lemon juice at the end.
Use boneless chicken if you prefer a quicker cooking time.
Don’t skip the searing step—it adds so much flavor!
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for milk or Greek yogurt.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully in a pan over low heat.

Can I freeze Chicken Fricassee?
Yes, but freeze it without the cream and add it when reheating.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add extra flour to help thicken it.

Conclusion

This easy Chicken Fricassee is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s a simple one-pan dish that feels fancy but is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your kitchen!

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