Chicken Fricassée (quick French chicken stew) Recipe

Chicken Fricassée is a classic French dish that features tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy white sauce with vegetables. This quick version simplifies the traditional recipe, making it accessible for weeknight dinners while still delivering rich flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces (skinless and boneless)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

2. Brown the Chicken:

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the sliced carrots and mushrooms, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. Make the Sauce:

• Return the browned chicken to the skillet.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard (if using), and dried thyme.

5. Simmer:

• Reduce the heat to low and let the fricassée simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve:

• Serve the chicken fricassée over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips:

• You can add other vegetables such as peas or green beans for added color and nutrition.
• For a richer flavor, you can sauté the mushrooms in a little white wine before adding the broth.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep.

Enjoy your Chicken Fricassée, a comforting dish that’s sure to impress with its classic French flavors!