Chicken Fricassee: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Chicken fricassee is a timeless dish, appreciated for its tender chicken and rich, flavorful sauce. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a delicious fricassee, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let's dive into the details!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes enough for 4 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (thighs are more flavorful and stay moister than breasts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
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Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Return the Chicken: Add the browned chicken back to the pot. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Stir in Cream and Lemon Juice: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. This adds richness and brightness to the sauce.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This chicken fricassee is delicious served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fricassee:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: When searing the chicken, work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Low and slow is key: Simmering the chicken gently allows it to become incredibly tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the fricassee and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
- Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! It can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the vegetables for an earthy flavor.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or tarragon.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like peas or green beans during the last few minutes of cooking.
This chicken fricassee recipe is a delightful and relatively easy way to enjoy a classic dish. The rich sauce and tender chicken are sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!
