Freezer Meals

Chicken Fricassee

Name: Chicken Fricassee
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

By Reuben Jardine · June 19, 2026 · Freezer Meals

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also convenient and easy to make ahead. Chicken Fricassee is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes. It's a classic French recipe that's been adapted and modified over time to suit modern tastes and ingredients.

I remember the first time I made Chicken Fricassee, I was impressed by how flavorful and tender the chicken was, and how well the dish reheated. Since then, it's become a staple in my household, and I love making it for my family and friends.

What makes Chicken Fricassee special is the combination of chicken, mushrooms, and creamy sauce, all cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful broth. It's a dish that's perfect for weeknights, as it can be made ahead and reheated with ease. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make Chicken Fricassee from scratch, using simple and accessible ingredients. We'll go through the step-by-step process of preparing the dish, from marinating the chicken to cooking the sauce and assembling the final product.

Whether you're a busy home cook or just looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, Chicken Fricassee is a great option. It's easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for reheating and serving throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make ahead and reheat
Perfect for weeknights and busy schedules
Delicious and flavorful, with a rich and creamy sauce
Can be made with simple and accessible ingredients
Great for meal prep and reheating throughout the week
Impressive and satisfying, perfect for special occasions
Can be customized with your favorite ingredients and spices

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Chicken Fricassee is in the cooking technique. By browning the chicken and cooking the mushrooms in a hot pan, we create a rich and flavorful base for the dish. The addition of creamy sauce and chicken broth helps to balance out the flavors and adds moisture to the chicken.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layers. By cooking the chicken, mushrooms, and sauce separately and then combining them, we create a dish that's full of depth and complexity. This layered approach also helps to prevent the chicken from becoming dry and overcooked.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, we allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender and moist. This step is often overlooked, but it makes a big difference in the final product.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Chicken Fricassee, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. We'll be using a combination of chicken, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and creamy sauce to create a rich and flavorful dish. Be sure to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final product.

One of the key ingredients in this recipe is the chicken. We'll be using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are perfect for cooking in a hot pan and absorbing all the flavorful juices. We'll also be using a mix of mushrooms, including button and cremini, which add a nice texture and flavor to the dish.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinlessChoose fresh and high-quality chicken, and make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture
2 cups mixed mushrooms, slicedUse a combination of button, cremini, and shiitake mushrooms for the best flavor and texture
1 large onion, choppedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor
3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely to release its natural oils and flavor
1 cup all-purpose flourUse a high-quality all-purpose flour that's fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long
2 cups chicken brothUse low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish
1 cup heavy creamUse high-quality heavy cream that's fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long
2 tbsp butterUse high-quality butter that's fresh and has a good flavor
1 tsp dried thymeUse fresh or dried thyme, depending on what's available and in season
1/2 tsp saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor
1/4 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor and texture

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaWhisk

How to Make Chicken Fricassee

1
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme, making sure to coat them evenly
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side
3
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet
4
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they're tender and lightly browned, about 5 minutes
5
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes
6
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning
7
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions in the skillet, then cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly
8
Gradually add the chicken broth to the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then bring the mixture to a boil
9
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon
10
Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and creamy
11
Add the browned chicken thighs back to the skillet, then simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C)
12
Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the chopped parsley and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste
13
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, then serve it with the creamy sauce spooned over the top

Expert Tips

Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture
Use a combination of mushrooms for the best flavor and texture
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough
Let the sauce simmer for at least 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor
Stir in the heavy cream just before serving, as it can curdle if heated too long
Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture
Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can prevent the chicken and mushrooms from cooking evenly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough
Not browning the chicken and mushrooms enough, which can result in a lack of flavor
Not simmering the sauce long enough, which can prevent it from thickening and developing flavor
Adding too much cream, which can make the sauce too rich and overpowering
Not seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper, which can result in a bland and unappetizing flavor
Not letting the chicken rest before serving, which can make it difficult to slice and serve

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or carrots to the skillet with the onions and mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition
Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a unique flavor and texture
Add some dried or fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the sauce for added depth and complexity
Use chicken breast instead of thighs, but be aware that it may cook more quickly and be more prone to drying out
Add some grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor
Serve the Chicken Fricassee with some crusty bread or over egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal
Use a combination of chicken and pork or beef for a more complex and interesting flavor profile

What to Serve With Chicken Fricassee

Chicken Fricassee is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. One of the most popular ways to serve it is over egg noodles, which provides a nice contrast in texture to the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

You can also serve it with some crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta, which is perfect for dipping into the rich and flavorful sauce. Alternatively, you can serve it with some roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, for a lighter and healthier option.

Serve with egg noodlesServe with crusty breadServe with roasted vegetablesServe with mashed potatoesServe with a side salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Chicken Fricassee is a great dish to make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer. To store it in the fridge, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze it, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until it's hot and bubbly.

One of the best things about Chicken Fricassee is that it reheats beautifully, and can even be improved by a day or two in the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep, as you can make it on the weekend and reheat it throughout the week.

When reheating Chicken Fricassee, make sure to heat it gently and patiently, as high heat can cause the sauce to break and the chicken to become dry. You can reheat it in the oven at 300-350°F (150-175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or on the stovetop over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Fricassee ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chicken Fricassee ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. It's a great option for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully and can even be improved by a day or two in the fridge.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs, but be aware that it may cook more quickly and be more prone to drying out. Thighs are generally better for Chicken Fricassee because they stay moist and tender.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers or carrots, to add flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to cook them until they're tender before adding the cream and chicken broth.

Can I serve Chicken Fricassee with other sides?

Yes, you can serve Chicken Fricassee with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. It's a versatile dish that can be paired with many different options.

How long does Chicken Fricassee last in the fridge?

Chicken Fricassee can last for up to 3 days in the fridge, as long as it's stored in an airtight container and refrigerated at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

Can I freeze Chicken Fricassee?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Fricassee for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze.

How do I reheat Chicken Fricassee?

You can reheat Chicken Fricassee in the oven at 300-350°F (150-175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or on the stovetop over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Just be sure to heat it gently and patiently, as high heat can cause the sauce to break and the chicken to become dry.

Is Chicken Fricassee a healthy dish?

Chicken Fricassee can be a healthy dish, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes. It's a good source of protein and fiber, and can be made with a variety of vegetables and whole grains. Just be aware of the amount of cream and butter used in the sauce, as they can add calories and fat.

The Full Recipe

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