Discover the heartwarming flavors of Classic Chicken Fricassee, a traditional dish that brings comfort to any table. This recipe, with its tender chicken simmered in a creamy, herb-infused sauce, is not only a tribute to culinary simplicity but also a journey to homely, rustic flavors that have been cherished for generations.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
Genuine Nutritional Profile (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
Ingredients
- Chicken (cut into pieces): 1 kg (2.2 lbs / 35 oz)
- Unsalted butter: 60g (2.1 oz)
- All-purpose flour: 50g (1.8 oz)
- Chicken broth: 500ml (17 oz)
- Heavy cream: 240ml (8 oz)
- Carrots, sliced: 200g (7 oz)
- Onions, chopped: 150g (5.3 oz)
- Garlic, minced: 20g (0.7 oz)
- Fresh thyme: 5g (0.2 oz)
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 10g (0.35 oz)
- Bay leaves: 2
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Chicken: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Vegetable Sauté: In the same pot, add onions and carrots, and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Making the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Simmer: Return the chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth, cream, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Brown the Chicken Well: The browning of the chicken not only adds flavor but also gives the fricassee its characteristic rich color.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmering the dish on a low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become exceptionally tender.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley significantly enhance the flavor. If unavailable, dried herbs can be used, but in smaller quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted as bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken Fricassee often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
You can use coconut cream or a rich nut milk as a substitute, although the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms, peas, or leeks make great additions to this dish.