Chicken fricassee is one of those comforting dishes that feels both rustic and refined. With its roots in classic French cooking and a long-standing place in traditional British kitchens, this dish brings tender chicken, a savoury white sauce, and hearty vegetables together in a single pan. A simple chicken fricassee recipe adapted to UK ingredients and preferences makes this dish an easy, family-friendly meal without losing its rich, old-world charm. Whether served with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread, chicken fricassee delivers warming satisfaction with every bite.
What is Chicken Fricassee?
Chicken fricassee is a cross between a sauté and a stew. Unlike a standard stew where meat is browned and simmered in broth, fricassee starts by gently sautéing the meat without browning, then cooking it slowly in a creamy, often herbed sauce. The result is a silky, comforting dish that’s packed with flavour but light in texture.
In the UK, a chicken fricassee recipe often includes familiar ingredients such as carrots, leeks, mushrooms, and cream. It’s a meal that works well for a casual family dinner or even a Sunday lunch.
Ingredients for Simple Chicken Fricassee
This simple chicken fricassee recipe focuses on ease and flavour. It uses ingredients commonly found in British kitchens, making it an approachable and satisfying option for any home cook.
Essential Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs, skinless and bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 leek, trimmed and chopped
- 150g button mushrooms, halved
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 500ml chicken stock
- 100ml double cream
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Chicken Fricassee
This simple step-by-step method helps even beginner cooks make a rich and creamy chicken fricassee with ease. Each stage builds flavour and texture while keeping the process manageable.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a large deep frying pan or casserole, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until lightly golden but not deeply browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and leek. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. This forms the aromatic base of the dish.
Step 3: Add the Flour and Herbs
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Add the thyme and bay leaf, giving everything a gentle stir.
Step 4: Add Stock and Simmer
Pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook gently for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the double cream. Simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving. The creamy sauce and tender chicken pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a warm loaf of crusty bread.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fricassee
To make this classic chicken dish truly shine, here are a few practical tips tailored for UK home cooks:
- Use bone-in thighs: They offer more flavour and stay juicier than breast meat during simmering.
- Don’t skip the flour: It’s key to thickening the sauce and giving it that signature creamy texture.
- Simmer gently: Low and slow cooking ensures the chicken remains tender without drying out.
- Add peas or green beans: For extra colour and nutrition, stir in some green veg during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
While chicken fricassee is satisfying on its own, the right side dishes can elevate the meal even further. Here are a few popular serving options:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mash soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Buttered new potatoes: A classic pairing with any British chicken dish.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of creamy fricassee sauce.
- Steamed rice: A lighter, gluten-free alternative that works well.
Storage and Reheating
One of the great things about chicken fricassee is how well it stores. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavours continue to develop.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.
- Reheat gently: Warm on the hob over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this may cause the cream to split.
Why This Recipe Works for UK Home Cooks
This simple chicken fricassee recipe uses ingredients that are easy to find in any UK supermarket. It doesn’t require fancy techniques or specialist equipment, which makes it ideal for weekday dinners or Sunday meals. Plus, the creamy, savoury sauce appeals to adults and children alike. It’s a flexible dish that fits modern lifestyles while delivering traditional comfort.
Customising the Recipe
You can tailor the dish based on what you have available. For instance:
- Use chicken breast for a leaner option, though it may be less juicy.
- Swap mushrooms for courgettes or spinach to change the flavour profile.
- Add a splash of white wine after cooking the flour to deepen the sauce’s flavour.
With just a few tweaks, this dish can become a household favourite that’s slightly different each time you make it.
Chicken fricassee is a timeless recipe that blends ease with elegance. This simple chicken fricassee recipe UK-style gives you all the warmth of a classic dish with minimal effort and maximum flavour. With tender chicken thighs, creamy sauce, and plenty of vegetables, it’s a recipe worth adding to your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this comforting dish will always satisfy.