Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Adapt to your taste
This is where you can customize it with variations and substitutions.
chicken options
- Any type of chicken will do as long as you adjust the cooking times. I prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for added flavor. In fact, I try to buy kosher chicken because it’s already brined (more flavorful and juicy). For the best flavor, stick to chicken drumsticks and thighs. But the breasts also stay moist in this dish, as they cook with the sauce.
- You can even use boneless chicken (see shortcuts). The cooking time will be much less.
vegetable options
- The vegetables you choose have to withstand the baking process. Very soft ones like zucchini can spoil too much
- The most common are mushrooms (any kind), onions (any kind, but pearls are the most common), and carrots. Small mushrooms are ideal as they do not need to be cut. The cremini mushrooms are also good.
- Other good vegetables are baby potatoes (cut in half), red bell peppers, celery, and squash.
wine options
- Some good ones are Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, and Sauvingnon Blanc.
- If you don’t want to use wine, add more broth and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- I also like to use sherry or fortified wine for a very rich flavor.
flavor options
- Thyme, rosemary, oregano, dill, and tarragon are all good choices (and will flavor the dish very differently).
dietary options
- If it is dairy-free, skip the cream. Or use a dairy-free creamer. You can also substitute coconut milk for the cream, but the flavor will be altered.
- For gluten-free products, use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch mix.
- Try replacing the cream with sour cream or plain yogurt.
shortcuts
- You can greatly reduce your chicken fricassee recipe prep time by using boneless chicken. If the pieces are fairly thin (or cut into chunks), you can cook them completely in the frying step and skip the oven step altogether. Thicker boneless chicken may need 10 to 15 minutes in the oven.
- Buy pre-washed baby spinach if using (optional).
forward and store
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or freeze it for up to 2 months.
- The entire recipe can be made ahead of time and then heated in the oven before serving. Or keep warm, covered, in the oven on low/warm for 30 to 45 minutes.
Chicken Fricassee Recipe
You’ll love this simplified recipe for Chicken Fricassee, a classic French dish of chicken and vegetables in a creamy wine sauce. Rustic, versatile and delicious.
