Chicken Fricassee Recipe Easy Made in One Pot (Family-Friendly & Cozy)
As a chef and longtime food writer, I’ve cooked hundreds of stews, soups, and comfort meals over the years. But every winter, I find myself coming back to one dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl: chicken fricassee. When I started testing this chicken fricassee recipe easy version, my goal was simple—create a classic French dish that feels luxurious yet approachable, healthy enough for clean eating, and realistic for a family friendly dinner on a busy weeknight.
This recipe is made in one pot (or as my grandma charmingly called it, a ne pot meal), which means fewer dishes, deeper flavor, and more time to actually enjoy dinner. It’s creamy without being heavy, cozy without being complicated, and perfect for cozy winter meals when you crave real homemade comfort.
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What Is Chicken Fricassee? A Classic French Stew
Chicken fricassee is a classic French stew that sits somewhere between a sauté and a braise. Traditionally, chicken is gently cooked, then simmered in a creamy sauce with aromatics and herbs. Unlike heavily browned stews, fricassee focuses on tenderness and a silky, comforting sauce.
In my professional kitchen days, fricassee was often reserved for long, slow service nights. But at home, I wanted a version that felt simple, quick, and doable—without sacrificing that traditional French soul. This recipe keeps the essence of the classic dish while turning it into a true weeknight comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Fricassee
- Made in one pot for easy cleanup
- A creamy stew that still fits a healthy lifestyle
- Perfect for clean eating with real, whole ingredients
- Comforting enough for cold nights and cozy winter meals
- Truly a family friendly dinner everyone enjoys
- Easy to adapt with dumplings or without
Ingredients for Chicken Fricassee Recipe Easy
One thing I’ve learned from years of recipe development is that exact measurements matter, especially for creamy sauces. Below are the precise quantities I personally tested in my own kitchen.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900 g) bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced (about 1 cup / 120 g)
- 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or unsweetened oat milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Dumplings
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How to Make Chicken Fricassee in One Pot
This is where the magic happens. I always tell home cooks: trust the process. The layers of flavor build naturally when you don’t rush.
Step 1: Season and Sear
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in butter and flour, cooking for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Stew
Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly. Add milk, cream, thyme, and bay leaf. Return chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until tender.
Recommended Kitchen Tools I Personally Use
After years in both professional and home kitchens, these are tools I genuinely rely on when making homemade stews like this one.
1. Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven retains heat beautifully and cooks evenly, making it perfect for one pot stew recipes like chicken fricassee.
Why I love it: deep flavor, no scorching, perfect for slow simmering.
CTA: Upgrade your cozy cooking—this pot will last you a lifetime.
2. Silicone Whisk
A silicone whisk helps blend flour and liquids smoothly without scratching your pot.
Why I love it: lump-free creamy sauces every time.
CTA: Small tool, big difference—add it to your kitchen today.
3. Wooden Spoon Set
Gentle on cookware and ideal for stirring thick, creamy stews.
Why I love it: control, comfort, and tradition in one tool.
CTA: Cook like a pro with tools that feel just right.
Chicken Fricassee with Dumplings (Optional but Amazing)
When I’m cooking for my family on especially cold nights, I almost always add dumplings. They turn this dish into the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
Mix flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and butter until just combined. Drop spoonfuls onto the simmering stew, cover, and cook for 12 minutes until fluffy.
Serving Ideas for a Family Friendly Dinner
- Serve as-is for a clean eating meal
- Pair with steamed green beans or a simple salad
- Add dumplings for extra coziness
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen
Writing and testing this chicken fricassee recipe easy reminded me why I fell in love with cooking. It’s not about perfection—it’s about warmth, nourishment, and sharing something truly comforting. This classic, simple, and quick dish has earned a permanent place in my winter rotation, and I hope it does in yours too.
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