Creamy Chicken Fricassee with Vegetables Recipe
Introduction
Chicken fricassee is a classic French dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This comforting meal blends fragrant herbs and vegetables, making it perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 8 chicken thighs and legs (combined)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (cut in large pieces)
- 3-4 sprigs thyme (leaves only)
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large deep pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate. Discard excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Sauté the chopped onions and carrots over low heat for 7-10 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme leaves, cooking briefly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously until the flour is fully absorbed and the mixture smells nutty. Pour in the white wine and simmer until it reduces slightly. Then add the chicken stock and stir well.
- Step 4: Return the browned chicken along with any accumulated juices to the pan. Transfer the pan uncovered to the oven and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream until fully combined. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth of flavor, add mushrooms or pearl onions along with the carrots for a heartier dish.
- If you don’t have white wine, dry vermouth or additional chicken stock can be used as a substitute.
- To achieve a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a few extra minutes on the stove before baking.
Storage
Store leftover chicken fricassee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and legs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out faster. Reduce baking time and watch closely to keep the meat tender.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken in the pan before baking?
Browning the chicken first adds flavor and texture, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly in the oven.
PrintCreamy Chicken Fricassee with Vegetables Recipe
This classic Chicken Fricassee recipe features tender chicken thighs and legs simmered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with white wine, garlic, thyme, and fresh vegetables. Browned first on the stove and then baked to perfection, this comforting dish delivers a delightful blend of savory flavors and a velvety texture, perfect for a hearty family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 8 chicken thighs and legs (combined)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, cut into large pieces
- 3–4 sprigs thyme (leaves only)
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare and Brown the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and brown each side for about 4 minutes until golden but not fully cooked through. Remove the browned chicken to a plate and set aside. Discard excess fat from the pan, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon behind.
- Sauté Vegetables and Make Roux: Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan. Over low heat, sauté the chopped onions and carrot pieces for 7 to 10 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking briefly for about 30 seconds to release their aromas. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir constantly until the flour has fully absorbed the fat and the mixture emits a nutty aroma.
- Deglaze and Add Stock: Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and simmer the mixture until the wine reduces slightly. Then, add 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Bake the Chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces along with any accumulated juices back into the pan. Place the pan uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish with Cream and Season: Remove the pan from the oven and stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve the chicken fricassee warm, spooned with the luscious sauce.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs and legs as recommended, or substitute with bone-in chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a richer sauce, you may add a splash more cream or a knob of butter at the end.
- Serve this dish with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes on the stove after baking before adding the cream.
- Fresh thyme leaves are recommended for the best flavor, but dried thyme can be used in a pinch (reduce quantity to about 1 teaspoon).
Keywords: Chicken Fricassee, Chicken thighs and legs, Creamy chicken dish, French chicken recipe, One-pan chicken, Comfort food

