Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 4 · Technique: Sautéing · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.Quick Answer
This comforting Chicken Fricassee with Shallots and Bacon is a heartwarming dish perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings, combining crispy bacon and tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce.There's something so comforting about a pot of Chicken Fricassee simmering on the stove, especially as the chill of fall begins to set in here in New York City. As the leaves turn gold and crimson, I find myself craving heartwarming, cozy dishes that feel like a big hug. This Chicken Fricassee with Shallots and Bacon is not just any comfort food-it's a culinary classic that strikes a balance between richness and freshness, making it a perfect dish for both Thanksgiving gatherings and intimate holiday dinners.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Fricassee with Shallots and Bacon is a classic comfort dish that warm your soul during chilly fall evenings.
- The combination of crispy bacon and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering layering of flavors that will impress your family and guests.
- It's an adaptable recipe perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special holiday gatherings.
- The creamy sauce can be paired with buttery mashed potatoes or herbed rice, making every bite a delight.
- With the option to make it ahead of time, this dish simplifies your entertaining, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones.
Ingredients
This Chicken Fricassee with Shallots and Bacon brings together comfort and flavor in every bite. Here's what you'll need:
Chicken and Aromatics
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 medium shallots, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
Bacon and Fats
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
Liquids and Seasoning
- 1 cup of dry white wine (I prefer Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Fricassee with Shallots and Bacon (Step-by-Step)
Get ready to savor the rich flavors of this delightful dish. Follow these steps to create a pot of Chicken Fricassee that will warm your heart.
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
In a large cast-iron skillet, heat over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy-it's one of my favorite parts, as the smoky aroma fills the kitchen and ignites anticipation. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high and add a splash of olive oil along with the butter. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear until beautifully golden, about 5-7 minutes. Flip to the other side and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The sound of crackling skin is music to my ears!
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the chicken is browned, remove it and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped shallots to the skillet. Sauté until they become translucent, stirring occasionally to scrape up those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add the minced garlic and thyme, sautéing for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the shallot mixture, stirring to combine and cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Pour in the white wine, scraping the pan to deglaze, and allow it to reduce by half while simmering (the tangy aroma will make you swoon!).
Step 5: Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and return the chicken thighs (and the crispy bacon, of course) to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 6: Finish with Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes longer, letting it thicken and develop a velvety texture. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Step 7: Serve
This dish pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes or a simple herbed rice, perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the browning-this step builds essential flavor.
- Overcrowding the pan-cook chicken in batches to avoid steaming.
- Ignoring the deglazing process-this leads to missed deep, rich flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Consider using smoked paprika in addition to the thyme for extra depth of flavor.
- Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- This dish is even better the next day-make it ahead for easier entertaining.
Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Use leeks instead of shallots for a milder onion flavor.
- Replace white wine with chicken stock for a non-alcoholic version.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
How to Serve
- Pair with buttery mashed potatoes for a cozy meal.
- Serve over herbed rice to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Accompany with crusty bread for dipping.
- Top with additional fresh herbs for garnish.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to step 5, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash more cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze due to the cream and texture changes.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through my testing of this recipe, I discovered that the layers of flavor developed in this fricassee truly improve with a little extra time on the simmer-the waiting is worth it! Also, that crispy bacon always elevates the dish and adds that cherished crunch amidst the creamy goodness.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~550 calories · 30g protein · 10g carbs · 45g fat
Recipe by:
Comforting Chicken Fricassee with Bacon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large cast-iron skillet, heat over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, add a splash of olive oil and the butter, then sear the chicken skin-side down until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside. Reduce heat to medium, add shallots and sauté until translucent. Add garlic and thyme, and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the shallot mixture, stirring to combine. Pour in the white wine, scraping the pan to deglaze, then reduce by half.
- Pour in chicken broth and return chicken and bacon to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and let simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until thickened. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with buttery mashed potatoes or herbed rice to soak up the sauce.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but be mindful that the cooking time may be shorter since they cook faster without the bone. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. What can I substitute for dry white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or a mixture of chicken broth and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving. The flavors may even deepen overnight.
4. What are some side dishes that pair well with Chicken Fricassee?
This dish pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, herbed rice, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness of the fricassee.
5. How do I store leftovers properly?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, you can add a splash of cream or broth to reach your desired consistency.
