Chicken Fricassee - quick French Chicken Stew

### **🍗 Chicken Fricassee – Quick & Creamy French Chicken Stew 🇫🇷**

Chicken Fricassee is a **classic French dish** featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy white sauce with mushrooms and vegetables. It’s elegant yet easy to make!

---

### **🛒 Ingredients:**

#### **For the Chicken:**
- **4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs** (or boneless if preferred)
- **Salt & black pepper** (to taste)
- **½ tsp paprika** (optional)
- **2 tbsp olive oil**
- **2 tbsp unsalted butter**

#### **For the Sauce:**
- **1 small onion** (chopped)
- **2 carrots** (sliced)
- **2 cloves garlic** (minced)
- **8 oz mushrooms** (sliced)
- **1 tbsp all-purpose flour**
- **½ cup white wine** (or chicken broth)
- **1½ cups chicken broth**
- **½ cup heavy cream**
- **1 tsp fresh thyme** (or ½ tsp dried)
- **1 bay leaf**

---

### **🔪 Instructions:**

#### **1️⃣ Sear the Chicken:**
- Season chicken with **salt, pepper, and paprika**.
- Heat **olive oil and butter** in a deep skillet over **medium-high heat**.
- Sear chicken for **4-5 minutes per side** until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

#### **2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:**
- In the same pan, add **onions, carrots, and mushrooms**. Cook for **5 minutes** until softened.
- Add **garlic** and cook for **30 seconds** until fragrant.
- Sprinkle **flour** over the vegetables and stir for **1 minute** to remove the raw taste.

#### **3️⃣ Deglaze & Simmer:**
- Pour in **white wine** and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Let it cook for **2 minutes**.
- Add **chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf**. Return chicken to the pan.
- Cover and simmer for **20 minutes** until the chicken is tender.

#### **4️⃣ Finish with Cream:**
- Stir in **heavy cream** and let the sauce thicken for **3-5 minutes**.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.

#### **5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!**
- Garnish with **fresh parsley** and serve with **mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread**.

---

### **🍷 Perfect Pairing:**
Pair with **Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc** for a true French bistro experience! 🇫🇷🍷

Would you like a variation or side dish recommendation? 😊