This Fricassee of Chicken and Tarragon with Morel Mushrooms is a classic French dish that brings warmth and elegance to your dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, earthy morel mushrooms, and aromatic tarragon is enhanced by a rich, creamy sauce. With just a hint of white wine to deepen the flavors, this dish is both comforting and refined.
Perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner, this one-pan recipe is simple yet impressive. Serve it with crusty bread, over pasta, or alongside buttery mashed potatoes for a meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Whether you’re a fan of French cuisine or just love creamy, herbaceous chicken dishes, this recipe will become a new favorite in your collection.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 shallot, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup dry white wine
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1 cup chicken stock
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup morel mushrooms, cleaned and halved
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1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, shallots, and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce by half.
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Add the chicken stock and morel mushrooms, then return the chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Stir in the heavy cream and fresh tarragon, cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Serve warm with crusty bread or over buttered noodles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Fricassee of Chicken and Tarragon with Morel Mushrooms – A French Classic
Chicken fricassee is a timeless dish that perfectly balances simplicity with gourmet flavors. Rooted in French culinary tradition, this recipe brings together succulent chicken, earthy morel mushrooms, and fragrant tarragon in a velvety, cream-based sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning to explore French cuisine, this dish is a must-try for anyone who appreciates rich, comforting flavors with a touch of elegance.
What is Chicken Fricassee?
Fricassee is a classic French cooking method that falls somewhere between sautéing and stewing. Traditionally, the meat is first browned in butter or oil before being gently simmered in a flavorful liquid, often enhanced with wine, stock, and cream. The result is a dish that is both deeply satisfying and beautifully tender.
Unlike a typical stew, which relies on slow cooking in a large amount of liquid, a fricassee requires only a moderate amount of sauce, allowing the flavors to concentrate while still keeping the meat juicy. In this recipe, the combination of tender chicken thighs, umami-packed morel mushrooms, and fresh tarragon creates a meal that is both comforting and refined.
The Magic of Morel Mushrooms
One of the highlights of this dish is the inclusion of morel mushrooms. These delicate, honeycomb-shaped fungi are highly prized for their deep, nutty flavor and meaty texture. Morels grow in the wild during spring and early summer, making them a sought-after seasonal ingredient.
Their slightly smoky and earthy taste pairs beautifully with creamy sauces, enhancing the richness of the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. If you can’t find fresh morels, dried ones are a great substitute. Simply rehydrate them in warm water before adding them to the dish, and you’ll still get that unmistakable depth of flavor.
The Role of Tarragon in French Cuisine
Tarragon is another key component of this recipe. This aromatic herb has a slightly anise-like flavor with hints of sweetness and pepper, making it a staple in many classic French dishes. Tarragon adds a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
French tarragon is the preferred variety for cooking, as it has a more intense and refined taste compared to Russian or Mexican tarragon. It pairs exceptionally well with chicken, fish, and creamy sauces, which is why it’s a standout ingredient in this fricassee.
The Perfect Sauce – A Blend of Comfort and Elegance
The sauce in this chicken fricassee is what truly elevates the dish. Made with a combination of white wine, chicken stock, and heavy cream, it creates a luxurious texture that coats the chicken and mushrooms beautifully.
The wine adds acidity and depth, while the stock provides a savory backbone. Heavy cream ties everything together, giving the sauce its signature smoothness. When combined with the umami of the mushrooms and the aromatic tarragon, it results in a well-rounded, restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home.
Serving Suggestions – What to Pair with Chicken Fricassee
A dish this rich and flavorful deserves equally delicious accompaniments. Here are some of the best ways to serve your chicken fricassee:
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Crusty Bread: A fresh baguette or sourdough is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
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Buttered Noodles: Egg noodles or fresh pasta provide a great base to absorb the flavors of the dish.
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Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that enhances the comforting nature of the meal.
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Steamed Rice: A lighter option that lets the flavors of the sauce shine.
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Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted carrots, asparagus, or green beans add a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.
If you’re serving this for a dinner party, a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc makes a wonderful pairing, as its acidity helps balance out the creaminess of the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Fricassee
While this recipe is relatively simple, a few key tips can help you achieve the best results:
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Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs: They have more flavor and tenderness than chicken breasts, making them ideal for this dish.
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Sear the chicken properly: Browning the meat before simmering locks in flavor and creates a beautiful color for the final dish.
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Don’t rush the sauce: Allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally ensures the best texture and concentration of flavors.
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Adjust seasoning gradually: Because the sauce reduces, flavors become more intense over time. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
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Use fresh herbs whenever possible: Fresh tarragon provides a brighter, more vibrant taste compared to dried herbs.
Why This Recipe Works for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner, preparing a romantic meal for two, or impressing guests at a dinner party, this chicken fricassee fits the bill.
It feels luxurious and sophisticated yet is easy enough for a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Conclusion
Fricassee of Chicken and Tarragon with Morel Mushrooms is the perfect blend of rustic comfort and elegant French cooking. The tender chicken, rich sauce, and earthy mushrooms create a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent, making it a recipe worth adding to your collection.
With its depth of flavor, creamy texture, and aromatic herbs, this dish is a standout meal that will impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting to explore classic French recipes, this fricassee is a delicious and rewarding dish that brings warmth and sophistication to the table.
Enjoy it with a glass of wine, good company, and plenty of fresh bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce!