Introduction
Creamy chicken fricassée is a classic comfort dish that proves you don’t need complicated steps or expensive ingredients to cook something truly delicious. Perfect for beginners and busy home cooks, this recipe transforms leftover chicken into a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal that works just as well for everyday lunches as it does for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 oz) cooked, shredded chicken
- 200 to 250 ml (¾ to 1 cup) chicken cooking broth
- Substitution: water if broth is unavailable
- 2 cans corn
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
- ½ small carton heavy cream
- 1 container creamy cheese spread (requeijão-style or cream cheese)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Green onions or fresh herbs, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Shredded or sliced cheese, for topping
- Shoestring potatoes, to taste
How to Make Creamy Chicken Fricassée
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sauté the chopped onion until lightly golden.
- Add the garlic and sauté briefly, stirring to avoid burning.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, season lightly with salt, and cook until they break down into a sauce.
- In a blender, blend the corn with the chicken broth until creamy. Adjust the texture to your preference.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pan and mix well with the tomato base.
- Pour in the blended corn cream, heavy cream, and creamy cheese spread.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Lower the heat and stir until the mixture becomes very creamy.
- Finish with green onions or fresh herbs and turn off the heat.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with cheese and shoestring potatoes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the top is lightly golden.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Fricassée
- Use chicken cooking broth whenever possible for deeper flavor.
- Blend the corn fully for a smooth cream or pulse lightly for more texture.
- Avoid high heat after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- For a thicker fricassée, let the cream cook a few extra minutes on the stove.
- For a meatless version, replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables or hearts of palm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy white rice for a classic and comforting meal.
- Pair with a simple green salad to balance the creaminess.
- Ideal for weekday lunches, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to restore creaminess.
- Freeze without the shoestring potatoes for up to 2 months. Add them fresh when serving.
Conclusion
This easy creamy chicken fricassée is proof that simple cooking can still deliver incredible flavor. With everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it at home, save it for later, and share it with anyone who enjoys practical, comforting homemade food.