Chicken Fricassée with Shallots and Bacon is a comforting and flavorful French dish that combines seared chicken thighs with sweet, caramelized shallots, crispy bacon, and a touch of white wine. This easy-to-make one-pan recipe is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. It’s a classic French recipe that’s both hearty and elegant, perfect for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper

• 2 slices bacon, cut into fine strips

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

• 8 shallots (about 400g total), peeled and cut in half (or quarters if too big)

• 7-8 sprigs fresh thyme

• ⅓ cup dry white wine

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: 2-3 hours before cooking, rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat-dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Let the chicken rest at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) with a rack in the middle.

2. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large oven-safe frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon strips and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.

3. Sear the Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan with the bacon drippings. When the butter sizzles, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and set aside.

4. Cook the Shallots and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Add the shallots and garlic and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are tender and caramelized. Some shallots may separate, which is fine.

5. Braise the Chicken: Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan. Pour the white wine over the chicken, top with bacon and thyme, and season with additional pepper if desired. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 30 minutes (uncovered).

6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve.

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approx.)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 24g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 120mg

• Sodium: 850mg

• Potassium: 400mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

• Vitamin A: 500 IU

• Vitamin C: 6mg

• Calcium: 45mg

• Iron: 2.5mg

The Beauty of French Fricassée

Fricassée is a French method of cooking where meat—typically chicken—is braised in a flavorful sauce. Unlike a traditional stew, a fricassée is typically lighter and often uses ingredients like wine, butter, and stock to create a rich but not overly heavy sauce. In Chicken Fricassée with Shallots and Bacon, the braising liquid is enriched with the savory flavors of crispy bacon and caramelized shallots, while the chicken thighs remain juicy and tender thanks to the searing and braising process.

This method of cooking is not only delicious but also practical. The one-pan preparation makes cleanup easy, while the use of simple, accessible ingredients ensures that the dish is as approachable as it is impressive. The rich, aromatic sauce is what truly sets this dish apart, absorbing all the flavors from the bacon, shallots, garlic, and white wine to create a silky, flavorful coating for the chicken.

The Role of Shallots and Bacon

The shallots and bacon play a crucial role in giving this dish its unique flavor profile. Shallots are milder and sweeter than regular onions, and when caramelized, they take on a delicate, almost buttery flavor that adds depth to the dish. Their sweetness balances out the savory chicken and bacon, while their tender texture adds a contrast to the crispy skin of the chicken.

Bacon brings both flavor and texture to the dish. As it crisps up, it infuses the pan with a rich, smoky aroma that enhances the overall dish. The rendered bacon fat also contributes to the depth of the sauce, infusing it with a savory umami taste that complements the chicken perfectly. Adding the bacon to the braising liquid as the dish bakes in the oven ensures that it retains its crispiness, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.

A Perfectly Balanced Sauce

The sauce for Chicken Fricassée with Shallots and Bacon is where the magic happens. The combination of garlic, white wine, and thyme creates a fragrant base that is both light and complex. White wine adds acidity and a slight tang, which helps cut through the richness of the bacon and chicken, while the fresh thyme provides an earthy, aromatic note that ties all the flavors together.

The addition of chicken stock or even a bit of water helps to create the right consistency for the sauce, making it rich enough to coat the chicken while still being light enough to allow the individual flavors to shine. The braising process in the oven allows the chicken to absorb all these flavors, resulting in a tender, juicy chicken with a beautifully flavorful sauce.

Cooking Process: Simple Yet Elegant

One of the best things about Chicken Fricassée with Shallots and Bacon is how simple the preparation is. The recipe involves basic techniques like searing, caramelizing, and braising, all of which add depth to the flavor without requiring complex cooking methods. The chicken thighs are first seasoned and seared in the pan to develop a golden-brown crust, which adds texture and flavor to the finished dish.

After searing, the shallots and garlic are cooked in the same pan, allowing them to absorb the flavorful drippings left from the chicken. Once the shallots are caramelized and tender, the chicken is nestled back into the pan, and the white wine, bacon, and thyme are added before everything is transferred to the oven to bake. The oven does most of the work here, braising the chicken in the rich, flavorful sauce and allowing all the ingredients to meld together.

This cooking method ensures that the chicken remains moist and flavorful, while the sauce becomes perfectly seasoned and rich. The dish requires very little active work, making it ideal for busy weeknights or for preparing in advance.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Fricassée with Shallots and Bacon is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. The creamy mashed potatoes would soak up the rich sauce, creating a satisfying bite, while roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts would add both color and texture to the meal.

For a lighter option, you could serve the dish with a simple side salad, perhaps with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the chicken and bacon. A fresh green salad or a mixed greens salad with lemon and olive oil would add brightness and crunch, making the dish feel more balanced.

For a more hearty meal, serve the Chicken Fricassée over a bed of rice or quinoa, allowing the grains to absorb the flavorful sauce and making for a filling dinner. The leftovers are just as delicious, making this a great dish for meal prep or making ahead.

Nutritional Information

While Chicken Fricassée with Shallots and Bacon is certainly indulgent, it’s still a relatively healthy dish when enjoyed in moderation. Each serving contains about 350 calories, providing a satisfying meal without being overly heavy. With 28 grams of protein, the dish is filling and provides a good source of lean protein from the chicken. The fat content (20g) comes mostly from the chicken and bacon, with 7 grams of saturated fat, which is typical of richer dishes like this one.

The dish is also a good source of potassium (400mg), which is important for heart health and muscle function. With 4 grams of fiber, it helps with digestion and contributes to feelings of fullness. The sodium content (600mg) is moderate, but if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or adjust the seasonings to reduce it. The dish also provides 2.5mg of iron, which is essential for red blood cell production and overall health.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Satisfying Dish

Chicken Fricassée with Shallots and Bacon is a beautifully balanced dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with savory bacon, sweet shallots, and a flavorful white wine sauce. Its simplicity in preparation belies the depth of flavor it delivers, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or a light salad, this dish offers the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. With its combination of sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors, Chicken Fricassée is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.