Chicken Fricassee

Indulge in the timeless comfort of this dish, which brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions. The star of the dish is tender, free-range chicken, complemented by the rich flavours of portobello mushrooms, shallots, and a creamy sour cream sauce. It is sure to become a family favourite. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and comforting meal.

• 4 free-range chicken breasts, halved (chicken drumstick or thighs can also be used)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Olive oil
• 300g portobello mushrooms, sliced
• 4 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, zested
• 2 large sprigs thyme
• 350ml chicken stock
• 100ml white wine or 50ml white wine vinegar mixed with 50ml water
• 500ml sour cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Flat leaf parsley to garnish

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt. Heat a Le Creuset 24cm Round Casserole over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Once hot, sear all the chicken pieces in batches until golden but not fully cooked. Add half the butter and baste the chicken in the melted foamy butter. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the remaining butter; once melted and foamy, sauté the shallots until soft. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Remove the shallots and garlic from the pan. Add the mushrooms and sauté until golden.

Return the shallots and garlic to the pan and add the lemon zest and thyme. Deglaze the pan with the white wine or white wine vinegar. Reduce by a half. Season and add the stock and reduce by a third.

Add the sour cream to the casserole and stir well to incorporate. Season and add the seared chicken breasts into the sauce. Place the lid on the casserole and simmer over a very low heat until the chicken is cooked for 5-8 minutes. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and chopped parsley or fresh thyme.