Ninja Foodi Chicken Fricassee
Chicken Fricassee is a classic dish that has stood the test of time, offering comfort and rich flavor in every bite. When made in the Ninja Foodi, this traditional meal transforms into something even more convenient without sacrificing its rustic appeal. By using the pressure cooking and sauté features of the Ninja Foodi, home cooks can save time and still create a deeply flavorful chicken fricassee that’s tender, creamy, and aromatic. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, Ninja Foodi Chicken Fricassee is a delightful, practical recipe that belongs in your rotation.
What Is Chicken Fricassee?
Chicken Fricassee is a French-inspired stew that blends elements of sautéing and braising. Unlike a typical stew where meat is browned and cooked in a dark sauce, fricassee uses a white or light-colored sauce. The chicken is usually seared without browning too much and then simmered with broth, herbs, vegetables, and often finished with cream. This cooking method results in a dish that’s hearty yet delicate, and packed with layers of flavor.
Why Make Chicken Fricassee in the Ninja Foodi?
The Ninja Foodi offers several advantages when preparing chicken fricassee:
- Time-saving: The pressure cooker feature drastically reduces cooking time.
- One-pot cooking: Fewer dishes to wash since all steps from sautéing to simmering are done in one appliance.
- Flavor development: The sauté mode allows proper browning of vegetables and deglazing of the pot to capture rich flavors.
- Tender results: Pressure cooking ensures moist and tender chicken every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Ninja Foodi Chicken Fricassee recipe, you’ll need basic pantry staples along with fresh ingredients. The dish is versatile and you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home.
- 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh sprigs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Turn on the Ninja Foodi and select the sauté function. Add the olive oil and butter to the pot. Once melted, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the chicken pieces. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through; it will finish cooking under pressure.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build Flavor
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir everything together to create a light roux. Add the mushrooms and stir until they begin to release their juices. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. These bits add tons of flavor to your fricassee.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Add the bay leaf and thyme. Close the Ninja Foodi lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the pressure cook function and set it to high for 15 minutes. Once the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before performing a quick release for the remaining steam.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Open the lid and remove the bay leaf. Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream. You can switch back to sauté mode if you’d like to reduce the sauce further and thicken it to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Ninja Foodi Chicken Fricassee hot, garnished with chopped parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a comforting meal that feels both rustic and refined.
Tips for Success
- Use bone-in chicken: It imparts more flavor during pressure cooking.
- Don’t skip the flour: It helps thicken the sauce and gives the fricassee its signature texture.
- Deglaze properly: Always scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the pot to prevent a burn notice and to enhance the flavor.
- Vegetable variations: You can add pearl onions, peas, or baby potatoes for variety.
How to Store and Reheat
Ninja Foodi Chicken Fricassee stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can use the sauté function on the Ninja Foodi or warm it in a saucepan over low heat. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can help loosen it up.
Why This Recipe Works for Modern Home Cooks
Modern kitchens demand meals that are both satisfying and easy to prepare, and this recipe checks both boxes. With the help of the Ninja Foodi, Chicken Fricassee becomes a weeknight-friendly option without losing its classic roots. It’s nutritious, rich in flavor, and doesn’t require hours at the stove. The use of fresh vegetables, lean protein, and a dairy-based sauce makes it both wholesome and indulgent.
Family-Friendly and Customizable
This dish is incredibly family-friendly, with its mild yet savory flavors. It’s also easy to adjust based on dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative. For gluten-free diets, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
Ninja Foodi Chicken Fricassee is a delightful dish that blends traditional French comfort with modern convenience. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to serve at a small dinner gathering. With a balance of creamy texture, herbaceous aroma, and hearty chicken, this meal captures everything people love about home-cooked food. Whether you’re already a fan of pressure cooking or just exploring your Ninja Foodi, this chicken fricassee recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.