Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, ensuring they are moisture-free for optimal browning. Season each thigh generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow them to rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil along with unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Sear for approximately 8-10 minutes until the skin is deeply golden brown and crisp. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the diced bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 4-5 minutes. Once the bacon is rendered, add sliced mushrooms and diced shallots. Season with salt and pepper and sauté, stirring frequently, for 4-6 minutes until the mushrooms soften and the shallots become translucent. Lastly, stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, then gradually pour in the dry white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the skillet’s bottom as the sauce comes to a gentle simmer.

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and gently return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Add fresh thyme and the dried bay leaf to the mixture, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a serving platter, covered to keep warm. Stir in the heavy cream into the remaining sauce, mixing until well incorporated, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the creamy sauce, ensuring it’s well coated, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Plate the succulent Braised Chicken Fricassé over fluffy mashed potatoes or your choice of side. Drizzle the rich white wine sauce generously on top, and serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the meal. Dive into this comforting dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!