Chicken Provençal Recipe

This Chicken Provençal is a rustic and flavorful dish that transports you to the south of France! Imagine tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich sauce with tomatoes, olives, capers, and a fragrant blend of herbs. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a satisfying and elegant meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of herbs de Provence, garlic, white wine, and tomatoes creates a delicious and aromatic sauce that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal active cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Versatile: Serve this Chicken Provençal with your favorite sides, such as crusty bread, pasta, polenta, or a green salad. It’s also great for meal prepping or using the leftover chicken in sandwiches and salads.
• Elegant and Rustic: This dish has a rustic charm and elegant flavors, making it perfect for a casual family dinner or a more sophisticated gathering.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs add flavor and richness to the dish. You can also use boneless thighs or breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Salt and pepper: Season the chicken to perfection.
• Herbes de Provence: A blend of dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, and marjoram, that adds a classic Provençal flavor.
• Olive oil: Used to brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables.
• Onion: Thinly sliced and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Dry white wine: Adds depth of flavor and acidity to the sauce.
• Cherry tomatoes: Adds sweetness and a burst of flavor.
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor and thins the sauce to the desired consistency. Use low-sodium or no-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness.
• Green olives: Pitted and adds a salty and briny flavor.
• Capers: Rinsed and drained, they add a salty and slightly lemony flavor.
• Lemon zest: Adds a bright and citrusy aroma to the dish.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Chicken Provençal

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of herbes de Provence. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze, incorporating any browned bits from the chicken. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for a few minutes, or until they start to soften and burst.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and add the olives, capers, and additional herbes de Provence. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle the lemon zest over the top and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with a crusty baguette, pasta, polenta, or a green salad.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Adjust cooking time for boneless chicken: If you’re using boneless chicken thighs or breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying them out.
• Make it non-alcoholic: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.
• Customize the flavors: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to suit your taste.
• Make ahead: The dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, as the flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.

How to Serve

This Chicken Provençal is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a crusty baguette for dipping and sopping up the flavorful sauce.
• Pasta or Polenta: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked pasta or serve over creamy polenta for a heartier meal.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Provençal is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chicken? Yes, you can! You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, or even a whole chicken cut into pieces. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, you can! If using dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbes de Provence and ½ teaspoon of dried parsley.

3. Can I make this recipe spicy? Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the skillet along with the vegetables.

4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.

This Chicken Provençal Recipe is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and beautiful presentation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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