Chicken Provençal
Highlighted under: Cross-Cultural Cooking Recipes
Chicken Provençal is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the French countryside to your table. With fragrant herbs, olives, and tomatoes, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Chicken Provençal brings the rustic charm of southern France to your kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant herbs creates a mouthwatering dish that transports you straight to a sun-soaked terrace. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is both simple and sophisticated.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Mediterranean flavors
- Hearty, comforting, and satisfying
- Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends
A Taste of the Mediterranean
Chicken Provençal is a culinary journey to the sun-drenched landscapes of Southern France. This dish expertly marries tender chicken thighs with the rich, robust flavors of Mediterranean ingredients. The combination of olives, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs transports you to a charming village market, where the scent of fresh produce and herbs fills the air. Each bite is a celebration of the vibrant, healthy Mediterranean diet, making it not only delicious but also nourishing.
The heart of Chicken Provençal lies in its simplicity. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that is both impressive and comforting. This recipe allows the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables to shine, enhanced by the aromatic herbs and spices. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe proves that you don't need to be a culinary expert to serve a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best aspects of Chicken Provençal is its versatility. It makes for a perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests. The ease of preparation allows you to spend more time with your loved ones rather than in the kitchen. Simply prepare the dish, let it simmer, and enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your home as it cooks.
Pair Chicken Provençal with a side of crusty French bread or a light salad to round out the meal. The dish is satisfyingly hearty, yet light enough to be served on warm evenings. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as the flavors deepen and improve when reheated, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and halved
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh basil for garnish
Gather all the ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking process!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Add the diced tomatoes, olives, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf to the skillet. Stir to combine, then return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up.
Simmer
Cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve
Remove the bay leaf and serve the Chicken Provençal garnished with fresh basil.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Provençal with a side of crusty bread or over rice!
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Provençal
To achieve the best flavor in your Chicken Provençal, choose high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes will elevate the dish significantly. If possible, use organic chicken thighs for a richer taste and better texture. Additionally, consider using Kalamata olives for a bolder flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing the chicken to cook slowly will ensure it becomes tender and infused with the wonderful flavors of the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken once it’s cooked and let the sauce simmer for a few additional minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Chicken Provençal, consider adding a light, refreshing side salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty main dish. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice pairs perfectly. If you want a heartier side, creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes can complement the flavors beautifully.
For wine pairing, opt for a dry rosé or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir. These wines enhance the savory flavors of the dish without overpowering the delicate taste of the chicken and herbs, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
→ What can I serve with Chicken Provençal?
This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Provençal can be made ahead and reheated. The flavors will deepen over time.
→ Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Provençal for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Chicken Provençal
Chicken Provençal is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the French countryside to your table. With fragrant herbs, olives, and tomatoes, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Cross-Cultural Cooking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and halved
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh basil for garnish
How-To Steps
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes, olives, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf to the skillet. Stir to combine, then return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up.
Cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the bay leaf and serve the Chicken Provençal garnished with fresh basil.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 32g