If you have ever wanted to impress your friends or family with a dish that tastes like a warm hug from the south of France, this Chicken Provençal Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant flavors from sun-ripened tomatoes, briny olives, tangy capers, and fragrant herbes de Provence, every bite offers a perfect balance of savory and bright notes. The tender, golden chicken thighs absorb all these delicious aromatics, making this recipe a standout comfort meal that feels both rustic and refined. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Provençal Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your home cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Chicken Provençal Recipe sing, you’ll only need simple, fresh ingredients that do all the heavy lifting for you. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor, from the crispy chicken skin to the luscious sauce that ties everything together.
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The best choice for juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin every time.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence: A fragrant blend of dried herbs that infuses the dish with classic Provençal charm.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables with rich, fruity undertones.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Adds natural sweetness and body to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a warm, aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Used to deglaze the pan and impart a subtle acidity that brightens up the dish.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or 1 can), undrained: Brings vibrant color and a juicy burst of natural sweetness.
- ½ cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and balances the flavors with gentle savory notes.
- ½ cup green olives, pitted: Introduces a salty, slightly tangy contrast that lifts the dish beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained: Provide a briny punch that complements the olives and tomatoes.
- Zest of 1 lemon: A finishing touch of bright citrus aroma that elevates the whole plate.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness at the end.
How to Make Chicken Provençal Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and those aromatic herbes de Provence. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully add the chicken pieces skin-side down and let them brown undisturbed for several minutes until the skin turns beautifully golden and crisp. Flip and brown the other side, then set the chicken aside. This step locks in moisture and adds rich caramelized flavors that form the foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet (no need to wash, since all those delicious browned bits are flavor gold), add the thinly sliced onions. Let them cook gently until they soften and develop a sweet, translucent quality. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant — be careful not to burn it! This vegetable base creates a soft and flavorful backdrop to the tangy tomato sauce to come.
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Tomatoes
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Use your spoon to scrape up all those stuck-on bits at the bottom—this is where deep, complex flavor comes from. Once the wine has slightly reduced, add the cherry tomatoes (undrained) and let them cook down until they soften and begin to release their juices, creating a luscious sauce that’s bursting with Provençal sunshine.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them right into the tomato mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, then scatter in the green olives and rinsed capers for that classic salty pop. Add a pinch more herbes de Provence to intensify the herbaceous notes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is tender, cooked through, and infused with all the vibrant flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, sprinkle the zest of one lemon over the top to add a fresh, zingy brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely green contrast and herbaceous lift. Now you’re ready to serve a plate that looks as stunning as it tastes.
How to Serve Chicken Provençal Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish for this dish, providing both color and a burst of fresh herbal aroma that complements the savory sauce perfectly. The lemon zest sprinkled on top adds a fragrant lift you won’t want to skip. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh thyme or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Chicken Provençal Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a traditional touch, serve with a crusty baguette to soak up the irresistible sauce. Creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes make for an indulgent, comforting base. If you prefer something lighter, a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. Simple pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic also works wonderfully to embrace all those Provençal flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more rustic family-style presentation, serve the chicken and tomato sauce in a large shallow dish right from the skillet, letting everyone dig in. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a drizzle of sauce around, topped with vibrant parsley and lemon zest. For a casual gathering, offer bowls of olives, capers, and lemon wedges on the side so guests can personalize their plates. This dish is as versatile in presentation as it is in flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Provençal Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store in an airtight container to maintain the sauce’s moisture and flavor. The chicken will even taste better after the flavors have had more time to meld together overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this dish freezes well. Transfer cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen, it should maintain its quality for up to two months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Chicken Provençal on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through to keep the chicken tender and the sauce silky. Microwaving also works—just cover loosely and use medium power, checking frequently to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, you can swap with bone-in, skin-on breasts; just be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster. Adjust cooking time and monitor closely for best results.
What if I don’t have herbes de Provence?
If you don’t have herbes de Provence on hand, you can substitute with a mix of dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lavender if available. These herbs replicate that signature Provençal flavor beautifully.
Is it okay to use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes in juice work perfectly for this recipe and can add convenience. Just make sure they’re good quality for the best taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice, polenta, or gluten-free bread. Just double-check your chicken broth label to ensure it contains no hidden gluten.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, Chicken Provençal actually tastes amazing the next day! You can fully prepare it, refrigerate, and gently reheat when needed. The flavors deepen beautifully with time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Chicken Provençal Recipe that makes it feel both special and comforting all at once. The harmony of savory chicken, tangy tomatoes, and briny olives wrapped in fragrant herbs makes every bite memorable. Whether for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you reach for time and again. So go ahead, dive into these delectable flavors and enjoy a taste of Provence right at your own table!
Print
Chicken Provençal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
Chicken Provençal is a flavorful French-inspired dish featuring tender, bone-in chicken thighs simmered with garlic, onions, cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers, infused with herbes de Provence and brightened with lemon zest. This rustic skillet-cooked recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, making it an ideal comforting meal served with crusty bread or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (1 can), undrained
Liquids and Additional Flavorings
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup green olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- Zest of 1 lemon
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and herbes de Provence evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and sauté over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Add Tomatoes: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Add the undrained cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet. Add chicken broth, pitted green olives, rinsed capers, and any remaining herbes de Provence. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh lemon zest, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with a crusty baguette, cooked pasta, polenta, or a green salad alongside.
Notes
- For best flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as they remain juicy and add richness.
- Low-sodium broth is recommended to control saltiness as olives and capers contribute saltiness.
- White wine can be substituted with extra chicken broth if preferred.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for soaking up the savory sauce.
- Feel free to add other Provençal herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance depth of flavor.
