Chicken Provençal

Chicken Provençal is a rustic, flavorful dish inspired by the cuisine of Southern France. It features tender chicken simmered in a fragrant mix of tomatoes, garlic, olives, herbs, and white wine, creating a Mediterranean feast full of color and aroma. Perfect for cozy dinners or elegant entertaining, this dish brings a taste of Provence to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of bright Mediterranean flavors
• One-pan preparation makes it easy and efficient
• Ideal for both casual family dinners and dinner parties
• Great use for fresh herbs and seasonal produce
• Can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day
• Easily adaptable to personal preferences
• Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread
• Light yet satisfying, perfect for any season
• Freezes well for future meals
• A great way to showcase chicken thighs with maximum flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 4 medium shallots, halved
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup green or black olives, pitted
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Sear Chicken: In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, reduce heat slightly. Add garlic and shallots and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
5. Deglaze and Assemble: Pour in white wine, scraping up any brown bits. Add cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, herbs, and red pepper flakes. Nestle chicken thighs on top, skin-side up.
6. Bake: Transfer skillet to the oven. Roast uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crisp.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Tomato Swap: Use canned whole tomatoes or chopped plum tomatoes if cherry tomatoes aren’t available
• No Wine: Replace wine with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version
• Add Veggies: Include sliced zucchini or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version
• Herb Mix: Use Herbes de Provence for a classic Southern French herb blend
• Boneless Chicken: Boneless thighs or breasts can be used for a quicker cook time

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is Chicken Provençal?

Chicken Provençal is a French-inspired dish with chicken cooked in wine, tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be used. Adjust the baking time to 25–30 minutes.

What wine is best for this recipe?

A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works well.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish can be made a day in advance and tastes even better after the flavors meld.

Is it spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes for a mild heat.

Can I cook this on the stove only?

Yes, after searing and adding ingredients, simmer covered for about 40 minutes on low heat.

What sides pair well with Chicken Provençal?

Crusty bread, roasted potatoes, polenta, rice, or even pasta are great choices.

Can I omit the olives?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of olives, simply leave them out or replace with artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes.

Do I have to use fresh herbs?

No, dried herbs work well too. Use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs.

How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?

Searing first and roasting uncovered helps keep the skin golden and crisp.

Conclusion

Chicken Provençal is a delicious and elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. With fragrant herbs, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken, it brings the taste of Provence to your kitchen. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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