Description

Welcome to our delightful culinary journey into making the perfect Classic Chicken Provencal! This French-inspired dish is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends and family. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this recipe will elevate your weeknight meals to gourmet status. The classic combination of ingredients like juicy chicken thighs, tangy olives, and aromatic herbs de Provence makes this recipe a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Chicken Provencal recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

7–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
4 large shallots, quartered
6 cloves garlic, peeled
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup green olives (e.g., Castelvetrano)
1 lemon, cut into eighths
1 tablespoon capers
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup white wine (e.g., Chardonnay)
Rice or baguette, for serving

Optional Substitutions:

Allergen Alternatives: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lighter option or replace white wine with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Dietary Variations: For a keto-friendly option, serve the dish over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or baguette.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Season the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them thoroughly with salt and black pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them cook undisturbed for about 8-10 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is searing, prepare the shallots, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and lemon wedges. Set them aside.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Flip the chicken thighs using a spatula to avoid tearing the skin.
Sprinkle the herbes de Provence evenly over the chicken.
Arrange the shallots, garlic, cherry tomatoes, green olives, lemon wedges, and thyme sprigs around the chicken.
Pour in the white wine, making sure it surrounds the chicken without covering the skin.

Step 5: Braise in the Oven

Place the skillet into the preheated oven and braise, uncovered, for 60-75 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F).
The chicken should be tender, and the vegetables should have developed a rich, roasted flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes.
Serve the Chicken Provencal hot over rice or with a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: They retain more moisture and flavor compared to boneless cuts.
Don’t skip browning: Searing the chicken before braising ensures a deeper flavor and a crispy skin.
Choose a good-quality white wine: The wine will significantly affect the taste, so opt for a dry Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for best results.