Classic Chicken Provencal Recipe

Transport yourself to the sun-soaked hills of southern France with this delightful Chicken Provencal Classic recipe. As an SEO expert and food blogger, I’ve mastered the art of creating dishes that not only taste amazing but also evoke a sense of wanderlust with every bite. This classic Provençal dish is a symphony of flavors, where simple ingredients like chicken thighs, olives, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs come together to create a truly magical experience.

In my culinary journey, perfecting Chicken Provencal has been a labor of love. The key lies in taking your time and allowing each ingredient to shine. From the initial browning of the chicken thighs to the slow simmering with shallots, garlic, and a splash of white wine, every step is crucial in capturing the essence of Provençal cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of your favorite French white wine, and let’s embark on a culinary escapade to the heart of Provence with this Chicken Provencal Classic recipe.

Quick Benefits

• Authentic French Flavors: Transport yourself to the sunny hillsides of southern France with this classic Provençal dish.
• Crispy Skin, Deep Flavor: Patience is key to achieving perfectly browned chicken thighs with a deep, rich flavor profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with a crisp white wine or opt for a rosé or light red to complement the herbal notes without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the day before, and leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a convenient addition to your weekly meal plan.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Provencal Recipe Recipe

• This Chicken Provencal recipe captures the essence of sunny southern French hillsides, transporting you with its authentic Provençal flavors and aromas.
• The careful attention to detail in browning the chicken and layering the aromatics ensures a dish that is bursting with deep flavors and textures.
• The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken thighs.
• The rustic presentation of this dish, with its vibrant colors and inviting aromas, makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for any meal.
• The versatile nature of this recipe allows you to pair it with your favorite sides, such as cooked rice or crusty baguette, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this dish a great option for meal prep or enjoying as a delicious leftover meal.
• With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this Chicken Provencal recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks looking to explore the flavors of French countryside cooking.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Provencal Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 7-8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence

Aromatics & Vegetables

• 1 lemon, sliced into eighths
• 6 garlic cloves, whole and peeled
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup green Castelvetrano olives
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 4 big shallots, cut into quarters

Liquid & Serving

• 1 cup dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
• Serve with cooked rice or fresh baguette

Pro Tips for Classic Chicken Provencal Recipe

To achieve that crispy golden skin on your chicken thighs, make sure to thoroughly pat them dry and generously season with salt and pepper. Let the seasoned chicken sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. When browning the chicken, don’t rush the process—heat your pan slowly over medium-low heat to ensure an even sear and deep flavor development. Remember not to move the chicken for at least 8-10 minutes to get that perfect crispiness.

When preparing the aromatics, keep the shallots intact at the root end to prevent them from falling apart during cooking. Use firm and fresh tomatoes to add thickness to the sauce as they slowly break down. Choose a dry white wine you enjoy drinking, like Chablis or Sancerre, and pour it carefully around the chicken to create the ideal simmering environment. Serve the dish with crusty baguette slices to soak up the flavorful sauce and enjoy a taste of southern France.

How to Make Classic Chicken Provencal Recipe

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Brown Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place in a heated skillet with oil, skin side down, and cook on medium-low for 8-10 minutes until golden.

Step 3: Add Ingredients

Flip the chicken and add Herbes de Provence, shallots, garlic, tomatoes, olives, lemon, capers, thyme, and wine.

Step 4: Braise

Place all ingredients in the oven uncovered and bake for one hour, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Finish

Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving with rice or bread.

Storage Tips

After cooking Chicken Provençal, if you have any leftovers, it’s best to store the chicken and sauce separately from any sides. When reheating, place the chicken skin-side up in a covered dish with a splash of white wine or chicken broth. Gently warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through, typically around 15-20 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispy skin and flavors of the dish.

To store any uncooked portions of Chicken Provençal, you can prep everything the day before and keep the ingredients separate. The dish fits well into a weekly cooking plan as most of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing you to focus on side dishes or other tasks. If you have the opportunity, consider making a double batch as leftovers can be utilized in sandwiches or as salad toppings, providing a delicious meal for another day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to substitute an ingredient in the Chicken Provençal recipe, there are a few options. If you don’t have green Castelvetrano olives, you can use other green olives like Spanish Manzanilla olives or pitted Sicilian olives. They will still add a similar briny flavor to the dish. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of olives, you can omit them altogether or replace them with caper berries for a different tangy element.

For those who prefer boneless chicken or have dietary restrictions, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts instead of skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs. Keep in mind that boneless cuts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out. This substitution can make the dish lighter and quicker to prepare while still delivering delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For a charming presentation of Chicken Provençal Classic, serve it family-style straight from the rustic pan it was cooked in. Surround the golden chicken thighs with the colorful array of shallots, garlic, tomatoes, olives, capers, and lemon wedges. Add some freshly sliced baguette around the edges to soak up the flavorful sauce. The inviting display will transport your guests to the sunny hills of southern France and make for a delightful dining experience.

To elevate your Chicken Provençal experience, consider pairing it with a refreshing glass of rosé from Provence or a light Côtes du Rhône red wine. The herbal notes of the dish will harmonize beautifully with the wine, enhancing the delicate flavors of the chicken and aromatic ingredients. Whether you opt for a chilled rosé or a smooth red, the wine selection will complement the essence of the Provencal cuisine and elevate the overall dining experience to a new level of sophistication. Cheers to a delicious meal that celebrates the heart and soul of classic French cooking!

FAQs for Classic Chicken Provencal Recipe

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?

While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe to enhance the flavors and texture, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred. Just note that the cooking time may be slightly shorter, so adjust accordingly.

What can I substitute for Herbes de Provence if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have Herbes de Provence, you can create a substitute by combining equal parts of dried thyme, rosemary, marjoram, basil, and savory. This will give you a similar flavor profile to Herbes de Provence.

Can I omit the wine from this recipe?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. The wine adds depth to the flavor of the dish, but it can be omitted without significantly altering the overall taste.

How can I prevent the chicken skin from sticking to the pan?

To prevent the chicken skin from sticking to the pan, make sure the pan is properly preheated before adding the chicken. Also, avoid moving the chicken around too much once it’s in the pan—let it sear undisturbed for several minutes until it easily releases from the pan.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the secrets to mastering a truly divine Chicken Provencal Classic! From the careful browning of the chicken to the thoughtful placement of aromatics and the selection of quality ingredients, each step contributes to the creation of a dish that embodies the essence of southern French cuisine.

As you savor each bite of this rustic and flavorful chicken dish, let it transport you to the sun-soaked hills of Provence, where fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it with a side of rice or a crusty baguette, remember to take your time and enjoy the process of bringing this classic recipe to life in your own kitchen. Bon appétit!