Chicken Provençal Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with savory, sweet, and herby flavors all in one pan, then my Chicken Provençal Recipe is going to be a game changer for your dinner routine. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s simple to pull together yet feels fancy enough to impress anyone at your table. Stick with me and I’ll show you how to get that perfect balance of juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and that beautiful wine sauce that’s practically begging for a crusty piece of bread to sop it up.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Chicken Provençal recipe come together to create a harmony of Provencal flavors that are both comforting and fragrant. Make sure to grab good-quality chicken and fresh herbs for the best results.

• Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: I always pick thighs with skin on for that crispy finish and juicy meat underneath.
• Kosher salt: It seasons the chicken perfectly without being too harsh.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Use freshly cracked for a punch of peppery brightness.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Choose a fruity olive oil to enhance the earthy flavors of the dish.
• Fresh thyme (or dried thyme): Fresh herbs bring a vibrant note; dried works in a pinch but fresh is my favorite.
• Garlic cloves: I love how whole garlic softens and sweetens when roasted with the chicken.
• Shallots: Their mild sweetness melts into the sauce beautifully.
• Cherry tomatoes: They burst open in the oven, creating a juicy, slightly tangy sauce base.
• Dates (halved and pitted): The dates add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory olives.
• Green olives (pitted): These bring a briny pop that lifts every bite.
• Dry white wine: Sauvignon Blanc or something similar adds acidity and depth.
• Cooked rice, polenta, or mashed potatoes (optional): Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
• Crusty bread (optional): I can’t recommend enough having bread on the side for sopping up the pan juices.

Variations

I love that this Chicken Provençal recipe is super flexible, so I often tweak it based on what’s in my pantry or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own!

• Use bone-in chicken breasts instead: I tried this for a leaner option, and while the thighs are juicier, breasts still work well with a bit less cook time.
• Add fresh rosemary or oregano: Swapping thyme for other herbs adds a new twist I’ve enjoyed during different seasons.
• Swap dates for dried apricots: This change gives a slightly different sweetness, and my family actually loved it!
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower or mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.

How to Make Chicken Provençal Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F and position a rack in the lower third—this helps the chicken cook evenly. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season them liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. I learned that dry skin browns better and crisps up more easily, so don’t skip drying the chicken.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Skin

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-proof pan over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, carefully lay the chicken skin side down — you’ll want to hear that satisfying sizzle right away. Cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown. Flipping too soon will make it stick, so trust me on this!

Step 3: Add the Aromatics and Simmer

Once both sides of the chicken are nicely browned, flip the pieces over and tuck your thyme sprigs, whole garlic cloves, halved shallots, cherry tomatoes, dates, and green olives around the chicken. Pour in the white wine and bring everything to a gentle simmer on the stove top. This step releases the gorgeous aromas that really set this dish apart.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Tender

Cover the pan with a lid or foil and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let the dish bake for about an hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This slow roast lets the flavors meld and the chicken become tender enough to fall off the bone, which is one of my favorite parts of this recipe.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the chicken and sauce over your choice of rice, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes—and don’t forget that crusty bread to sop up all the delicious juices. I always make extra sauce on purpose because it’s that good!

How to Serve Chicken Provençal Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the finished dish for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A little lemon zest also brings a lovely zing that elevates the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or silky polenta because they soak up that rich, garlicky sauce perfectly. Sometimes I swap in fluffy jasmine rice if I’m looking for something lighter. Don’t forget crusty French bread—it’s essential for mopping up every last bit of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinner parties, I love serving the chicken family-style in a beautiful rustic skillet right on the table. Adding small bowls of olives, roasted garlic cloves, and fresh herbs around the pan makes it feel like a celebration. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil or balsamic glaze on top right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating works best gently on the stove so the chicken keeps its crispy skin texture and the sauce stays luscious.

Freezing

This Chicken Provençal recipe freezes surprisingly well. I usually remove the chicken from the sauce and freeze separately to keep the skin from getting soggy. When thawed, just warm them together on the stove over low heat.

Reheating

To keep the skin crispy when reheating, I recommend warming the chicken in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a minute or two before combining it with the sauce. Microwave reheats fine but the skin will soften.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Provençal recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to fall back on when I want something comforting but impressive. It balances rustic charm with elegant flavors in such a way that everyone at my dinner table always asks for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself turning to this dish again and again, especially on cozy nights when you want to feel like you’re dining in the south of France without leaving your kitchen.

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