Name: Chicken Provençal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5-6 bone-in chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence; 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 3 sprigs of fresh thyme); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper powder; 8 garlic cloves; 1 large onion (cut into large slices); 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1 cup green olives; 1 cup white wine

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a soulful, utterly aromatic dinner that celebrates classic French flavors, this Chicken Provençal Recipe will enchant you from the very first bite. Imagine juicy chicken thighs slowly braised with garlic, onions, green olives, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, all mingling together in a deliciously rich broth delicately enhanced by white wine. Bursting with color and the fragrance of Herbes de Provence, this dish transports you to sunny southern France in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family meal, this Chicken Provençal Recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are uncomplicated but absolutely crucial for authentic flavor in this Chicken Provençal Recipe. Each one is chosen for its power to build complexity, vibrancy, and irresistible appeal—from silky olive oil to briny olives and the pivotal Herbes de Provence.

Bone-in chicken thighs: Essential for juicy, flavorful meat that stands up to long braising and creates a rich pan sauce.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps crisp the skin beautifully in the initial sear.
Herbes de Provence: This fragrant blend is the soul of the dish, infusing every bite with the sunny essence of southern France.
Dried thyme or fresh sprigs: Offers woodsy notes that deepen the overall herb profile; use fresh for a brighter flavor.
Salt: Draws flavors from every ingredient and seasons the chicken perfectly.
Black pepper powder: Brings mild heat and earthiness to balance the savory elements.
Garlic cloves: Whole cloves mellow beautifully as they braise, imparting warmth and sweetness.
Large onion: Sliced thick to add sweet, melting texture as it cooks down with the chicken.
Cherry tomatoes: Add vibrant color and a burst of acidity to balance the richness.
Green olives: Their briny bite is key for true Chicken Provençal character and amazing depth.
White wine: Deglazes the pan and adds a gentle fruitiness while creating an irresistible sauce.

How to Make Chicken Provençal Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by getting your oven nice and hot at 400 degrees F. This high heat will help the chicken develop crispy skin later and ensure it braises to tender perfection.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then sprinkle them generously with salt and black pepper powder on all sides. This simple step is hugely important—seasoning early helps the flavors seep all the way through each bite.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. When it shimmers, add the chicken thighs, skin side down. Let them cook, undisturbed, for 7-8 minutes so the skin becomes golden and crispy—no peeking! This creates tons of flavor for the whole Chicken Provençal Recipe.

Step 4: Add the Flavors

Once the skin is deeply golden, flip the chicken over. Now, sprinkle on the Herbes de Provence and dried thyme. Scatter in those thick slices of onion, whole garlic cloves, green olives, and juicy cherry tomatoes, letting them nestle around the chicken. Carefully pour the white wine around (not over) the chicken to create a fragrant bath.

Step 5: Braise in the Oven

Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and braise, uncovered, for one full hour. As it cooks, the sauce reduces and the chicken becomes meltingly tender, soaking up all the herby, garlicky goodness that makes Chicken Provençal Recipe so irresistible.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once finished, remove the skillet and let everything cool for a few minutes so the juices settle. Serve the Chicken Provençal Recipe hot, garnished and paired as you like (details below)—this is the moment to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce!

How to Serve Chicken Provençal Recipe

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle the dish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving elevates the flavors with fresh, zesty brightness. If you have extra Herbes de Provence, a tiny sprinkle on top is always a good idea.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, this dish absolutely shines with a crusty French baguette—perfect for sopping up those herb-infused juices. But you could just as easily spoon the chicken and sauce over fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or even buttery mashed potatoes. The key is to have something that will happily soak in all that savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic family-style presentation, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone help themselves—so welcoming and so visually appealing! If you’re hosting a dinner, try plating each chicken thigh over a scoop of polenta, swirling the pan juices around, and topping with a sprig of fresh thyme. This Chicken Provençal Recipe loves a good dinner party moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover chicken completely, then store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as they mingle in the fridge, making tomorrow’s lunch even more mouthwatering!

Freezing

This Chicken Provençal Recipe freezes beautifully. Place fully cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, label, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost setting when you’re ready to reheat.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine to loosen the sauce. If you’re short on time, microwaving in short bursts works too—just be careful not to dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?

Absolutely, you can swap in boneless thighs or even chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on your cooking time—boneless cuts will cook a bit quicker, so check for doneness after about 40 minutes in the oven.

Is it necessary to use white wine?

White wine adds signature acidity and depth, but you can substitute with chicken broth if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different, but your Chicken Provençal Recipe will still be savory and satisfying!

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms work beautifully in this dish. Add them along with the onions and tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

What can I use if I can’t find Herbes de Provence?

If you can’t find this classic blend, you can mix your own with equal parts dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of lavender if you have it. It won’t be exactly the same, but your Chicken Provençal Recipe will still deliver those lovely herbal notes.

Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?

No marinade necessary! The braising process infuses the chicken with loads of flavor, thanks to the herby wine sauce. Just season well before searing and let the oven work its magic.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like sharing a homemade Chicken Provençal Recipe around the dinner table. The colors, the aromas, the utterly delicious sauce—it’s a dish that brings instant happiness. Give it a try soon, and let it transport you and your loved ones to the French countryside!

Chicken Provençal Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Provençal recipe is a classic French dish that combines tender chicken thighs with aromatic Herbes de Provence, garlic, olives, and cherry tomatoes, all braised in white wine for a flavorful meal.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook on medium-low heat for 7-8 minutes.
Add ingredients: Flip the chicken, sprinkle with Herbes de Provence and thyme, add onions, garlic, olives, and cherry tomatoes. Pour wine around the chicken.
Braise in oven: Place the skillet in the oven and braise uncovered for 1 hour.
Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve hot with bread, rice, or polenta.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Braising
Cuisine: French