Name: Chicken Provençal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup pitted green olives; 2 tsp dried herbs de Provence; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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The aroma of Chicken Provençal wafts through the air, bringing to mind sun-drenched Mediterranean coasts and bustling village markets. Imagine tender chicken simmering with fragrant herbs, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives, creating a dish that’s as vibrant as a summer fiesta. For those moments when you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something special, this dish is like a culinary hug—warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying.

Now, let me take you on a little journey. Picture this: I was in the kitchen one lazy Sunday afternoon, craving something that could transport me far away from my everyday routine. That’s when I stumbled upon my trusty Chicken Provençal recipe. With each stir of the pot, I felt like a chef in some charming French bistro—all while wearing my pajamas. Spoiler alert: it was a success! This dish has since become my go-to for gatherings and solo dinners alike, proving that you can have restaurant-quality meals without the fuss.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Provençal

This incredible Chicken Provençal transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Provençal:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness and color; look for bright red ones for maximum flavor.
Green Olives: Use pitted green olives for a slight brininess—a classic touch in provençal cooking.
Dried Herbs de Provence: This blend embodies the essence of French cooking; it usually includes thyme, basil, and rosemary.

For the Sauce:

Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is best; it lets the natural flavors shine without overwhelming saltiness.
Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor—it’s basically liquid gold!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Chicken Provençal:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking dish and give it a light coat of nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season your boneless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This ensures they are packed with flavor from the get-go!

Step 3: Sauté Those Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, add two tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until just fragrant—about one minute should do it. Avoid burning it unless you’re trying to summon smoke alarms!

Step 4: Add Tomatoy Goodness

Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften—just enough to release their juices. It should look like a colorful burst of happiness at this point.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add your seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet along with green olives and dried herbs de Provence. Pour in chicken broth until everything is well-coated but not swimming.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature). If you’re feeling adventurous, broil for an additional few minutes for crispy edges!

Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice—whatever floats your boat! Drizzle any remaining sauce over top for that final touch of magic.

Let’s face it—who wouldn’t want something as delightful as Chicken Provençal on their dinner table? With its combination of succulent chicken and vibrant vegetables drenched in aromatic herbs, you’ll be left wondering why you ever considered ordering takeout again!

You Must Know About Chicken Provençal

This showstopping Chicken Provençal delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken in a hot pan until golden brown, then set it aside. While the chicken rests, prepare your sauce and cook any accompanying sides like pasta or rice. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly timed and flavorful.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your taste! For a twist, try using olives instead of capers or adding some sun-dried tomatoes for extra zing. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like basil or tarragon.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Provençal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Chicken Provençal

This professional-quality Chicken Provençal relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Nothing beats hearing my friends rave about this Chicken Provençal at dinner parties; their compliments always make my heart swell with joy!

FAQs

What is Chicken Provençal?

Chicken Provençal is a classic French dish that showcases the flavors of Provence. This hearty meal features chicken braised with aromatic herbs, ripe tomatoes, olives, and garlic. The combination of these ingredients creates a deliciously rich and savory sauce that enhances the tender chicken. Often served with crusty bread or over pasta, Chicken Provençal embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, allowing you to bring a taste of southern France right to your home.

How do you make Chicken Provençal?

To make Chicken Provençal, start by seasoning chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the chicken on all sides. Remove the chicken and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft. Add diced tomatoes, olives, and herbs like thyme and rosemary to create a flavorful sauce. Return the chicken to the pan, cover it, and let it simmer until cooked through. Serve this delightful dish warm with your choice of sides for a comforting meal.

What can I serve with Chicken Provençal?

When serving Chicken Provençal, consider pairing it with crusty French bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A light salad with fresh greens and vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish nicely. You can also serve roasted vegetables or ratatouille for an authentic French experience. For a heartier option, creamy polenta or mashed potatoes work well too. Each side enhances the flavors of Chicken Provençal while providing balance to your meal.

Can I use other proteins in Chicken Provençal?

Absolutely! While traditional Chicken Provençal uses chicken as the main protein, you can easily substitute it with other meats such as turkey or rabbit for a different flavor profile. If you prefer seafood, fish like cod or prawns can also work beautifully in this recipe. Simply adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly through while maintaining that rich Provençal flavor profile.

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Provençal is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. With its blend of tomatoes, olives, and aromatic herbs, this recipe offers a taste of southern France right at your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or an intimate dinner party, Chicken Provençal will surely impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to explore different side dishes to complement this delectable meal and enjoy every bite!