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Rustic Chicken Provençal

Rustic Chicken Provençal
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Rustic Chicken Provençal is a comforting and authentic French dish featuring juicy, crispy chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant sauce of fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and garlic. This one-pan Mediterranean meal balances simplicity and vibrant flavors, perfect for a cozy family dinner or weekend feast.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Fats and Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (high quality)

Aromatics and Herbs

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced or sliced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • Optional: zest of 1 lemon

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Salty Elements

  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

Liquids

  • 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed, then add minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step builds the base flavors.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Olives: Add halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives into the pan. Stir occasionally as the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a chunky, jammy sauce.
  4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about a minute to reduce slightly. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, skin side up.
  5. Finish Cooking: Cover the skillet loosely and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce will thicken during this time. Optional: zest lemon over the top just before serving to brighten the dish.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing to maintain crispy skin.
  • Use fresh herbs for the most authentic Provence flavors.
  • Allow the sauce enough time to thicken and let flavors meld fully during simmering.
  • Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for natural sweetness and juiciness.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rustic Chicken Provençal, French chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, one-pan chicken, Provence dish, chicken with olives and tomatoes

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/rustic-chicken-provenal/