Chicken Provençal: Your Ticket to a Cozy French Easy Dinner

Ever dreamt of whisking yourself away to the sun-soaked hills of Provence, where the air smells like lavender and every meal feels like a celebration? I can’t teleport you to France, but I can bring a taste of it to your kitchen with Chicken Provençal. This dish is the ultimate combo of fancy but easy. We will create a masterpiece: tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and a sprinkle of fragrant herbs, all simmered together in one skillet. It’s like a warm hug from the French countryside, and the best part? You don’t need to be a Michelin-starred chef to pull it off.

Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, want to impress your family with a taste of France, or just need a break from the same old recipes, Chicken Provençal is here to save the day. So, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking.

What is Chicken Provençal?

Let’s set the scene: picture the rolling hills of Provence, where the markets are overflowing with ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and olives that practically beg to be tossed into a dish. Chicken Provençal is a rustic, one-skillet wonder that captures all those cozy, countryside vibes. It’s simple, wholesome, and flavorful, thanks to a magical herb blend called herbes de Provence(fancy, right?). The result? Tender chicken swimming in a rich, aromatic sauce that’s perfect for sopping up with crusty bread.

If you’re into French recipes or love a good French chicken recipe, this one’s a must-try. It’s like a mini vacation to France, minus the airfare and the struggle of pronouncing “herbes de Provence” correctly on the first try.

What Cut of Chicken Should You Use?

Let’s talk chicken, shall we? For this recipe, I highly recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Why? Because the bone adds tons of flavor, and the skin gets all crispy and golden when you sear it. Trust me, that crispy skin is worth it! If you’re in a hurry, boneless thighs work too—they cook faster and are still super juicy.

Not a fan of dark meat? No worries! You can use chicken breasts, but keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out. Thighs are the MVP here, especially if you’re after quick dinner ideas that don’t skimp on flavor. Plus, thighs are like the cozy sweatpants of the chicken world. Comfortable, reliable, and always a good idea.

Chicken Provençal Recipe

Chicken Provençal

Looking for easy chicken dinner recipes that are both delicious and impressive? Try Chicken Provençal—a classic French dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and fragrant herbs like thyme and herbes de Provence. This easy chicken casserole recipe is made in one skillet, making it perfect for easy dinner recipes for beginners. It’s a healthy, flavorful meal that brings the taste of French cuisine to your table. Whether you’re exploring French meals or just need a quick, awesome chicken recipe, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with crusty bread or rice for a complete French dinner recipe that’s as cozy as it is elegant. Bon appétit! 

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Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:30 minutes mins

Total Time:45 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: French

Keyword: chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, easy dinner recipe, easy recipes, french dinner recipe, french rasy dinner, french recipe

Servings: 4

Calories: 400kcal

Cost: ~$5 per person

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon herbes de Provence

1 medium onion, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup Kalamata olives (optional but highly recommended)

1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 bay leaf

Fresh parsley, chopped (for that Instagram-worthy garnish)

Instructions

• Season the Chicken: Pat your chicken thighs dry (this helps them get crispy). Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence. Let them hang out while you heat up the skillet. Think of it as their pre-dinner spa moment.
• Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them sizzle for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll be back soon. It’s like a dramatic exit before the grand finale.
• Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute (your kitchen will smell amazing, and your neighbors might get jealous).
• Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, cherry tomatoes, olives, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. That’s where the flavor’s at! It’s like finding treasure, but edible.
• Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Lower the heat, cover, and let it all simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through. This is the part where you pour yourself a glass of wine and pretend you’re in Provence.
• Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and get ready to dig in. Bonus points if you say “Voilà!” when you serve it.

Things You Might Need for a Perfect Result

What to Serve With It

Now, let’s talk sides. Chicken Provençal is super versatile, so you’ve got options:

• Crusty French Bread: Perfect for mopping up that delicious sauce. (Pro tip: tear it dramatically for maximum French effect.)
• Mashed Potatoes or Rice: A neutral base to balance the bold flavors.
• Roasted Veggies: Zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers would be fab.
• Green Salad: Keep it light with a simple vinaigrette.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, why not start with a French Onion Soup or end with French toast for dessert?

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet over low heat or the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to bring the sauce back to life. It’s like giving your leftovers a spa day.

Fun Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some twists to try:

• Seafood Swap: Use cod or sea bass instead of chicken for a lighter take. It’s like Chicken Provençal’s beach vacation cousin.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms. Even your veggie friends deserve a taste of France.
• Extra Flavor: Add capers or anchovies for a salty, umami kick. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth.
• French Onion Chicken: Love French onion soup? Combine those flavors with chicken for a cozy twist. It’s like a hug in a skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Here’s the thing: Chicken Provençal is more than just dinner—it’s an experience. It’s cozy for a weeknight but fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it’s one of those French dinner recipes that feels special without being complicated.

So, grab your skillet, pour yourself a glass of wine (or sparkling water—you do you), and let’s bring a little taste of Provence to your table. Bon appétit, my friend!

Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it turns out! And if you accidentally burn it, just call it “Caramelized Chicken Provençal.” French cooking is all about confidence.