Chicken Provencal is not just a dish; it’s a culinary postcard from the sun-soaked fields of Provence, bursting with flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine tender chicken simmering in a fragrant medley of tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs, all while wafting heavenly aromas that make even the pickiest eaters swoon. This dish is not just about food; it’s an experience waiting to unfold in your kitchen.
Now picture this: you’ve invited friends over for dinner, and the moment they walk through the door, they are greeted by the intoxicating scent of Chicken Provencal bubbling away. It becomes the star of your dinner party. Everyone gathers around the table, forks poised and ready to dive into this flavorful feast. You can almost hear them whispering praises before they even take a bite. Trust me; your kitchen will feel like a five-star restaurant with this recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Chicken Provencal is simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful for any occasion.
- The vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
- It’s perfect for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for special gatherings or romantic evenings at home.
- Versatile enough to pair with rice, pasta, or crusty bread!
I remember the first time I served Chicken Provencal at a family gathering; everyone was asking for seconds and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 chicken breasts for juicy results; adjust based on how many guests you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Select firm garlic cloves for a robust flavor that permeates the dish.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality tomatoes; they provide a rich base for the sauce.
Kalamata Olives: These add a briny kick that’s quintessentially Mediterranean and complements the chicken beautifully.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme & Rosemary): Fresh herbs enhance flavor drastically—don’t skimp on these aromatic gems.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to sauté ingredients and add richness to the dish.
Red Wine (optional): A splash deepens flavors; choose one you’d enjoy sipping alongside dinner!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all other flavors in your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Provencal
Start with preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get out that beautiful baking dish you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Sautéing Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and toss in minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds should do it!
Browning the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Sear them in the skillet until golden brown on both sides—roughly 5 minutes each side—creating that lovely crust.
Add Tomatoes & Olives: Pour in those canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, followed by Kalamata olives. Stir gently to combine everything while letting those vibrant colors shine through.
Herb Infusion Time!: Sprinkle in fresh thyme and rosemary, stirring gently as their aromatic essence fills your kitchen. Let them mingle for about 2 minutes—trust me; it’s worth it!
Bake Until Perfectly Done: Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish and pop it into your oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve & Enjoy!: Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving hot over rice or pasta. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired—it’s all about presentation!
Now you have completed your culinary journey through Chicken Provencal! With its enticing aromas and delightful flavors, every bite will transport you straight to sunny Provence where life is good, food is abundant, and laughter echoes through vine-covered terraces. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This Chicken Provencal recipe is a delightful mix of herbs and spices, creating a feast for your senses.
- The dish is easy to prepare on busy weeknights or special occasions.
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken skin-side down for a crispy finish. While it cooks, sauté the vegetables in another pan for maximum flavor. Combine them all to simmer together for a rich sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs like thyme for rosemary, or add olives for extra zing. You can even toss in some sun-dried tomatoes if you’re feeling fancy. Your taste buds will thank you!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always cook with fresh herbs for vibrant flavor; dried just won’t cut it!
- For tender chicken, don’t rush the searing process—let it brown properly first.
- And remember, allowing the dish to rest enhances all those delicious flavors!
The first time I made Chicken Provencal, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! They claimed it tasted like something from a fancy restaurant, and now it’s their go-to request at dinner parties.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken works well but adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid dryness.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken Provencal?
Serve it with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Chicken Provencal stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
Chicken Provencal
Chicken Provencal is a vibrant dish that captures the essence of Provence with its tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and savory Mediterranean flavors. This delightful recipe combines juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of tomatoes and olives, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. The enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eager to dig in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in the skillet for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Stir in canned tomatoes and Kalamata olives; mix well.
- Add thyme and rosemary, stirring gently for about 2 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest briefly before serving over rice or pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute fresh herbs based on your preference or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost.
