There’s a certain magic in a simple French classic, and this Chicken Provençal Recipe is pure Provence sunshine in a pan. Imagine juicy chicken thighs gently simmered with sweet onions, garlic, tangy tomatoes, briny olives, and that unmistakable hint of herbes de Provence. It’s rustic yet elegant, easy enough for a weeknight but charming enough for guests. This Chicken Provençal Recipe is the dish I turn to when I want to feel like I’m dining under Mediterranean olive trees—even if I’m actually at my own kitchen table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how just a handful of humble ingredients, expertly combined, can yield such bold, layered flavor. Each element in this Chicken Provençal Recipe works in harmony—building color, aroma, and that signature southern French flair.

Chicken thighs (4, bone-in, skin-on): Keep the skin on for that irresistible golden crunch and beautiful depth of flavor.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for pulling out all the savory notes in the chicken.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, warming kick that balances the zestier ingredients.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use good-quality olive oil for a silky, rich base.
Yellow onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Sautéed until soft, it brings a mellow sweetness to the sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): No Provençal dish is complete without a generous hit of garlic.
Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Just a splash to deglaze and enrich the sauce; something you’d enjoy drinking!
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces, with juice): Tomatoes add bright acidity and create the luscious base for the chicken to simmer in.
Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted): Their briny depth is unmistakable and totally classic in a Chicken Provençal Recipe.
Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): They burst with sweetness and add lovely pops of color.
Herbes de Provence (2 teaspoons): This aromatic blend is the soul of Provençal cooking; it infuses the whole dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a little heat if you crave a gentle kick.
Capers (1 tablespoon, optional): A salty, lemony punch that lifts the entire recipe if you like some extra zing.
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of green on top brightens up the whole plate before serving.

How to Make Chicken Provençal Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry and generously seasoning both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a roomy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high until it’s shimmering, then add your chicken skin-side down. Sear each thigh for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Your goal is golden, crispy skin and locking in all those juices—trust me, it sets the stage for extraordinary flavor later. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions right into that deliciously seasoned oil. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and start to caramelize at the edges. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more fragrant minute—when your kitchen smells like southern France, you know you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Build the Base

Pour in the dry white wine, using your spoon or spatula to gently scrape those golden brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This is liquid flavor gold! Let it bubble away for a minute, reducing slightly and melding beautifully with the onions and garlic.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Olives, and Herbs

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with all their juice, the halved cherry tomatoes, pitted Kalamata olives, herbes de Provence, crushed red pepper flakes, and capers (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. You’ll see the sauce start to come together—colorful, vibrant, and oh-so-inviting.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken Provençal Recipe

Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up, along with any juices that collected on the plate. Spoon the sauce around them, cover, and turn the heat to low. Let it all simmer gently for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is incredibly tender and cooked through. The flavors deepen and come together in a way that’s nothing short of magic.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your Chicken Provençal Recipe is ready, finish it off with a flurry of fresh parsley if you’d like. Serve right away, making sure everyone gets plenty of that savory, tomato-rich sauce.

How to Serve Chicken Provençal Recipe

Garnishes

A gorgeous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley just before serving brings a splash of color and a fresh, herbal contrast to the rich sauce. You could also add a few extra olives or a gentle drizzle of olive oil for a touch of shine. If you love a finishing flourish, try a few shavings of lemon zest.

Side Dishes

For me, a good Chicken Provençal Recipe begs for something to mop up the sauce—think a crusty French baguette, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice. If you’re after a lighter meal, a tangle of buttery green beans or a crisp arugula salad with a squeeze of lemon is utterly satisfying alongside the warmth of the tomato and olive flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic touch, serve the whole skillet or Dutch oven at the table and let everyone help themselves—family style! For a fancier feel, arrange the chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy rice or herbed couscous, spooning the sauce generously over the top. Mini cast-iron pans make adorable individual servings for dinner parties, while piling everything onto a big wooden platter with lots of colorful garnishes adds a stunning Mediterranean vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Provençal Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container, making sure there’s enough sauce to keep everything moist and flavorful. The taste only deepens overnight!

Freezing

This dish is also a perfect candidate for the freezer. Pack fully cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over medium-low heat to preserve moisture and keep the chicken tender. A splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened. You can also microwave portions, though the stovetop is best for preserving that lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs or drumsticks work nicely in this Chicken Provençal Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time—they may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness after 20 to 25 minutes of simmering.

What can I substitute for herbes de Provence?

If you don’t have herbes de Provence mix, use a combination of dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and a pinch of lavender (if you have it). Italian seasoning is a reasonable backup, but traditional herbs make it truly Provençal.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?

Yes! If you prefer not to use wine, try a mix of chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice. This gives a similar depth and brightness to the sauce.

Does this Chicken Provençal Recipe work in a slow cooker?

It does! Sear the chicken and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for about 3 hours, until the chicken is beautifully tender and full of flavor.

Can I make Chicken Provençal Recipe ahead for a dinner party?

This is a phenomenal make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to two days in advance, cool, then refrigerate. Gently reheat before serving—the flavors actually get better with time!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean without booking a flight, I can’t recommend this Chicken Provençal Recipe highly enough. It’s simple, fragrant, and deeply comforting—the kind of dish that always leaves you wanting seconds. Give it a try and let the flavors transport you to sunny Provence, no passport required!