Easy Delicious Chicken Provençal: A Mediterranean Classic

When the days start to get a little cooler, or you simply crave a comforting meal full of rich, vibrant flavors, Chicken Provençal is the perfect dish to bring a taste of Southern France right to your kitchen. This dish is all about rustic charm—tender chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant sauce of tomatoes, olives, garlic, and fresh herbs that fill your home with irresistible aromas. It’s one of those easy weeknight dinners that feels elegant enough for guests but cozy enough for a quiet family meal. Plus, it’s an excellent choice if you’re following a meal planning chicken routine or searching for high protein ready made meals with healthy comfort food vibes.

This recipe’s star is the balance: juicy chicken skin that crisps beautifully, a tangy, herbaceous tomato sauce, and salty olives that bring that classic Mediterranean punch. Best of all, this is a one-pan wonder, making it a breeze to prepare and clean up afterward—perfect if you want a delicious budget-friendly recipe without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Every bite bursts with bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors that feel like sunshine on a plate.

This is a quick family meal that requires just one skillet or Dutch oven, keeping things simple.

The recipe is versatile, welcoming fresh seasonal herbs or pantry staples like canned tomatoes or dried herbs.

It’s great for those who love to meal prep—the flavors deepen and improve after resting overnight.

Pairs beautifully with almost any side—pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or crusty bread.

Light yet satisfying, it’s a fantastic dish for healthy meal plans for two or feeding the whole family.

Freezes well for later, making it a smart choice for prepared meals for two or more.

Perfect for showcasing low calorie chicken meal prep with maximum flavor.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Chicken Provençal combines the rustic charm of Southern France with accessible ingredients. The magic happens when you sear the chicken skin-side down until golden and crispy, then roast it gently in a flavorful sauce that melds garlic, herbs, and the brightness of white wine.

Unlike heavier dishes, this recipe stays light and fresh thanks to the tomatoes and herbs, yet it’s hearty enough to keep you full—ideal for anyone focused on high protein high carb low fat meals or a protein meal plan.

The optional capers and olives add bursts of briny complexity, elevating simple ingredients into something special. Using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary really transports you to the Mediterranean coast.

This dish is a best dinner prep meal because you can make it ahead, reheat it, and still enjoy that perfect combination of crisp chicken and saucy goodness.

Ingredients

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• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 4 medium shallots, halved
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
• ½ cup green or black olives, pitted
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken crisps up beautifully.

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this step is key for achieving crispy skin. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5–6 minutes until the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes. Then remove the chicken and set aside; don’t worry, it’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Lower the heat slightly and add the smashed garlic cloves and halved shallots to the pan. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened—this builds a delicious flavor base.

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Add the cherry tomatoes, olives, capers (if using), thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up on top.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crisp and inviting.

Remove the skillet and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Best Results

Dry chicken skin thoroughly before searing for maximum crispiness.

Don’t rush the searing step; that golden crust adds incredible flavor and texture.

If you prefer boneless chicken, reduce the roasting time to about 25–30 minutes.

For a richer sauce, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through roasting.

Use fresh herbs if you can—they add a bright, aromatic note that dried herbs can’t fully replicate.

Letting the dish rest after roasting helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken tender.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

No cherry tomatoes? Canned diced tomatoes work perfectly and are a pantry staple.

Skip the wine for an alcohol-free version—use extra chicken broth instead.

Add sliced zucchini or bell peppers to increase your veggie intake.

Experiment with Herbes de Provence to deepen the authentic Southern French flavor.

Swap olives for artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes if you’re not a fan.

Use boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts if preferred—just adjust cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

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Serve hot right from the skillet, spooning the vibrant tomato sauce over each piece of chicken.

Pair with buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or simple steamed rice to soak up the delicious juices.

A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and crunch.

Warm, crusty French bread or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop.

Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a few toasted pine nuts for added texture.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

A chilled glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish’s bright flavors.

Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or herbal iced tea are refreshing non-alcoholic options.

Roasted baby potatoes or a light Greek salad bring a balanced, Mediterranean flair to the meal.

Garlic roasted green beans or asparagus provide crisp, fresh sides to round out your plate.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for prepared meals for two or batch cooking.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

Avoid reheating on high heat to keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Chicken Provençal freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.

For meal prep, assemble everything except the chicken skin crisping step, then finish in the oven just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not drying the chicken before searing leads to soggy skin—pat it dry!

Adding cold ingredients to the pan can lower the temperature, causing steaming instead of searing.

Boiling the sauce once the chicken is in can dry it out; roast uncovered instead.

Overcooking chicken will make it dry—use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temp.

Skipping seasoning means bland chicken—don’t be shy with salt and pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Use boneless thighs or breasts and reduce cooking time to about 25-30 minutes.

What wine pairs best?
A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works beautifully.

Can I make this ahead?
Definitely! The flavors deepen when made a day in advance.

Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

Can I cook it on the stovetop only?
Yes, after searing, cover and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes.

What sides go well with it?
Think crusty bread, roasted potatoes, polenta, rice, or pasta.

Can I omit olives?
Yes, or swap them with artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven
• Tongs or spatula for turning chicken
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Oven mitts

Chicken Provençal is a delightful high protein keto meal plan option that’s both easy high protein high calorie meal and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. It fits perfectly into healthy eating for two or cheap meal plans for 2 looking for variety and depth without the hassle.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!