Chicken Provençal with Olives and Tomatoes

Chicken Provençal with Olives and Tomatoes is a beautifully rustic French dish inspired by the warm Mediterranean flavors of the Provence region. It combines juicy chicken simmered in a savory sauce made of garlic, herbs, tomatoes, white wine, and briny olives. The result is a bright, aromatic, and deeply satisfying dish with layers of fresh flavors.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something elegant and memorable. It looks like a gourmet meal — yet it’s surprisingly easy, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and dinner parties.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because every bite feels like a trip to the French countryside. The chicken becomes tender as it simmers slowly in the fragrant sauce, while the olives and capers add pops of salty flavor that balance the sweetness of tomatoes.

It’s fresh, comforting, and refined — without requiring complicated cooking skills. Plus, it’s a one-pan method, meaning easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s incredibly flavorful with minimal effort.
• Feels fancy but uses basic pantry ingredients.
• Great for entertaining — always impresses guests.
• Naturally gluten-free and easily made dairy-free.
• The leftovers taste even better the next day.

If you enjoy European flavors or want a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish is a must-make.

Timing

Step	Time
Preparation Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	35–40 minutes
Total Time	50–55 minutes

Servings & Calories

• Serves: 4
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Dinner / Main Dish
• Cuisine: French / Mediterranean

Ingredients

Chicken & Base

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce

• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) or canned diced tomatoes
• ½ cup white wine (optional — can replace with broth)
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup pitted green or black olives (Niçoise ideal)
• 1 Tbsp capers (optional but recommended)

Herbs & Seasoning

• 1 tsp dried thyme or Herbs de Provence
• 1 rosemary sprig or ½ tsp dried
• 1 bay leaf
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown chicken on both sides (about 4–5 minutes each). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until softened.
4. Add tomatoes, white wine, broth, olives, capers, herbs, and lemon zest. Stir and bring to a simmer.
5. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
6. Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
7. Remove bay leaf and garnish with parsley before serving.

Step-by-Step Method Breakdown

Step	Action
1	Season and brown chicken for rich flavor.
2	Sauté aromatics to form the flavor base.
3	Add liquids, tomatoes, olives, herbs, and capers.
4	Return chicken and simmer until tender.
5	Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish, and serve.

How to Serve

This dish pairs perfectly with:

• Crusty French bread
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Couscous
• Pasta
• Roasted vegetables
• A simple green salad

Serve with extra lemon wedges for brightness and a glass of white wine to complete the Provençal feel.

Recipe Tips

• Browning the chicken adds depth — don’t skip!
• Use bone-in chicken for juicier results.
• If sauce reduces too much, add a splash of broth.
• Fresh herbs make a big difference if available.

Variations

Variation	Adjustment
Creamy Style	Add ¼ cup cream at the end.
Spicy Version	Add red chili flakes or chili oil.
No Wine Version	Replace wine with broth and 1 tsp lemon juice.
Vegetarian Version	Use white beans or roasted vegetables instead of chicken.

Storage & Freezing

Method	Duration
Refrigerator	3–4 days
Freezer	2–3 months

Special Equipment

• Dutch oven or deep skillet
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Optional: lid

FAQ

Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in gives better flavor. Reduce cooking time by 5–7 minutes.

Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely — it tastes even better the next day.

Q: Can I substitute olives?
Yes — artichokes or sundried tomatoes work well.

Conclusion

Chicken Provençal with Olives and Tomatoes is a flavorful, elegant, and nourishing dish that brings rustic French cooking straight to your table. It’s simple yet impressive, bright yet comforting, and perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to chicken recipes.