Hello, we are going to learn about a wonderful chicken dish called Chicken Provencal. This dish comes from Provence, a beautiful region of France. Provence is famous for its beautiful countryside, sunny weather, and delicious food. French Chicken Provencal is one of the delicious dishes from this region.
Why is Chicken Provencal a great meal?
Soothing: This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The warm, rich flavors make you feel good and satisfied.
Delicious: The combination of herbs, garlic, tomatoes, and olives creates a mouth-watering flavor that everyone loves.
Healthy: Chicken is a great source of protein, and the tomatoes and herbs provide vitamins and minerals. This is a delicious and healthy meal.
The Chicken Provencal recipe is quite easy to learn and is perfect for impressing your family or friends with a comforting and delicious meal. Let’s learn how to make this amazing dish step by step.
Ingredients for Chicken Provencal
Chicken thighs or drumsticks: These are the main part of the dish. You will need about 4 pieces. Chicken thigh is the upper part of the leg, while drumstick is the lower part.
Tomatoes: These add a lot of flavor to the dish. You will need 2 large tomatoes, chopped.
Garlic: This gives the dish a strong, savory flavor. Use 4 cloves of garlic. The cloves are the small parts that make up the garlic bulb.
Onions: These add sweetness and depth to the dish. You will need 1 large onion, chopped.
Olives: These add a salty and tangy flavor. Use 1/2 cup of green or black olives. They can be chopped or whole.
Herbs de Provence: This is a mixture of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Use 2 teaspoons. If you don’t have this mixture, you can use dried thyme and rosemary.
Chicken broth: This is the liquid base that helps cook the chicken and adds flavor. You will need 1 cup.
Olive oil: It is used to cook chicken and vegetables. Use 2 tablespoons.
Salt and pepper: These are basic spices to add flavor. Use 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Cooking Instructions for Chicken Provencal
Season the chicken:- Take your chicken pieces (like thighs or breasts). Sprinkle salt, pepper and Herbs de Provence over the chicken pieces. And make sure each piece is coated evenly.
Roast the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the oil becomes hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are well browned. This helps to preserve the flavor.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Sauté onions and garlic:- In the same pan, add chopped onions. Then sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent and then add chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add tomatoes, olives and broth:- Add chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pan with onion and garlic. Then add olive oil. And then add chicken broth. Mix all the ingredients well.
Simmer the dish: Add the browned chicken pieces back to the pan and mix them into the sauce. Cook the mixture on low flame, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve:- When the chicken is fully cooked, it is ready to serve. You can serve Chicken Provencal with rice, pasta or slices of crusty bread to sop up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when roasting the chicken; if necessary, add a little at a time, 2 to 3 times.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning or salt if needed.
- Using fresh Herbs de Provence will give a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
Equipment Needed to Make Chicken Provencal
When making Chicken Provencal, you will need some basic kitchen tools. Here is a list of the tools you will need:
Large skillet or Dutch oven:- This is a large, deep pan where you will cook the chicken and vegetables. The skillet is like a large frying pan, and the Dutch oven is a heavy pot with a lid.
Cutting board:- This is a flat board where you will cut your vegetables and chicken. This keeps your countertop clean and safe from knife scratches.
Knife:- You will need a sharp knife to cut the chicken and chop the vegetables. Be careful and always cut with your fingers.
Measuring cups and spoons:- These are used to measure ingredients like oil, spices, and other liquids. They help you get the right amount of material.
Wooden spoon or spatula:- You will use these to stir the ingredients as they cook. A wooden spoon or spatula is great because it won’t scratch your pan.
Mixing bowl:- This is where you will mix some ingredients before adding them to the skillet. It is like a large bowl to mix everything together.
Health Benefits of Chicken Provencal Ingredients
Lean Protein:- Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is an essential element for building our muscles. It helps us to become stronger and repair our body in case of injury.
Antioxidants:- Tomatoes contain something called antioxidants. These are like little superheroes that fight harmful elements called free radicals present in our body. Free radicals can make us sick, while antioxidants help keep us healthy. Imagine antioxidants as little superheroes that fight bad elements to keep you healthy.
Healthy fats for the heart:– Olive oil contains fats that are good for our heart. It helps keep our blood vessels clean and our heart beating strong. Example: Think of olive oil as a good type of grease that helps a bike chain run smoothly. It keeps our heart and blood vessels healthy.
From vegetables: Tomatoes and olives give us vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E. These vitamins help keep our skin healthy and protect our cells.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Provencal
Crusty bread like a baguette is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce made with Chicken Provencal dish. Imagine tearing off a piece of warm, crusty bread and using it to soak up the delicious sauce. It adds a satisfying crunch to every bite and ensures that you enjoy every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Rice is a great base for Chicken Provencal. It absorbs the flavors of the sauce and makes the meal more filling. Imagine a plate of soft white rice topped with Chicken Provencal. The rice soaks up the juicy tomato and herb sauce, making every bite delicious and hearty.
A simple chicken Provencal salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and a light vinaigrette dressing on the side. The crisp veggies and tangy dressing perfectly balance out the delicious chicken dish.
Creamy mashed potatoes can be a comforting side dish that pairs well with savory chicken. Imagine a serving of smooth, buttery mashed potatoes next to Chicken Provencal. The potatoes help soak up the sauce and make the meal extra comforting.
