Chicken Provencal
A flavorful Provençal chicken dish featuring tender chicken, olives, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth, perfect for comforting family dinners with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. broiler fryer chicken ⓘ
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 16 pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 8 carrots ⓘ
- 8 small whole onions ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into pieces and remove the skin.
- Mix the flour, paprika, basil, salt, oregano, pepper, and marjoram in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken pieces with the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a 4-quart Dutch oven until hot.
- Cook the chicken until browned on all sides, about 15 minutes.
- Add the olives, carrots, onions, and potatoes to the Dutch oven.
- Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and cook until the chicken is done, about 45 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and vegetables and keep warm.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the liquid in the Dutch oven.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Serve the sauce alongside the chicken and vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture overnight. You can substitute the olives with capers for a different taste. If you want to add more vegetables, consider including bell peppers or zucchini. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This dish can also be paired with sides from other chicken recipes, like a refreshing salad or crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Provencal with a side of crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed green beans pairs well, adding freshness to the meal. For a heartier side, consider serving it with a creamy potato gratin or roasted vegetables. This comforting dish can also be enjoyed over rice or couscous, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and vegetables in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Provencal contains roughly 849 calories, with 21g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value), and iron (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2180mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks work great for this recipe. They will provide added flavor and moisture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a splash of soy sauce for added depth. This will still give you a flavorful base for the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Chicken Provencal a day in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stove over low heat before serving to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).