Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Provençal is a flavorful dish inspired by the rustic cuisine of Provence, France. This recipe combines tender chicken with a medley of Mediterranean flavors like tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs, creating a hearty and aromatic meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Provençal?
Chicken Provençal is a classic French dish featuring chicken pieces cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with the flavors of Provence—think garlic, olives, thyme, and sometimes white wine. Jamie Oliver’s version emphasizes fresh, vibrant ingredients and simple techniques, resulting in a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rustic Mediterranean Flavors: Fresh herbs, garlic, and olives bring Provence to your kitchen.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Easy to make but impressive enough for entertaining.
- One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes and concentrated flavors.
- Customizable: Adaptable with your choice of vegetables or herbs.
- Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Provençal
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in) – Provides juicy, flavorful meat.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
- 1 large onion (sliced) – Adds sweetness to the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced) – Enhances the Provençal flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced) – Adds color and a touch of sweetness.
- 400g canned tomatoes – Forms the base of the sauce.
- 100ml white wine – Adds depth and acidity (optional, can substitute chicken stock).
- 75g black or green olives – Brings a salty, briny element.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – A signature herb of Provence.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Adds a warm, earthy note.
- 1 bay leaf – Enhances the aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper – Season the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) – Adds freshness and color.
Equipment Needed
- Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish – Ideal for one-pot cooking.
- Tongs – For flipping the chicken.
- Wooden spoon – To stir the sauce.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Provençal
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan. Lower the heat to medium and sauté the sliced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the canned tomatoes, white wine (or chicken stock), thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Nestle the browned chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged. Scatter the olives around the dish.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken Provençal
Transfer the skillet or casserole dish to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C (165°F).
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
What Goes Well with Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Provençal
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy side to balance the robust flavors.
- Steamed Vegetables: Adds a fresh and light contrast.
- Rice or Couscous: Ideal for serving the chicken and sauce over.
- Roasted Potatoes: Complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Provençal
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in pieces retain more moisture and flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Searing the chicken first locks in juices and adds depth to the dish.
- Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stove after baking to reduce.
- Customize the Herbs: Add rosemary or basil for a personal twist.
- Use Good Quality Tomatoes: High-quality canned tomatoes enhance the flavor.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Provençal
- Add Zucchini or Eggplant: Extra vegetables enhance the dish’s heartiness.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for heat.
- Capers: Toss in some capers for an extra briny kick.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest before serving for brightness.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace chicken with chickpeas and adjust the cooking time.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Provençal
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Provençal Healthier?
- Use Skinless Chicken: Reduces fat content.
- Replace Wine with Stock: Cuts down on calories.
- Add More Veggies: Increase the quantity of vegetables for a nutrient boost.
- Limit the Olives: Reduce the amount to lower sodium.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs for Chicken Provençal?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but they may cook faster and risk drying out. To prevent this, reduce the baking time and ensure they’re not overcooked by checking the internal temperature, which should reach 75°C (165°F).
Can I Make Chicken Provençal Ahead of Time?
Yes, Chicken Provençal can be made ahead of time. Cook the dish as directed, then let it cool and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of stock if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine in Chicken Provençal?
If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken or vegetable stock is a great substitute. For a slight tang, you can add a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar to mimic the acidity of the wine.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce in Chicken Provençal?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it on the stove after baking to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while simmering until it thickens.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Provençal is a beautifully rustic dish that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. The combination of juicy chicken, aromatic herbs, and a vibrant tomato-olive sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread or creamy potatoes for a satisfying meal that’s simple yet elegant.
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Jamie Oliver Chicken Provencal
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: French
Description
Chicken Provençal is a classic French dish featuring chicken pieces cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with the flavors of Provence—think garlic, olives, thyme, and sometimes white wine. Jamie Oliver’s version emphasizes fresh, vibrant ingredients and simple techniques, resulting in a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in) – Provides juicy, flavorful meat.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
- 1 large onion (sliced) – Adds sweetness to the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced) – Enhances the Provençal flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced) – Adds color and a touch of sweetness.
- 400g canned tomatoes – Forms the base of the sauce.
- 100ml white wine – Adds depth and acidity (optional, can substitute chicken stock).
- 75g black or green olives – Brings a salty, briny element.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – A signature herb of Provence.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Adds a warm, earthy note.
- 1 bay leaf – Enhances the aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper – Season the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) – Adds freshness and color.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan. Lower the heat to medium and sauté the sliced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the canned tomatoes, white wine (or chicken stock), thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Nestle the browned chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged. Scatter the olives around the dish.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken Provençal
Transfer the skillet or casserole dish to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C (165°F).
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
