Mary Berry’s Chicken Provençal is a classic French-inspired dish that beautifully combines tender chicken with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for any occasion, offering a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite. With its rich tomato sauce and fragrant herbs, Chicken Provençal is an easy yet elegant dish that brings the warmth of Provence to your table.
What is Mary Berry Chicken Provençal?
Mary Berry’s Chicken Provençal is a savory, tomato-based dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, olives, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. The dish is inspired by the flavors of the Provence region in France, known for its use of fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs. It’s a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Other Popular Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: The combination of olives, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a rich, savory sauce.
- Easy to make: This one-pot dish is simple to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy and wholesome: Packed with lean chicken and vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal.
- Perfect for meal prep: The dish tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.
- Versatile: You can serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Chicken Provençal
- Chicken thighs (4-6): Bone-in and skin-on for added flavor and tenderness.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the chicken and cooking the vegetables.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic cloves (4): Minced, for a fragrant base.
- Canned tomatoes (400g / 14 oz): Provides the rich tomato sauce.
- Olives (100g / 3.5 oz): Black or green, pitted and halved, adding briny flavor.
- White wine (150ml / ½ cup): Adds acidity and enhances the flavors of the sauce.
- Herbes de Provence (1 tbsp): A blend of thyme, rosemary, and oregano, essential for the Provençal flavor.
- Fresh thyme (a few sprigs): For additional aromatic flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh parsley (a handful): Chopped, for garnish.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or casserole dish
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Chicken Provençal
- Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or casserole dish over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the onions and garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and olives: Stir in the canned tomatoes, olives, white wine, and herbes de Provence. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pan: Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the sauce, ensuring they are covered. Add the fresh thyme sprigs on top. Cover and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish and season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Chicken Provençal
- Steamed rice: A simple side that absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
- Pasta: Serve with tagliatelle or linguine for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Crusty bread: Use French baguette or sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the flavors and textures.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Chicken Provençal
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay tender during cooking.
- Don’t rush the simmering: Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the sauce to absorb all the flavors.
- Deglaze the pan: After browning the chicken, scrape up the browned bits with the wine to add depth to the sauce.
- Fresh herbs for garnish: Adding fresh parsley at the end enhances the dish’s vibrant flavors.
- Add capers for extra tang: If you enjoy a more tangy flavor, add a tablespoon of capers to the sauce.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Chicken Provençal
- Use chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat, substitute the thighs with chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.
- Vegan version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable stock instead of white wine.
- Spicier option: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
- Add bell peppers: Include sliced bell peppers for extra color and sweetness in the sauce.
- Swap the wine: For a non-alcoholic option, replace the white wine with chicken or vegetable stock.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Chicken Provençal
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Chicken Provençal freezes well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Label and date: Always label your containers before freezing to keep track of freshness.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Chicken Provençal
- Stovetop reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully warmed.
- Microwave method: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Chicken Provençal Healthier?
- Use skinless chicken: Remove the skin from the chicken thighs to reduce fat content.
- Swap cream for yogurt: If you like a creamier sauce, stir in a little Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter option.
- Add more vegetables: Toss in additional vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to boost the nutrient content.
- Use less oil: Reduce the amount of olive oil for browning the chicken to make the dish lighter.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Chicken Provençal?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. However, adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking the chicken breasts, as they cook faster than thighs and may become dry.
Can I make Chicken Provençal ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Provençal can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
What is the best wine to use for Chicken Provençal?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, works best for Chicken Provençal. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable stock.
Can Chicken Provençal be frozen?
Yes, Chicken Provençal freezes well. Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Chicken Provençal is a delightful, flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. With its rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, this meal is both comforting and impressive.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Fish Curry
- Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup
- Mary Berry Chicken Supreme Recipe
- Delia Smith Chicken Basque
Mary Berry Chicken Provencal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Description
Mary Berry’s Chicken Provençal is a savory, tomato-based dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, olives, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. The dish is inspired by the flavors of the Provence region in France, known for its use of fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs. It’s a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (4-6): Bone-in and skin-on for added flavor and tenderness.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the chicken and cooking the vegetables.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic cloves (4): Minced, for a fragrant base.
- Canned tomatoes (400g / 14 oz): Provides the rich tomato sauce.
- Olives (100g / 3.5 oz): Black or green, pitted and halved, adding briny flavor.
- White wine (150ml / ½ cup): Adds acidity and enhances the flavors of the sauce.
- Herbes de Provence (1 tbsp): A blend of thyme, rosemary, and oregano, essential for the Provençal flavor.
- Fresh thyme (a few sprigs): For additional aromatic flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh parsley (a handful): Chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or casserole dish over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the onions and garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and olives: Stir in the canned tomatoes, olives, white wine, and herbes de Provence. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pan: Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the sauce, ensuring they are covered. Add the fresh thyme sprigs on top. Cover and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish and season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
