Classic French Provençal Chicken with Herbes de Provence and Fresh Vegetables

This Classic French Provençal Chicken is a heartwarming and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a mix of fresh vegetables all infused with the aromatic blend of Herbes de Provence. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, bringing the authentic tastes of southern France to your table.

Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 4 bone-in chicken thighs
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Provençal sauce:
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
– 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved

Instructions:
1. Season the chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Brown the chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and brown them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.

4. Add the vegetables:
Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

5. Combine and simmer:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Add the Herbes de Provence and black olives. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

6. Return the chicken:
Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable mixture. Ensure that the chicken is partially submerged in the sauce.

7. Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the dish simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve:
Serve the Provençal chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, steamed rice, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this French classic with your loved ones!