Picture this: the aroma of tender chicken, simmering in white wine and infused with fragrant herbs and citrus, filling your kitchen. French-style braised chicken is a dish that combines simplicity and elegance, making it the perfect meal for a cozy weeknight or an impressive dinner party. This one-pan recipe is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, with rich, layered flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
In this article, you’ll learn step-by-step how to create French-style braised chicken, complete with tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re new to braising or a seasoned home cook, this guide will make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love French-Style Braised Chicken
- Deeply flavorful: The combination of Herbes de Provence, white wine, and aromatics creates a rich and savory dish.
- Simple to make: Despite its sophisticated flavor, this recipe requires minimal prep and just one pan.
- Perfect for entertaining: Serve it with rice, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a meal that will impress guests.
- Customizable: You can adjust the herbs and add vegetables to make it your own.
- Great leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients for French-style braised chicken:
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs | 7–8 pieces |
Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Herbes de Provence | 1 tablespoon |
Aromatics & Vegetables
Ingredient | Amount |
Shallots (quartered) | 4 large |
Garlic (peeled) | 6 cloves |
Cherry tomatoes | 1 pint |
Castelvetrano olives | ½ cup |
Lemon (cut into eighths) | 1 |
Capers | 1 tablespoon |
Thyme sprigs | 4 |
Liquid & Serving
Ingredient | Amount |
White wine (Chardonnay) | 1 cup |
Rice or baguette (optional) | For serving |
Step-by-Step Recipe for French-Style Braised Chicken
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for the final cooking stage.
2. Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides generously with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat the Skillet
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat.
Brown the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, undisturbed, until the skin is golden and crispy.
Flip and Add Herbes de Provence
- Flip the chicken over and sprinkle 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence evenly over the pieces.
4. Add the Aromatics and Vegetables
- Scatter the following ingredients around the chicken:
- 4 quartered shallots
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives
- 1 lemon (cut into eighths)
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 4 sprigs of thyme
5. Deglaze with White Wine
- Pour 1 cup of Chardonnay into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer to meld the flavors.
6. Transfer to the Oven
- Carefully move the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Cook uncovered for 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
7. Let It Rest
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and ensures juicy chicken.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the chicken and vegetables over fluffy rice or with a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for added color and flavor.
Tips for Perfect French-Style Braised Chicken
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: This ensures juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin.
- Don’t rush the sear: Allow the chicken to brown properly for added flavor.
- Choose the right wine: A dry white wine like Chardonnay works best for this recipe. Avoid sweet wines.
- Deglaze thoroughly: Scraping the skillet ensures all those flavorful browned bits make it into the sauce.
- Customize your vegetables: Add mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes for a heartier dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
Calories | ~350 |
Protein | ~28g |
Carbohydrates | ~8g |
Fat | ~22g |
Fiber | ~2g |
Sodium | ~450mg |
Creative Variations
1. Add Mushrooms
- Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the shallots and garlic for a rich, earthy flavor.
2. Try a Tomato Base
- Add 1 cup of crushed tomatoes or tomato puree to the wine for a more robust sauce.
3. Make It Spicy
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
4. Go Olive-Free
- If you’re not a fan of olives, replace them with artichoke hearts or omit them entirely.
5. Use Fresh Herbs
- Swap thyme for rosemary, or use a mix of both for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
French-style braised chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty baguette: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Rice: White or brown rice complements the savory juices.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the richness of the chicken.
- Steamed vegetables: Keep it light with green beans or asparagus on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time in the oven to about 40 minutes since boneless chicken cooks faster.
2. What can I substitute for white wine?
You can use chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a similar acidity.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen as the dish sits. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
4. What if I don’t have Herbes de Provence?
Make your own blend with dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and a pinch of lavender if you have it.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Final Thoughts: Bring French Bistro Flavors to Your Home
French-style braised chicken is a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a wine-infused sauce creates a meal that feels luxurious yet is easy enough for anyone to make.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and create a dinner that’s worthy of a French bistro. Bon appétit!
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French-Style Braised Chicken: A Simple Yet Elegant Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Experience the elegance of French cuisine with this tender and flavorful braised chicken dish. Simmered in white wine with aromatic herbs, citrus, and savory vegetables, French-style braised chicken is an impressive yet simple one-pan meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is rich in flavor and sure to delight!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 7–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence
Aromatics & Vegetables:
- 4 large shallots, quartered
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives
- 1 lemon, cut into eighths
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 4 thyme sprigs
Liquid & Serving:
- 1 cup white wine (Chardonnay recommended)
- Rice or baguette (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a smooth transition from stovetop to oven.
2. Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, undisturbed, until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Flip the chicken over and sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence.
4. Add Aromatics and Vegetables:
Scatter the following around the chicken in the skillet:
- 4 quartered shallots
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives
- 1 lemon (cut into eighths)
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 4 thyme sprigs
5. Deglaze with White Wine:
- Pour 1 cup white wine (Chardonnay) into the skillet.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer to meld the flavors.
6. Transfer to the Oven:
- Carefully move the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Cook uncovered for 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
7. Let It Rest:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and ensures juicy chicken.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the chicken and vegetables over rice or alongside a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: This ensures juicy meat and crispy skin.
- Sear properly: A golden crust adds depth to the flavor, so don’t rush this step.
- Deglaze thoroughly: Scraping the skillet releases all the caramelized bits for a rich sauce.
- Wine substitute: Use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice if you don’t have wine.
- Customize the vegetables: Add carrots, mushrooms, or potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: French