French-Style Braised Chicken: A Simple Yet Elegant Dinner Recipe

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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

IngredientAmount
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs7–8 pieces
Kosher salt1 teaspoon
Black pepper½ teaspoon
Olive oil2 tablespoons
Herbes de Provence1 tablespoon

Aromatics & Vegetables

IngredientAmount
Shallots (quartered)4 large
Garlic (peeled)6 cloves
Cherry tomatoes1 pint
Castelvetrano olives½ cup
Lemon (cut into eighths)1
Capers1 tablespoon
Thyme sprigs4

Liquid & Serving

IngredientAmount
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):

NutrientAmount 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


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  • Author: Stacy
  • 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:

  • 78 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

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