Chicken Ala Provencal is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken with aromatic herbs and savory Italian sausage. This recipe, designed for ease and deliciousness, is perfect for a satisfying meal in under an hour. Here’s a detailed exploration of how to make this dish and what makes it so special:
Recipe: Chicken Ala Provencal
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 449.3
- Total Fat: 28.6g
- Saturated Fat: 8.5g
- Cholesterol: 125.8mg
- Sodium: 342.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.2g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugars: 5.4g
- Protein: 34g
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the tomatoes, and slice the Italian sausage.
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Cooking:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. This step helps seal in the juices and adds flavor to the dish.
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Building Flavor:
- Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they are softened and fragrant.
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Adding Ingredients:
- Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaves, dried thyme, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld together.
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Simmering:
- Add the sliced Italian sausage to the skillet. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The sausage will also impart its delicious flavor into the dish during this time.
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Thickening:
- In a small bowl, mix the flour with enough water to make a smooth paste (this is called a slurry). Slowly add this slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly, to thicken the sauce. This step ensures a rich and velvety consistency to the sauce.
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Serving:
- Serve the Chicken Ala Provencal hot, spooned generously over cooked noodles or pasta of your choice. The savory sauce infused with herbs and sausage complements the tender chicken perfectly.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Cuts: You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces or your favorite chicken parts like thighs or drumsticks.
- Herb Freshness: While dried herbs work well in this recipe, you can use fresh herbs if available for an even more vibrant flavor.
- Serving Ideas: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, or a side salad for a lighter option.
Conclusion:
Chicken Ala Provencal is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of chicken, tomatoes, herbs, and sausage into a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a gathering of friends, this recipe offers a taste of Provence right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of this classic dish, and make it a staple in your culinary repertoire!
