There’s a certain charm to French cuisine that transcends borders. When you think about French cuisine, the mind often wanders to elaborate dishes, rich sauces, and a table filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and a sense of joie de vivre. However, French cuisine is not just about sophistication and complexity. It’s also about simplicity, freshness, and a profound respect for each ingredient. This essence of French cuisine is encapsulated in our Provencal-Style Chicken Thighs with Dates and Olives.
This dish is inspired by the vibrant flavors of Provence, a region in the South of France known for its diverse landscapes, sunny weather, and a cuisine that sings with the flavors of locally grown produce. The Provencal kitchen is filled with the aromas of fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olives – all these elements are beautifully reflected in our chicken dish.
First, let’s talk about the hero of our dish – the chicken thighs. Chicken, as we know, is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein plays a crucial role in muscle growth and repair, and it also aids in satiety, making this dish a great choice for those watching their weight or aiming to build muscle mass.
The chicken is seasoned simply with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the natural flavors to shine. It’s then browned in avocado oil, a healthier alternative to traditional cooking oils. Avocado oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and has a high smoke point, making it ideal for searing and browning.
Next come the aromatics – fresh rosemary and minced garlic. Rosemary, a staple herb in Provencal cooking, not only adds a wonderful fragrance and flavor but also offers a host of health benefits. It’s known to support digestion, enhance memory and concentration, and has anti-inflammatory compounds. Garlic, another powerhouse ingredient, has been linked to improved heart health and enhanced immune function.
The dish then gets an added layer of flavor and nutrition with the addition of red onions, cherry tomatoes, Medjool dates, and Castelvetrano olives. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, folic acid, and an antioxidant called lycopene. Dates, while providing a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors, are packed with fiber, potassium, and a variety of B vitamins. Olives, particularly the bright green Castelvetrano variety, contribute heart-healthy fats and a punch of umami flavor.
Finally, a deglazing with dry white wine infuses the dish with a subtle depth. While most of the alcohol cooks off, the wine leaves behind a fruity, tangy taste that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Serving this Provencal-style chicken dish is like taking a sensory trip to the South of France. Each bite offers a complex symphony of flavors – the succulent chicken, the sweet and chewy dates, the tangy olives, the burst of fresh cherry tomatoes, and the aromatic herbs, all mingling together to create a truly delightful dining experience.
In a world where gluten-free eating is growing in importance due to health and dietary reasons, this dish stands as a testament that gluten-free does not mean flavor-free. So, the next time you’re looking to bring some French flair to your dinner table, remember our Provencal-Style Chicken Thighs with Dates and Olives. It’s a dish that promises not only a flavorful meal but also a nourishing one that takes care of your health and well-being. Bon appétit!
Provencal-Style Chicken Thighs with Dates and Olives
Description
Elevate your dinner with our Provencal-Style Chicken Thighs with Dates and Olives. This one-pan wonder is a delightful blend of flavors and textures - juicy chicken, sweet dates, tangy olives, and succulent tomatoes, all brought together with aromatic rosemary and a splash of white wine. This dish brings the charm of southern France right to your dining table. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
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Heat the avocado oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 7-9 minutes. Turn the chicken and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the rosemary, minced garlic, and quartered red onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions are softened.
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Add the cherry tomatoes, chopped dates, and olives to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 3 minutes.
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Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables.
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Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes have burst.
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Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 650kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 220mg74%
- Sodium 1480mg62%
- Potassium 910mg26%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 15g
- Protein 45g90%
- Vitamin A 950 IU
- Vitamin C 35 mg
- Calcium 80 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
