Name: Chicken Provençal with Dates, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 to 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 12 cloves garlic, peeled; 6 medium shallots, peeled and halved; 2 pints cherry tomatoes; ½ cup halved and pitted dates; 1 cup green olives, pitted; 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc); 4 cups cooked rice; 4 cups cooked polenta; 4 cups mashed potatoes; Crusty bread

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with sunshine flavors and a bit of something unexpected, you’re gonna love this Chicken Provençal with Dates, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. It’s savory, sweet, tangy, and downright comforting all at once. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the dates add a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the brininess of the olives and the fresh juiciness of cherry tomatoes. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become one of those meals you crave on busy weeknights and weekend dinners alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet dates, savory olives, and fresh tomatoes create a harmony that’s both surprising and comforting.
Effortless One-Pan Meal: You cook everything together in one ovenproof pan, which means less cleanup and lots of flavor melding.
Great for Meal Prep: This recipe reheats beautifully — perfect for lunches or dinners the next day.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy every time I make this. It’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for weeknight dinners.

A white pan filled with six golden brown chicken thighs with crispy skin as the top layer, surrounded by bright green olives scattered all over. The second layer includes small roasted cherry tomatoes, whole cloves of garlic, and soft translucent onion pieces resting next to the chicken. Dark brown dates are also spread out, adding another texture beneath the chicken and olives. Fresh chopped green parsley is sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Provençal with Dates Olives and Cherry Tomatoes, Chicken Provençal recipe, Mediterranean chicken dish, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Provençal with Dates, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe truly comes down to its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a role: juicy tomatoes bring brightness, olives add briny depth, and dates give that subtle sweet surprise. When you’re shopping, try to find the freshest cherry tomatoes and good-quality olives — they really make a difference.

Flat lay of bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, fresh thyme sprigs, peeled garlic cloves, halved shallots, bright red cherry tomatoes, halved pitted dates, green olives, and a small drizzle of golden extra-virgin olive oil, all beautifully arranged in a natural, colorful composition placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Provençal with Dates Olives and Cherry Tomatoes, Chicken Provençal recipe, Mediterranean chicken dish, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipes

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
Kosher Salt: For seasoning, it dissolves well and enhances all the flavors.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice that rounds out the dish.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use good quality for sautéing — it’ll affect the overall taste.
Fresh Thyme: Aromatic and earthy, it pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Garlic Cloves: Whole and peeled, they mellow and roast to sweetness.
Shallots: Milder than onions, they soften and add a subtle sweetness.
Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with juicy freshness and add color to the dish.
Dates: Pitted and halved, they are the secret sweet note that balances the olives.
Green Olives: Pitted, add a briny punch that defines Provençal cooking.
Dry White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or similar, brings acidity and depth.
Cooked Rice, Polenta, or Mashed Potatoes (Optional): Great for serving and soaking up the sauce.
Crusty Bread (Optional): Perfect to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Chicken Provençal with Dates, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is because you can tweak it to match your mood or pantry stash. I often experiment by switching up fresh herbs or adding some spice for a little kick. Feel free to personalize it and make it your own!

Herb Swap: I sometimes swap thyme for rosemary or add a handful of fresh basil at the end for a fragrant twist.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes brings a lovely heat that balances the sweetness nicely.
Meat Variation: Tried this with bone-in chicken breasts and it still works great — adjust cooking time accordingly.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with hearty eggplant slices and cook a little longer for a delicious meat-free alternative.

How to Make Chicken Provençal with Dates, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F and position a rack in the lower third. While the oven heats, pat your chicken thighs dry then season them liberally all over with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof pan over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering — this helps create that beautiful golden crust. Place the chicken skin-side down without moving it for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and deeply browned. This step locks in all the juicy goodness and gives you that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.

Step 2: Add the Flavorful Veggies and Fruit

Flip the chicken thighs over carefully. Then tuck in the fresh thyme sprigs (or sprinkle dried thyme), whole garlic cloves, halved shallots, cherry tomatoes, pitted dates, and olives all around the chicken. This colorful assemblage not only makes your pan look inviting but mixes aromas and tastes that define this dish.

Step 3: Pour the Wine and Bake

Pour in the dry white wine gently so you don’t wash away all those gorgeous ingredients. Bring the liquid up to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid or foil and transfer it to the oven. Bake the whole thing until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature — usually about an hour. The low-and-slow cooking lets the meat turn tender while the flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once done, serve your chicken Provençal on top of fluffy cooked rice, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes — whatever you love. If you’re anything like me, crusty bread is a must to soak up the delicious sauce. This combo hits every note, from sweet and savory to tangy and rich.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Provençal with Dates, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Pat Your Chicken Dry: To get that beautiful, crispy brown skin, make sure the chicken is as dry as possible before seasoning.
Don’t Rush the Searing: Let the chicken cook undisturbed so it develops a nice crust — flipping too soon means it might stick.
Use an Ovenproof Pan: This saves time and clean-up since you sear on the stove then finish in the oven right in the same vessel.
Check Temperature Early: To avoid overcooking, start checking chicken’s internal temp at 55 minutes. A probe thermometer is a game changer.

How to Serve Chicken Provençal with Dates, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Chicken Provençal with Dates, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little chopped fresh parsley or basil over this dish right before serving because it adds a pop of green and fresh flavor. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up even more, especially if your tomatoes aren’t perfectly ripe.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Provençal recipe is delicious served over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes — both soak up the rich sauce perfectly. If you want something a bit lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp fennel salad balance the dish nicely, adding a crunchy freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to use a beautiful ceramic baking dish to serve this straight from the oven, letting the colors of the tomatoes and olives shine. You can serve family style, letting everyone help themselves, which makes the meal feel cozy and inviting. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as a final touch also makes this dish photo-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors keep developing overnight, so sometimes it tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently to keep the chicken moist.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Chicken Provençal successfully by separating the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. When you thaw, do so overnight in the fridge, and reheat on low heat. While the texture is best fresh, freezing helps for meal planning and saves you time on busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a covered pan on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Heating slowly helps maintain that tender, juicy bite we all want.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but adjust the cooking time since boneless pieces cook faster. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking them.
What can I substitute for dates if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have dates, dried apricots or raisins can work as a substitute, offering similar sweetness and texture that complements the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe without wine?

Absolutely! You can replace the white wine with chicken broth and a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to provide acidity and depth.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and just reheat it before serving?

Yes, this dish reheats wonderfully. Just store it in the fridge and gently warm on the stovetop or oven before serving, adding a splash of liquid if necessary to keep it moist.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Provençal with Dates, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s both comforting and exciting. Whenever I make it, I feel like I’m bringing a little piece of the French countryside to my table, with flavors so balanced and delicious that everyone wants seconds. You should definitely give it a try—I promise you’ll be swapping dinner recommendations with friends in no time!