Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coast of Southern France with just one bite. This Nicoise Chicken Stew is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your dinner routine! Packed with tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and briny black olives, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup black olives, pitted
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate. In the same pan, add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soft.
- Add minced garlic and dried thyme, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add pitted black olives during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to warm them through and infuse flavor.
- Check chicken's internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C). Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the stew rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
Tips
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. The skin adds incredible depth to the dish when properly browned.
- Take time to properly brown the chicken—this step builds a flavor foundation that makes the entire stew extraordinary.
- Use high-quality, ripe tomatoes or San Marzano canned tomatoes for the most authentic taste.
- Don't rush the simmering process. Low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the final presentation and add a bright, fresh note to the rich stew.
- If possible, let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop and integrate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
