Delicious Provence-Style Garlic Lemon Chicken Recipe

Delicious Provence-Style Garlic Lemon Chicken Recipe is a medium French recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by French Cooking Academy on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 65 min | Total: 1 hr 40 min

Cost: $23.91 total, $5.98 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs, Bone‑in, Skin‑on (about 1.5 kg total, trimmed)
  • 1 large Lemon (peeled, white pith removed, sliced thinly (skinless))
  • 15 cloves Garlic Cloves (peeled and germ (sprout) removed)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for browning)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, mixed with olive oil)
  • 2 tablespoons All‑Purpose Flour (light dusting for chicken)
  • 500 ml White Chicken Stock (store‑bought or homemade, low‑sodium)
  • 200 ml Dry White Wine (preferably a dry Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 small Shallots (thinly sliced)
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf (whole, for aromatics)
  • 1 teaspoon Mixed Provencal Herbs (dried blend (thyme, rosemary, oregano))
  • 150 ml Heavy Cream (optional) (adds richness; omit for a lighter sauce)
  • to taste Salt (prefer sea salt)
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Lemon

    Peel the lemon, removing all zest and the white pith. Slice the flesh into thin, skinless rounds.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Garlic

    Peel 15 garlic cloves and cut off the green germ (sprout) from each clove.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Season and Dust Chicken

    Pat chicken thighs dry, season generously with salt and pepper, then lightly dust each piece with flour.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Stabilize Stock and Infuse Garlic

    In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a rolling boil. Add the peeled garlic cloves, let simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: boiling

  5. Brown the Chicken

    Heat olive oil and butter in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, cooking about 5 minutes per side until nicely golden.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Remove Chicken and Trim Fat

    Transfer browned chicken to a plate. Spoon off excess fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Deglaze with Shallots and Wine

    Increase heat to high, add bay leaf and sliced shallots, sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the white wine, stirring to lift browned bits, and reduce until the liquid is half its volume and slightly syrupy.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high heat

  8. Add Stock and Garlic

    Stir the prepared stock‑garlic mixture into the pot, bring to a boil, and let reduce for a few minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: boiling

  9. Preheat Oven

    While the sauce is reducing, preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 190°C

  10. Combine Chicken, Lemon, and Herbs

    Return the chicken to the pot, nestle the skinless lemon slices among the pieces, sprinkle mixed herbs, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top and stir gently to coat.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Braise in the Oven

    Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 190°C

  12. Finish the Sauce

    Remove the chicken and keep warm. Return the pot to the stovetop, bring the sauce to a boil and reduce until it coats the back of a spoon (about 3–5 minutes). If a creamy sauce is desired, stir in 150 ml heavy cream and simmer an additional 3 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: boiling

  13. Plate and Serve

    Arrange the chicken on a shallow serving dish, spoon the sauce over, and garnish with fresh herbs and a few extra lemon ribbons.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
6 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy (butter, optional cream), Gluten (flour)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Delicious Provence-Style Garlic Lemon Chicken Recipe

Recipe by French Cooking Academy

A simple yet elegant French provincial dish that celebrates the bright flavors of lemon and garlic. Bone‑in chicken pieces are lightly dusted with flour, browned, then braised with white wine, chicken stock, skinless lemon slices and herbs. Finish the sauce with a splash of cream for extra richness or serve it pure for a clean, citrus‑forward taste.

MediumFrenchServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
37m
Prep
1h 15m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$23.91
Total cost
$5.98
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Peeling the lemon without leaving any white pith
  • Removing the germ from each garlic clove
  • Achieving a deep golden brown on the chicken pieces
  • Deglazing the pan with wine without burning shallots
  • Braising the chicken at the correct oven temperature (190°C)
  • Reducing the sauce to a coating consistency
  • Incorporating enough cream (150 ml) for a true creamy texture if desired

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and butter with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use oven mitts when placing or removing the Dutch oven from the oven.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to be safe to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Lemon Garlic Braised Chicken in Southern French cuisine?

A

In the Provence and Côte d'Azur regions, lemons and garlic are staple ingredients that reflect the sunny Mediterranean climate. Braising chicken with these aromatics dates back to rustic farm‑house cooking, where the bright citrus balanced the richness of meat and butter.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Lemon Garlic Braised Chicken in French Provencal cooking?

A

Some Provencal versions add olives, capers, or anchovies for a briny twist, while others finish the sauce with a dollop of crème fraîche instead of heavy cream. The core technique—browning then braising with lemon and garlic—remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is Lemon Garlic Braised Chicken traditionally served in the south of France?

A

It is typically presented on a shallow platter, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon ribbons, and accompanied by crusty baguette, ratatouille, or a simple green salad to soak up the sauce.

cultural
Q

During which French celebrations or occasions is Lemon Garlic Braised Chicken commonly prepared?

A

The dish is popular during summer festivals such as the Lemon Festival in Menton, family gatherings, and casual weekend meals where fresh, seasonal produce is highlighted.

cultural
Q

What makes Lemon Garlic Braised Chicken special in French cuisine compared to other chicken dishes?

A

The combination of skinless lemon slices and abundant garlic creates a bright, aromatic profile that distinguishes it from richer, wine‑only braises. The technique balances caramelization with a gentle, citrus‑infused braise.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lemon Garlic Braised Chicken at home?

A

Common errors include leaving the white pith on the lemon (causing bitterness), overcrowding the pan which prevents proper browning, and over‑reducing the sauce so it becomes too salty. Also, forgetting to remove the garlic germ can add unwanted bitterness.

technical
Q

Why does this Lemon Garlic Braised Chicken recipe deglaze with wine instead of water?

A

Wine adds acidity that lifts the caramelized fond from the pan and contributes depth of flavor. It also helps to balance the richness of butter and the brightness of lemon, creating a harmonious sauce.

technical
Q

Can I make Lemon Garlic Braised Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can braise the chicken a day ahead, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock if the sauce has thickened too much.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sauce of Lemon Garlic Braised Chicken is finished?

A

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear mark when a finger is drawn through it. It should be glossy, slightly thick, and not watery; if using cream, it will have a velvety sheen.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel French Cooking Academy specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel French Cooking Academy focuses on classic and regional French recipes, emphasizing technique, seasonal ingredients, and approachable home‑cooking methods for both beginners and experienced cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel French Cooking Academy's approach to Provencal cooking differ from other French cooking channels?

A

French Cooking Academy highlights the simplicity of Provencal dishes, using minimal ingredients like lemon, garlic, and herbs, and stresses authentic techniques such as proper browning and careful deglazing, whereas many other channels may rely on shortcuts or heavy sauces.

channel

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