Chicken Provençal with Baguette and Fresh Green Salad (includes complimentary surprise dessert)

This Thursday at Ragna’s Table, I invite you to experience the bright, rustic flavors of southern France, where the sun-soaked hills and lavender fields of Provence have inspired generations of simple, soulful cuisine. At the center is Chicken Provençal, a dish with roots in the kitchens of Provencal villagers who relied on the bounty of their gardens and local markets. Historically, this dish was a way to make the most of seasonal ingredients: juicy, free-range chicken, ripe summer tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and olives pressed from local groves. Each family might have its own subtle variation, but the essence remained the same — a harmonious blend of freshness, aroma, and heartwarming comfort.

Tender chicken is gently braised with tomatoes, briny olives, garlic, and fragrant herbs de Provence, creating a sauce layered with sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes. The tomatoes bring lycopene and vitamin C, supporting heart health and immunity, while olives contribute heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. Garlic, thyme, rosemary, and savory herbs add subtle anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, connecting the meal to the timeless health wisdom of Mediterranean cooking.

Accompanying the chicken is a piece of homemade baguette, with a crisp crust and a tender, tangy crumb. Just like in the Provencal tradition, the bread serves as both sustenance and a tool — perfect for tearing and dipping into the flavorful sauce, allowing every drop of garlic- and herb-infused jus to be savored.

To balance the richness, a fresh green salad dressed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon brings crispness, color, and vitality to the plate. The greens provide fiber, folate, and antioxidants, while the bright acidity of the lemon refreshes the palate, echoing the citrusy brightness often found in Provencal cooking.

In Provence, meals like this were often shared family-style, enjoyed at long wooden tables, and paired with lively conversation and the scent of herbs drifting from window boxes or drying on kitchen rafters. Each element of this menu — the tender, flavorful chicken, the tangy baguette, and the crisp, zesty salad — has been carefully chosen to honor that tradition. With mostly organic ingredients, this meal celebrates the history, simplicity, and joy of French cooking while providing nourishment for both body and spirit.