Herbed Chicken Provençal with Tomato Confît

This delightful dish combines juicy chicken with the savory tang of mustard and the sweetness of roasted tomatoes, perfect for a simple yet flavorful French-inspired meal.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 25 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and allows the tomatoes to confit gently, enhancing their sweetness quickly.
2. 2.
   Rinse the cherry tomatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. Drying them ensures they roast properly without excess steaming. Place them in a small baking dish, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with some fresh thyme leaves. Toss until the tomatoes are well-coated.
3. 3.
   Place the boneless, skinless chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, butterfly the chicken breast by slicing it in half horizontally. Spread 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard evenly over both sides of the chicken. This adds a flavorful coating and helps keep the meat moist during cooking. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired.
4. 4.
   In a medium oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breast to the skillet. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This browning step enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction, which intensifies savory notes.
5. 5.
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, placing the skillet next to the baking dish with the tomatoes. Roast both the chicken and tomatoes for 15 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the tomatoes should start to burst, releasing their juices. If the chicken is cooking too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
6. 6.
   Once done, remove both the chicken and tomatoes from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting, which allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Serve the chicken sliced with the roasted cherry tomato confît on top, garnishing with additional fresh thyme if desired.