This authentic Poulet Basquaise is a classic French dish featuring juicy chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with sweet bell peppers, onions, and aromatic herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection, this comforting one-pot meal delivers incredible flavor and pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread. Perfect for cozy family dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
• 3 ounces diced ham or bacon (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving

• Steamed white rice
• Crusty bread

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Instructions

1. Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Add onion, garlic, and sliced peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

3. Make the Sauce

Stir in tomatoes, diced ham, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce becomes slightly thick.

4. Simmer

Return the chicken to the pot. Cover and cook over low heat for 35–40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

5. Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

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Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Servings

4 servings