Oven-Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Provençal

There is something wonderfully comforting about an old-fashioned baked chicken dinner, especially one that relies on just a few simple ingredients. This Oven-Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Provençal is exactly that kind of recipe—tender chicken baked in a bright, herby tomato sauce until the edges become caramelized and jammy.

It is an easy casserole-style dinner that feels much more special than the effort required. With bone-in chicken, herbed tomato pasta sauce, and a little olive oil, you get juicy chicken surrounded by a rich, savory tomato sauce that is perfect for spooning over your favorite side.

Serve this chicken with buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or white rice to soak up all that flavorful tomato sauce. Green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp lettuce salad make easy sides, while warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for cleaning up every last bit of sauce from the dish.

Oven-Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Provençal

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 to 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, preferably thighs and drumsticks
• 1 (24–26 ounce) jar herbed tomato pasta sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste, optional

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish if needed.
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper if desired.
3. Add the tomato sauce: Spread about half of the herbed tomato pasta sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken pieces skin-side up in a single layer over the sauce.
5. Add the olive oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken. This helps the skin develop a golden, caramelized finish.
6. Finish with sauce: Spoon the remaining tomato sauce around and over the chicken, leaving some of the skin exposed so it can brown.
7. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Uncover and continue baking: Carefully remove the foil and spoon some of the bubbling sauce over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 25–35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender, the sauce has thickened, and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
9. Brown the top: For deeper browning, move the dish to the upper third of the oven during the final 5–10 minutes, watching carefully so the sauce does not scorch.
10. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Spoon plenty of the thick, herbed tomato sauce over each portion.

Variations & Tips

Make it richer: Stir a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or a little butter into the hot sauce just before serving for a richer finish.

Add fresh herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be tucked into the sauce before baking for an extra herby flavor. A little Italian seasoning works too.

Use chicken breasts: Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts can be used instead, but check them earlier to avoid overcooking.

Try boneless thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well when you want an easier version, although they will not develop quite as much browning.

Add vegetables: For a heartier one-pan dinner, add sliced onions or bell peppers around the chicken before baking.

Get extra caramelization: Leave some of the chicken skin exposed and finish the dish uncovered. The exposed edges will develop those delicious golden spots while the tomato sauce thickens around them.

Storage & Food Safety

Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking. Store the chicken and sauce in a covered, shallow container and use within 3–4 days.

When reheating, bring the chicken back to 165°F (74°C) before serving. Always thaw chicken in the refrigerator and keep raw poultry and its juices away from ready-to-eat foods.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Provençal

• Only 3 main ingredients
• Easy oven-baked dinner
• Tender, flavorful chicken
• Rich herbed tomato sauce
• Minimal prep and cleanup
• Perfect with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes
• Great for busy weeknights and family dinners

This Oven-Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Provençal is the kind of simple casserole recipe worth keeping in your regular dinner rotation. The chicken becomes tender and juicy while the herbed tomato sauce cooks down into a rich, caramelized coating that makes every bite satisfying. Simple ingredients, little effort, and plenty of old-fashioned comfort—that’s exactly what makes this recipe a keeper.