Poulet Basque (Basque Chicken with Peppers & Tomatoes)

Introduction

Welcome to the Basque Country—right from your kitchen. Poulet Basquaise, or Basque chicken, is a vibrant, slow-simmered French dish featuring juicy chicken pieces nestled in a rustic sauce of peppers, tomatoes, onions, and paprika. Every bite is rich, colorful, and layered with flavor. Think of it as the French countryside in a pot—comforting, aromatic, and soul-satisfying.

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Why I Love This Recipe

Poulet Basque is simple, yet incredibly aromatic. With its colorful vegetables, sweet spices, and tender chicken simmered in a fragrant tomato broth, it’s the kind of one-pan dish that impresses without the stress. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or boiled potatoes, and it gets even better the next day.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 2 red bell peppers
• 2 yellow bell peppers
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp Espelette pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 bouquet garni (bay leaf, thyme sprig, etc.)
• 250 ml (1 cup) chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Vegetables

• Slice the bell peppers into strips.
• Score the tomatoes and blanch them in boiling water to peel easily. Dice them.
• Thinly slice the onion and finely chop the garlic.

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2️⃣ Brown the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Brown chicken pieces on both sides for 5–7 minutes until golden. Season with salt and pepper.
• Remove and set aside.

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3️⃣ Cook the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
• Add bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.

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4️⃣ Build the Sauce

• Add diced tomatoes, paprika, Espelette pepper (if using), and bouquet garni.
• Simmer on low for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a sauce.

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5️⃣ Simmer the Chicken

• Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up.
• Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar.
• Cover and simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.

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6️⃣ Finish & Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Garnish with chopped parsley.
• Serve hot with rice, couscous, or steamed potatoes.

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⏱️ Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~410 per serving

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for deeper flavor and juicier results.
• Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for chickpeas and zucchini.
• Spice level: Control the heat by adjusting the Espelette pepper or substituting smoked paprika for depth without heat.
• Make ahead: It tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.

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🍽️ Suggested Pairings

• Serve with steamed basmati rice, creamy polenta, or fresh baguette to soak up the sauce.
• A glass of dry white wine (like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc) balances the sweetness of the peppers beautifully.

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🧾 Final Thoughts

Poulet Basque is French comfort food at its finest—colorful, rustic, and full of soul. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or to impress guests, this dish promises flavor in every bite. It’s a weeknight winner and a weekend wonder rolled into one beautiful recipe.

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💬 Share Your Plate

Did you try it? Tag @ChefManiac and share your Basque-style masterpiece! Want a printable version or step-by-step video? Just say the word—I’ll bring it to your table.