Provençal Chicken & Potato Stew

Olive oil, garlic and herbs are the cornerstones of Provençal cuisine, rich in both French and Italian influences. This rustic stew has it all (including a dash of classic Herbes de Provence). Originally from Blue Apron but modified for my taste.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3⁄4 lb yukon gold potato
• 1  cup  chopped swiss chard
• 2  tablespoons tomato paste
• 1  tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 5  garlic cloves
• 2  teaspoons olive oil
• 2  medium zucchini

Directions

1. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Small dice the potatoes. Separate the chard leaves and stems; roughly chop the leaves and thinly slice the stems. Peel and mince the garlic. Chop the chicken into bite size pieces.
2. Season the chopped chicken with salt and pepper; toss to coat. In a large, high-sided pan (or pot), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes, or until browned. Add the tomato paste; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the tomato paste is dark red.
3. Add the potatoes, zucchini, chard stems and ¾ of the garlic to the pan of chicken; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly tender and fragrant. Add Herbes de Provence to taste (I usually use a tablespoon or more). Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until thoroughly combined and fragrant.
4. Add the chard leaves, the vinegar and 2 cups of water to the pan of chicken and vegetables, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the liquid has reduced in volume by about half. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If you want a richer sauce feel free to make an easy aioli. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp mayonnaise, a clove or so of fresh garlic paste and 1/2 tbsp of red wine vinegar; season with salt and pepper to taste.