This comforting chicken jardinière is a French-inspired stew filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich white wine sauce.

It’s a hearty, rustic meal that feels elegant yet easy enough for weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It combines chicken, pancetta, and vegetables in one pot for a full, balanced meal.

The white wine adds depth and brightness to the sauce.

It’s rustic comfort food with French flair.

Perfect for family dinners or cozy entertaining.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Chicken legs stay juicy and flavorful when simmered in stew.

Pancetta adds a smoky, savory richness.

Baby potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and pearl onions create a hearty vegetable base.

White wine and thyme infuse the sauce with elegant flavor.

Fresh peas and parsley bring color and freshness at the end.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Brown the chicken well to build flavor before simmering.

Bundle the thyme sprigs for easy removal later.

Use Sauvignon Blanc or another dry white wine for the best taste.

Add peas at the very end to keep their color vibrant.

How to Make Chicken Jardinière

Step 1 – Sauté pancetta

Heat peanut oil in a Dutch oven.

Cook pancetta for 2 minutes until lightly crisp.

Step 2 – Brown the chicken

Add chicken legs and cook 8 minutes, turning once halfway.

Step 3 – Season and coat

Sprinkle chicken with flour, salt, and pepper.

Stir and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4 – Add liquid and vegetables

Pour in wine and water.

Stir in potatoes, mushrooms, onions, carrots, and garlic.

Step 5 – Simmer with herbs

Tie thyme sprigs into a bundle and submerge in stew.

Bring to boil, then reduce heat, cover, and cook 45 minutes.

Step 6 – Finish with peas

Add peas just before serving, cooking 2 minutes for frozen or slightly longer if fresh.

Step 7 – Serve

Garnish with parsley and serve in bowls or on a platter.

What to Serve It With

Pair with crusty French bread to soak up the sauce.

Serve with a crisp green salad for balance.

Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a true bistro-style meal.

Variations / Substitutions

Use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.

Replace pancetta with bacon if needed.

Swap baby potatoes for Yukon Gold or fingerlings.

Add green beans or zucchini for more vegetables.

Storage & Leftovers

Store cooled stew in the fridge up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve flavor.

Freeze leftovers (without peas) for up to 2 months. Add peas after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Do I need to use wine?
Wine adds depth, but you can substitute chicken broth.

Can I make this with boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in legs give more flavor to the stew.

How do I keep the chicken tender?
Simmer gently on low heat and don’t overcook.

What’s the best side to serve with this?
Crusty bread or buttered noodles pair beautifully.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme, but fresh is preferred.

Final Thoughts

Chicken jardinière is a rustic yet refined dish that’s full of comfort.

With tender chicken, vegetables, and an herby white wine sauce, it’s a one-pot meal you’ll want to make again and again.