Herbs de Provence is a mixture of dried herbs synonymous with the southeastern Provence region of France. Blends contain combinations of everyday pantry herbs along with some more unique items. In the recipe version below, I made my own herbs de Provence from readily available items. I’ve replaced harder to get elements like savory and lavender with basil and dried mint.

A pre-packaged Herbs de Provence is readily available in US grocery stores but it is easy to make one at home, even if you don’t have the exact ingredients, so don’t worry if it’s not exactly Herbs de Provence. The end goal is the same: herby chicken that is saturated with beautiful flavors. This classic blend of herbs paired with another timeless combination of butter and lemon juice results in a tender chicken that has that melt-in-your-mouth, or as the French might say, “Oh la la” quality.

I made sure to make a batch of herbs de Provence large enough that it could contribute to 20+ future uses, because the blend is delightful and can be used in a range of circumstances, from buttery roast potatoes and veggies to vinaigrettes and marinades. I find it satisfying to know that I’ve got a custom spice blend at my fingertips. I just reach into the pantry and liberally apply to any recipe that calls for an herby spice seasoning and I know it will be good.

Proteins are not the only ones to benefit from this delicious spice combination. I’ve used Herbs de Provence to roast onions, celery, beans, and carrots, too. These veggies, so often partnered with chicken or fish, are adept at soaking up flavor and are also ideal for one-pot dishes, like this one, because they cook up quickly and add a certain style as well as great taste.

I chose to serve the one-pan chicken herbs de Provence with a simple potato mash, but it could just as easily be served with steamed rice, or a more daring polenta that also takes on the dish’s flavor base to imbue it with more heft and creamy supporting flavor.