Chicken de Provence and Romancing Memories!!

There is something magical that begins when one walks along the cliffs and sands of the Mediterranean in Provence. As I write this I can relive the aromas of fresh herbs blended with the romantic essence that lingers in the air such as it was the last time I visited Nice, now all that I am missing is a glass of Pastice to sip on as I would sit and ponder in contemplation moving to this wonderful region of France. Provence and Provencal cooking has long been two of my favorites to visit and in which style to cook. The aromas of Lavender mixed with Thyme and a hint of Fennel, Savory and sometimes Basil does something to me, as if I am tossed into a little Bistro or Cafes small Kitchen preparing local dished with ingredients from the sea or country side that have been gathered at local markets or the docks each morning guaranteeing there freshness. I guess one may call me a Hopeful Romantic because this region of France and its styles is all about the magics of romance. OK back in a moment after pouring a cup of coffee and gathering my thoughts........
I am back, even stepping out for a moment to the cold mornings air has not brought me back entirely to the reality of being here at home but it has made me feel that I am long overdue for a visit to France and the Provencal country.
 This region of France is mostly dry, when it does rain watch out because it comes down in buckets so to speak. The dry climate grows lavender, fennel, savory and thyme in abundance and when dried and blended together create Herbs de Provence. There are variations of this blend but the for mentioned are the common
This recipe is another that is so simple but complex in flavor, so lets put on the apron and get right to it.

Ingredients:
1 Chicken ( cut in 1/4 skin on, bone in)
2 tablespoons Herbs DE Provence
2 tablespoons chopped Garlic
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup White Wine
2 Lemons (zest and juice)
S&P to taste

Heat a large cast iron skillet over med high heat, preheat oven to 375 degrees. In the heated skillet pour olive oil, allow to heat up, season chicken 1/4's with S&P, carefully place the chicken in the hot pan, cook for 2 mins, turn chicken, sprinkle Herbs De Provence evenly on chicken, sprinkle lemon zest on chicken, introduce chopped garlic, pour 1/3 of the white wine in, cover and into the oven for 20 mins, after 20 mins remove the covering and back into the oven for 10 mins or until chicken is cooked and golden. Remove from oven, remove chicken from skillet and set aside, heat skillet over med-high heat, deglaze with remainder of white wine and lemon juice, allow to reduce by 1/4, add butter, give a stir, reintroduce chicken, toss and platter up pouring the remainder of the pan juices over the chicken and enjoy the flavors of Provence!!
As with all my recipes one should play around adding some of your own touches to them as I do. Create an experience you can call your own and do not be afraid to use your imagination. Some of my favorite recipes have been created by simply smelling an aroma somewhere or traveling somewhere bringing that aroma or memory home in my mind and having some fun with it in the kitchen. If only I could oops there I go again traveling back to Nice.
I will return with more so until then follow your dreams, you may be surprised where they take you!!