Authentic Provençale Duck Confit with Herbes de Provence

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-cooked duck leg dish where the meat becomes tender enough to fall off the bone, infused with aromatic Mediterranean herbs and rendered duck fat for deep, rich flavor. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 175 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs total) duck legs, sea salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the duck legs dry with paper towels, then rub 2 tbsp sea salt and 1 tbsp black pepper evenly over all surfaces, pressing gently to adhere.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 cup duck fat in a heavy ovenproof skillet over medium heat until shimmering (180°F), then add the duck legs skin-side down and sear for 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Add the thyme, rosemary, and 6 peeled garlic cloves to the skillet, then sprinkle 2 tsp herbes de Provence over everything. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and transfer to a preheated 300°F oven.
  4. Step 4: Braise for 2.5 hours until the meat is fork-tender and easily separates from the bone, then remove the lid and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to crisp the skin further.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Provençale Duck Confit with Herbes de Provence take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Provençale Duck Confit with Herbes de Provence?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (about 2 lbs total) duck legs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Provençale Duck Confit with Herbes de Provence?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Provençale Duck Confit with Herbes de Provence for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Provençale Duck Confit with Herbes de Provence?

Mediterranean slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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