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40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe


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4.1 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

This classic 40 Clove Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked with a generous amount of garlic cloves slowly simmered in a flavorful broth with fresh herbs. The result is a rich, buttery, and aromatic dish perfect for garlic lovers, served best with crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.


Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 4 chicken thighs (on the bone with the skin)

Cooking Liquid and Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 40 large cloves garlic (left unpeeled)
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (leaves only, finely chopped)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Garnish and Serving

  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Crusty French bread (optional)


Instructions

  1. Season and Dredge: Generously season the all-purpose flour with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge both sides of the chicken thighs in the seasoned flour to lightly coat them.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin side down first and cook until the skin is well browned and crisp. Flip the chicken to brown the other side evenly.
  3. Prepare to Simmer: After browning, turn the chicken back to skin side up. Remove the skillet from the heat momentarily to prepare for adding the liquid.
  4. Add Liquid and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth and add the unpeeled garlic cloves. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then add fresh thyme, chopped rosemary leaves, and bay leaves for flavoring.
  5. Simmer the Chicken: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the chicken simmer gently for 30 to 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the garlic has softened to a buttery tender consistency.
  6. Finish with Butter and Spice: Stir in the butter and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to enrich the sauce and add a mild spicy note.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken. Squeeze the tender garlic cloves out of their skins and serve alongside the chicken, ideally with crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs with skin on and bone in for the best flavor and moisture.
  • Do not peel the garlic cloves before cooking; the skins will help them cook to a buttery softness.
  • Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of chicken thighs, always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
  • Crusty French bread is recommended for serving to enjoy the delicious garlic sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French