Name: 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 4 chicken thighs (on the bone with the skin); 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; Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish); Crusty French bread (optional)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

If you have a love for garlic and tender, succulent chicken, then you’re in for a real treat with this 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe. It’s a stunning dish that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal, where the chicken soaks up a rich broth filled with mellow, buttery garlic flavor. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, herbaceous, and just a hint of heat, making it a comforting and impressive dish that’s easier to prepare than you might think. Once you try this, it’s bound to become a special go-to for cozy dinners or when you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. At the top left is a white cutting board with four raw chicken thighs, pale pink with white skin, arranged in a 2x2 grid. To the right, small clear glass bowls hold white all-purpose flour, black and pink salt and pepper mix, golden olive oil, and a light yellow block of butter. Below them is a clear measuring cup filled with light yellow dry white wine and another measuring cup with amber chicken broth. On the bottom left, a clear bowl is filled with whole peeled garlic cloves, and next to it are small glass bowls with fresh green rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and parsley. A tiny bowl with dark red pepper flakes is placed on the bottom right. The setup is clean, minimal, and organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

We’re working with a handful of straightforward ingredients here, each playing a vital role in building depth, flavor, and texture. From the crispy chicken skin to the aromatic herbs and buttery garlic, every item contributes to making this dish incredibly satisfying.

1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for giving the chicken a beautifully crisp, golden crust when seared.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors and seasons the flour and chicken perfectly.
4 chicken thighs (on the bone with the skin): Skin-on bone-in thighs provide the best juicy texture and depth of flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the chicken to a delicious crisp and creates a flavor base.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness, creating the perfect simmering liquid.
40 large cloves garlic (left unpeeled): The star ingredient, which mellows beautifully while simmering and becomes silky soft.
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme: Brings a subtle earthiness and freshness to the dish.
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (leaves only, finely chopped): Adds a fragrant, piney note that deepens the flavor complexity.
2 bay leaves: Infuses the broth with a gentle herbal aroma and warmth.
4 tablespoons butter: Finishes the dish with luscious richness and helps create a silky sauce.
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough to wake up the dish with a gentle hint of heat.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and brightness before serving.
Crusty French bread (optional): Perfect for sopping up every drop of that incredible garlicky sauce.

How to Make 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the all-purpose flour generously with salt and black pepper. This seasoned flour not only flavors the chicken but also helps create that irresistible crispy, golden crust. Dredge each chicken thigh on both sides in this flour mixture, making sure every bit is evenly coated. This simple step sets the foundation for a beautifully textured dish.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin side down first, and let them brown slowly to achieve a deep, golden crust. This process locks in all the delicious juices and adds a satisfying crispness to every bite. Flip the chicken to brown the other side well, ensuring an even sear.

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Herbs

With the chicken skin side back up, remove the skillet from the heat briefly. Pour in the chicken broth along with the whole unpeeled garlic cloves. The garlic will cook gently, softening to buttery perfection. Add in the fresh thyme, rosemary leaves, and bay leaves for layers of fragrant, herbal allure. Return the skillet to the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to cook for about 30 to 35 minutes, letting the chicken reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees, and the garlic cloves turn soft and mellow. This slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully, tenderizing the chicken while the garlic infuses the broth.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Spice

Stir in the butter and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes just before serving. The butter melts into the sauce and adds a glossy richness, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle touch of heat that makes the dish exciting without overpowering the garlic’s sweetness. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves—no one wants to bite into those!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the dish wonderfully. This final touch makes the presentation as lovely as the flavors.

How to Serve 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe

A white round pan holds four golden brown cooked chicken thighs arranged in a loose circle, each with a crispy textured skin sprinkled with green herbs. Between and around the chicken pieces are many whole and slightly peeled garlic cloves in shades of white and light cream. Two large green bay leaves sit on top near the center. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is classic and simply perfect for this dish, offering a light herbal note and vibrant green that contrasts beautifully with the golden chicken and tender garlic. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a refreshing zing to brighten all the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This garlic chicken pairs exceptionally well with crusty French bread to soak up the luscious pan sauce. For a heartier meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery polenta, all of which complement the garlic’s mellow sweetness and herby sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, arrange the chicken thighs on a rustic wooden board with the garlic cloves nestled around. Add small bowls of sauce and fresh herbs on the side to encourage guests to customize each bite. Alternatively, serve it family-style in the skillet to keep all the warm, fragrant magic right at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify over time, making the reheated dish just as delicious, if not more.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken and garlic together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing to maintain the best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken slowly in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This method keeps the chicken juicy and warms the garlic cloves perfectly without drying anything out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken breasts can be used, thighs are preferred for this recipe because they remain juicier and more flavorful during the long simmering process.

Do I have to peel all 40 garlic cloves?

Nope! Leaving the garlic cloves unpeeled during cooking allows them to soften gently without becoming mushy and makes handling easier. You simply squeeze the garlic out of the peel when eating.

Is this dish very garlicky? Will it be too strong?

The garlic mellows as it cooks, turning buttery and sweet rather than harsh. It’s more of a subtle background flavor that enhances the whole dish beautifully.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, after browning, you can transfer everything to an oven-proof dish and bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, covered, until the chicken is cooked through and garlic tender.

What should I serve with this chicken for a complete meal?

Pair it with mashed potatoes or rice and a green vegetable like sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli to balance the rich flavors and add freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s straightforward yet packed with luxurious flavors, the 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It turns humble ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing feast that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy garlic and chicken together!