Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Chicken with 40 Garlic Cloves, a classic dish that transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet experience. Succulent, golden-brown chicken thighs are slow-braised in a fragrant mixture of dry white wine, chicken stock, fresh thyme, and an impressive 40 cloves of garlic, which mellow into a sweet, buttery perfection during cooking. Prepared in one oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, this recipe not only delivers restaurant-quality flavor but also simplifies cleanup. Perfect for garlic lovers and fans of hearty comfort food, this crowd-pleasing dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce or creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. Whether you're planning a dinner party or a special family meal, this easy yet elegant recipe guarantees a flavorful feast worth savoring.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down, and sear them for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the peeled garlic cloves. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant.
Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the chicken stock, fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and butter to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, nestling them into the garlic and liquid.
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken skin to crisp up further.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the chicken with the garlic cloves and sauce spooned over the top. Pair with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes to enjoy alongside the flavorful juices.
Calories |
2970 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 210.5 g | 270% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.5 g | 312% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 812 mg | 271% | |
| Sodium | 3279 mg | 143% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.1 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 184.1 g | 368% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 375 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 15.4 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 2718 mg | 58% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.