Cozy Julia Child Chicken With 40 Cloves Of Garlic Recipe

Julia Child’s chicken with 40 cloves of garlic erupts with sensational flavor that transforms mundane dinners into gourmet experiences.

Aromatic whispers of roasted garlic dance through the kitchen, promising an unforgettable meal.

Tender meat bathes in a bath of golden, mellow herb-infused goodness that speaks directly to comfort and indulgence.

French culinary traditions shine through this remarkable dish that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Slow-roasted techniques unlock deep, nuanced flavors that mingle effortlessly with succulent chicken.

Caramelized garlic cloves soften into creamy, rich morsels that practically melt on your tongue.

This recipe isn’t just cooking, it’s culinary poetry waiting to be savored.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken With 40 Cloves of Garlic Ingredients

• Chicken: Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.

• Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Choose high-quality sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for robust seasoning.
• Garlic: Pick firm, plump cloves without sprouts or soft spots for best taste.
• Fresh Thyme, Bay Leaf: Look for vibrant green thyme and whole bay leaves with intense fragrance.

• Butter, Vegetable Oil: Use unsalted butter and neutral vegetable oil for perfect searing and rich flavor.
• White Wine: Select a dry, crisp wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for depth.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control overall saltiness.
• Cornstarch: Ensure fresh, lump-free cornstarch for smooth sauce consistency.

What You Need to Prep This Classic Dish

• Small Saucepan: Perfect for boiling and blanching garlic with precision.
• Paper Towels: Essential for drying chicken and ensuring crispy skin.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for searing, cooking, and creating delicious sauces.
• Whisk: Helps blend cornstarch and create smooth, glossy sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Great for accurately sprinkling salt and pepper.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing herbs and placing ingredients.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken and handling hot ingredients.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature.
• Aluminum Foil: Keeps chicken warm while preparing sauce.
• Serving Platter: Beautifully presents the finished chicken dish.

Cooking Instructions for Julia’s Bold Garlic Chicken

Garlic-Infused Chicken Delight

• Prepare Garlic Magic

Gently separate whole garlic cloves, keeping skins snug. Quickly blanch cloves in boiling water for a minute, then drain and cool. Slip off skins effortlessly, revealing soft, tender garlic ready to transform your dish.

• Season and Sear Chicken

Dry chicken thoroughly with paper towels. Shower generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every inch gets flavor love. Heat skillet with butter and oil, then place chicken skin-side down. Watch it transform into a golden-brown masterpiece, creating a crispy exterior that’ll make mouths water.

• Build Flavor Layers

Scatter blanched garlic around chicken. Sprinkle fresh thyme and tuck in a bay leaf, letting herbs whisper their aromatic secrets. Lower heat, cover skillet, and let magic happen for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches perfect doneness.

• Create Luxurious Sauce

Crank up heat and splash white wine, letting it reduce and concentrate flavors. Whisk chicken broth with cornstarch, then pour into skillet. Stir until sauce becomes silky and slightly thickened. Finish with a swirl of butter, creating a glossy, rich coating that makes taste buds dance.

• Serve With Style

Transfer chicken and golden garlic to a beautiful platter. Drizzle sauce generously. Pair with crusty bread, crisp green beans, or creamy potatoes for a meal that tells a delicious story of comfort and flavor.

Tips for Soft Garlic and Juicy Chicken

• Enhance Garlic Flavor: Roast whole garlic cloves before blanching to deepen their natural sweetness and create a more complex taste profile.
• Customize Herb Blend: Swap thyme with rosemary or oregano for a unique herbal twist that complements the chicken's rich flavor.
• Boost Protein Options: Replace chicken with bone-in turkey thighs or duck breasts for an exciting protein variation that maintains the recipe's core technique.
• Create Lighter Sauce: Substitute white wine with low-sodium chicken broth and use Greek yogurt instead of butter for a healthier, lighter sauce option that still delivers incredible depth of flavor.

Serving Chicken the French Country Way

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, crusty baguette to soak up the rich, velvety sauce. The bread becomes the perfect vehicle for capturing every delicious drop of herbal, buttery goodness.
• Green Side Companion: Complement the chicken with French green beans (haricots verts) for a crisp, elegant vegetable pairing. Their tender-crisp texture and light green color will beautifully contrast the golden-brown chicken.
• Creamy Potato Perfection: Serve alongside smooth, whipped mashed potatoes to create a comforting, restaurant-quality plate. The potatoes will catch the extra sauce, making each bite incredibly luxurious and satisfying.
• Wine Enhancement: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to echo the wine used in the sauce. The wine's acidity will cut through the richness and elevate the entire dining experience.

Refrigerating Garlic Chicken Done Right

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers, keeping meat and sauce separate to maintain crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Refrigerate Smart: Cool chicken completely before storing, then refrigerate within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and preserve delicious flavors.
• Extend Meal Potential: Enjoy refrigerated chicken within 3-4 days, reheating gently in skillet or microwave with splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, storing up to 3 months for quick weeknight meal solutions when time is tight.

Savory Julia Child Chicken With 40 Cloves Of Garlic Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic French julia child chicken with 40 cloves of garlic emerges as a sumptuous culinary masterpiece from Provence. Succulent roasted chicken nestles with mellowed garlic, promising rich flavors you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 to 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 heads (about 40 cloves) garlic
• 4 tbsps (0.5 stick or 57 g) butter, divided
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme (or 0.5 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 3.5 tsp cornstarch
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Crusty French baguette (for spreading roasted garlic)
• Steamed French green beans or mashed potatoes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Garlic Preparation: Submerge unpeeled garlic cloves in boiling water for 60 seconds, drain, cool, and gently remove papery skins.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly dry chicken pieces with paper towels, then generously season with salt and pepper.
3. Searing Technique: Heat skillet with butter and oil over medium temperature. Place chicken skin-side down, creating a golden-brown crust for 5 minutes, then flip and sear alternate side for 3 minutes.
4. Aromatic Assembly: Distribute roasted garlic cloves around chicken, nestle thyme sprigs and bay leaf into the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover, creating a steamy cooking environment.
5. Cooking Process: Simmer chicken for 15-20 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with clear meat juices. Transfer chicken and garlic to a warm platter, discarding bay leaf and thyme stems.
6. Sauce Creation: Deglaze pan with white wine on medium-high heat, reducing liquid by half. Whisk cornstarch into chicken broth, pour into skillet, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
7. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat, incorporate remaining butter until sauce becomes glossy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Artfully arrange chicken and caramelized garlic on serving dish, cascading sauce over the protein.
8. Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and accompany with crusty baguette and French green beans or creamy mashed potatoes for an elegant meal.

Notes

• Garlic Blanching Hack: Boiling water for 60 seconds softens garlic skins, making peeling effortless and quick.
• Chicken Drying Technique: Thoroughly pat chicken with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior during searing.
• Perfect Sear Strategy: Medium heat with butter-oil blend creates beautiful caramelization without burning chicken skin.
• Sauce Smoothing Secret: Whisk cornstarch into broth separately to prevent lumps and achieve silky, restaurant-quality sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg