Unveiling an enticing dish called the Skillet Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic. This is an amazingly aromatic and flavorful recipe that promises a delightful fusion of tender chicken and robust garlic. It's the perfect dish to turn a routine dinner into a memorable dining experience.
One might wonder about the need for forty cloves of garlic. Rest assured, the quantity is not a typo. Garlic, when cooked slowly, sheds its sharp flavor and adopts a sweet, mellow richness that is far from overwhelming. While garlic and chicken might be regular staples in your pantry, you may need to source a few items like fresh thyme and heavy cream. White wine is another ingredient you'll require; any decent dry white wine should suffice.
Ingredients for Skillet Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic
Garlic: A key ingredient that adds a unique, rich flavor to this dish. It is mellowed out as it is slowly cooked.
Chicken thighs: The main protein source. It remains moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
Butter: Helps brown the chicken and also adds a savory richness to the dish.
White wine: Used to deglaze the pan. It adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
Fresh thyme: Adds a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
Heavy cream: Adds a creamy, luxurious texture to the sauce.
One reader, Dex Storey says:
This skillet chicken with forty cloves of garlic recipe is a game-changer! The aroma of garlic and thyme infuses the chicken, creating a mouthwatering dish. The creamy sauce is a delightful addition, and the chicken is tender and flavorful. It's a must-try for any garlic lover!
Cooking Techniques for Skillet Chicken With Forty Cloves of Garlic
How to brown the chicken: In a cast iron skillet or your favorite frying pan, add two tablespoons of butter and cook the chicken thighs on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes on each side or until well browned.
How to cook the garlic: After boiling the garlic cloves for a minute, cook them in the skillet on low heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
How to make the sauce: Mix the cream and flour together, then add it to the pan drippings, cooking on medium-high heat until it boils and thickens.
How to serve: Serve the chicken with the garlic and sauce, and consider pairing it with mashed potatoes.
How To Make Skillet Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic
Garlic lovers are gonna want to sink their teeth into this fully loaded and juicy skillet chicken, packed with plenty of garlic, and coated in creamy sauce!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 40garlic cloves,(about 3 heads of garlic), peeled
- 8chicken thighs,skin and bone on
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- 1½cupswhite wine,used Will’s Fargo Pinot Gris
- 2fresh thyme sprigs
- 2tbspall-purpose flour
- 2tbspheavy cream
Instructions
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Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Put the garlic in a small saucepan covered with water and boil for 1 minute. Remove the garlic and dry on a paper towel.
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Dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
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In a cast iron skillet or favorite frying pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and add half of the chicken, skin side down on medium high.
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Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until well browned and remove from the pan. Cook the second half of the chicken the same way, then remove to a plate.
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Add the garlic cloves to the pan and on low cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden brown. Add the wine and scrape up any browned chicken bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken back to the pan add the fresh thyme.
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Cover the pan with foil tightly and put in the oven for 30 minutes.
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Remove the pan from the oven, and take the chicken out of the pan.
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Mix the cream and flour together and add to the pan, cooking on medium high until it boils and thickens. Season again with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the stalks of thyme.
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Add the chicken back to the pan.
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Serve with some mashed potatoes, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 711.03kcal
- Fat: 48.61g
- Saturated Fat: 15.27g
- Trans Fat: 0.37g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.21g
- Carbohydrates: 11.83g
- Fiber: 0.90g
- Sugar: 0.92g
- Protein: 44.40g
- Cholesterol: 269.21mg
- Sodium: 815.13mg
- Calcium: 73.35mg
- Potassium: 674.73mg
- Iron: 2.65mg
- Vitamin A: 114.78µg
- Vitamin C: 7.87mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting This Chicken Recipe
When browning your chicken, resist the urge to move it around in the pan. Letting it sit undisturbed will allow a nice golden crust to form, which adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Also, when adding the garlic to the pan, be sure not to burn it. Burnt garlic can give a bitter taste to your dish. Instead, aim for a nice golden brown color. This will give your dish a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and white wine.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Chicken Dish
Prep ahead: Chop the garlic and season the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-peeled garlic: Save time by using pre-peeled garlic cloves instead of peeling them individually.
Multi-task: While the chicken is in the oven, use that time to prepare the side dishes or set the table to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Skillet Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic Recipe
40 cloves garlic - Substitute with 30 cloves roasted garlic: Roasted garlic has a milder, sweeter flavor compared to raw garlic, which can be overwhelming in large quantities. It will add a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish.
8 chicken thighs - Substitute with 8 chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are a flavorful and juicy alternative to thighs, and they work well in skillet recipes. They also hold up well to braising and have a satisfying meaty texture.
kosher salt and black pepper - Substitute with sea salt and mixed peppercorns: Sea salt provides a clean, briny flavor, and mixed peppercorns add a variety of complex flavors and aromas to the dish.
2 tbsp unsalted butter - Substitute with 2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil adds a fruity and slightly peppery flavor, and it's a healthier alternative to butter. It also complements the garlic and chicken flavors well.
1½ cups white wine - Substitute with 1½ cups chicken broth mixed with 1 tbsp white wine vinegar: This combination provides a similar depth of flavor and acidity that white wine offers, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
2 sprigs fresh thyme - Substitute with 2 sprigs fresh rosemary: Fresh rosemary has a robust, piney flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken and garlic, adding a fragrant and earthy note to the dish.
2 tbsp all-purpose flour - Substitute with 2 tbsp cornstarch: Cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative that will effectively thicken the sauce, providing a glossy and smooth texture without altering the flavor.
2 tbsp heavy cream - Substitute with 2 tbsp Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish, and it's a healthier alternative to heavy cream while still providing richness and depth.
Presenting Skillet Chicken With Forty Cloves of Garlic
- Elevate the chicken thighs: Carefully arrange the chicken thighs on the plate, ensuring they are positioned in an appealing manner.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Drizzle with a reduction: Create a white wine reduction to drizzle around the chicken for an elegant touch.
- Accompany with garlic-infused mashed potatoes: Serve the skillet chicken alongside a generous dollop of creamy, garlic-infused mashed potatoes for a complementary side dish.
- Use fine dining plating techniques: Employ meticulous plating techniques such as quenelles or precise sauce drizzling to showcase attention to detail.
- Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
- Present on a warm plate: Ensure the serving plate is warm to maintain the ideal temperature of the dish until it reaches the table.
- Add a touch of acidity: Incorporate a small amount of lemon zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the richness of the chicken and garlic.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with precision.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cast iron skillet: Ideal for searing and cooking the chicken evenly.
- Saucepan: Used for boiling the garlic and preparing the sauce.
- Oven: Used for baking the chicken to perfection.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping and handling the chicken while cooking.
- Whisk: Used for mixing the flour and cream to thicken the sauce.
- Foil: Used to cover the skillet when baking the chicken in the oven.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Skillet Chicken
- Let the skillet chicken cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, transfer the chicken and garlic sauce to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and garlic sauce:
- Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some headspace for expansion during freezing.
- If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- The frozen skillet chicken will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen chicken and sauce overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the thawed chicken and sauce to a skillet or saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce appears too thick.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken and sauce in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
- Enjoy your reheated skillet chicken with forty cloves of garlic with freshly cooked mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish.
How To Reheat Leftover Skillet Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken and garlic cloves in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the skillet chicken in the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Be sure to stir the dish halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you want to reheat the chicken and garlic on the stovetop, place them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan to help keep the chicken moist. Cover the skillet and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through.
For a crispy skin, after reheating the chicken using one of the above methods, place the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
If you have leftover sauce, reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once heated through, pour the sauce over the reheated chicken and garlic before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Skillet Chicken With Forty Cloves of Garlic
Skillet chicken with forty cloves of garlic is a classic French dish that originated in the Loire Valley. It is said that the dish was popularized by French chef Alain Passard. Despite the large quantity of garlic used, the cloves become sweet and mellow after being cooked, creating a deliciously aromatic and flavorful dish.
Budget-Friendly Skillet Chicken With Garlic
The cost-effectiveness of this skillet chicken with forty cloves of garlic recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. Chicken thighs and garlic are generally affordable, while white wine and heavy cream can be pricier. However, the dish serves 4, making it relatively cost-effective. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30. Rating: 8/10. The dish offers a flavorful and hearty meal, but the cost of wine and cream may slightly impact its overall affordability.
Is This Chicken Dish Healthy or Not?
This skillet chicken with forty cloves of garlic recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- The recipe calls for butter, which is high in saturated fat and calories.
- Heavy cream is also used, adding more saturated fat and calories to the dish.
- The chicken thighs are likely to be higher in fat compared to leaner cuts like chicken breast.
- The recipe doesn't include any vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
However, the dish does have some positive aspects:
- Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
- White wine is used for deglazing the pan, which is a healthier option compared to using more butter or heavy cream.
To make this recipe healthier, a few simple modifications can be made without compromising on taste:
- Replace the butter with a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, which are rich in monounsaturated fats.
- Swap the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or Greek yogurt, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Opt for skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts to lower the overall fat content of the dish.
- Incorporate some vegetables into the recipe, such as sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
- Serve the dish with a side of whole grains, like quinoa or brown rice, instead of mashed potatoes to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates.
The Editor's Take on This Garlic Chicken Recipe
The skillet chicken with forty cloves of garlic recipe is a classic and comforting dish that is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken thighs, aromatic garlic, and flavorful white wine creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile. The method of browning the chicken before braising it in the oven ensures a crispy skin and juicy meat. The addition of heavy cream at the end adds a luxurious touch to the sauce. This recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion.
Why trust this Skillet Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic Recipe:
This recipe for skillet chicken with forty cloves of garlic is a classic and timeless dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of chicken thighs, butter, and white wine creates a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The use of a cast iron skillet ensures even cooking and a beautiful sear on the chicken. With the addition of fresh thyme and a touch of heavy cream, this recipe promises a delicious and comforting meal that will surely impress anyone who tries it. Trust in the simplicity and elegance of this dish, and you won't be disappointed.
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