30 Cloves Garlic Chicken

If you love garlic, get ready for a dish that will blow your mind. This 30 Cloves Garlic Chicken is exactly what it sounds like—a savory, fragrant chicken baked with thirty whole garlic cloves that transform into sweet, caramelized nuggets of flavor. Tender, juicy, and infused with aromatic herbs, this chicken is comfort food at its finest. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this before. It’s dramatic enough for guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight feast.

Recipe Origin

This dish has roots in French cooking, where garlic is celebrated not just as a seasoning but as a key ingredient that transforms a meal. Baking chicken with whole garlic cloves mellows the harsh raw flavor, leaving sweet, buttery bites that complement the savory meat perfectly. Over time, it has become a classic in kitchens around the world for garlic lovers everywhere.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Small bowl for mixing optional mustard

Why You’ll Love 30 Cloves Garlic Chicken

This isn’t just dinner—it’s a garlic-filled adventure for your taste buds. Here’s why this dish stands out:

Bold and Flavorful: Thirty cloves of garlic may sound intimidating, but it mellows beautifully in the oven, giving a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor throughout the dish.

Easy Yet Impressive: Minimal prep, big payoff. You’ll look like a professional chef without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tender and Juicy Chicken: Roasting chicken with the garlic, broth, and wine keeps the meat incredibly moist and flavorful.

Aromatic Experience: Your kitchen will smell like a gourmet restaurant, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

Versatile Meal: Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic-infused sauce.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
2. Peel all 30 garlic cloves carefully—it’s worth it for the sweet caramelized results.
3. Don’t skip the wine; it adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard at the end if you want a subtle tang that complements the garlic.
5. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.

Ingredients

Here’s what makes this dish extraordinary:

Chicken Thighs: The star of the dish. Skin-on, bone-in thighs stay moist and flavorful throughout roasting.

Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

Garlic Cloves: Thirty whole cloves roast alongside the chicken, turning sweet, tender, and caramelized.

Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and creates a flavorful base for the pan sauce.

White Wine: Light dry wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, brings acidity and depth to balance the richness.

Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that infuses the chicken and sauce with earthy flavor.

Bay Leaves: Adds subtle background flavor and complexity.

Dijon Mustard: Optional, for a gentle tang that complements the garlic and wine sauce.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this garlicky, aromatic chicken:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to the temperature specified in the recipe card to ensure even roasting.

Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with kosher salt. This helps the skin crisp while locking in moisture.

Arrange Garlic and Herbs: Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Scatter peeled garlic cloves around the chicken along with fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves.

Add Broth and Wine: Pour in chicken broth and white wine, making sure some liquid reaches the bottom of the pan. This will keep the chicken moist and create a delicious sauce.

Optional Dijon Mustard: If using, mix a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the liquid or brush on the chicken for a subtle layer of flavor.

Roast to Perfection: Bake the chicken until fully cooked, the skin is golden brown, and the garlic is soft and caramelized. Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra flavor.

Cool Slightly: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve chicken with the roasted garlic cloves, pouring pan juices over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 3-4
Calories per Serving: Refer to recipe card
Preparation Time: Prep time in recipe card
Cook Time: Cook time in recipe card
Total Time: Total time in recipe card

How to Serve 30 Cloves Garlic Chicken

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes soak up the garlicky sauce perfectly.

Rice or Couscous: Light grains complement the rich chicken flavor.

Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or green beans add freshness and color.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the sauce and roasted garlic.

As a Standalone Meal: The chicken is flavorful enough to serve on its own with the roasted garlic as a side.

Presentation tip: Arrange chicken thighs neatly in a skillet or platter with garlic cloves scattered around for a rustic, inviting look.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep Ahead: Peel garlic cloves in advance to save time. The chicken can also be seasoned a few hours ahead.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze Option: Freeze cooked chicken and garlic together for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Double the Batch: Easily doubled for a larger group using a larger roasting pan.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pan.
2. Herb Twist: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a different flavor.
3. Citrus Infusion: Add lemon slices or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
4. Creamy Garlic Sauce: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer sauce.

Additional Tips

• Make sure chicken skin is dry before roasting to achieve crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; garlic needs space to roast evenly.
• Use tongs to turn chicken if basting, to avoid tearing the skin.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, but thighs stay juicier and have more flavor.

Q2: Can I make this dish without wine?
A2: Yes, use extra chicken broth instead; the flavor will still be rich.

Q3: How do I peel 30 garlic cloves quickly?
A3: Smash each clove lightly with the flat side of a knife—it loosens the skin for easy peeling.

Q4: Can I make this in advance?
A4: You can prep the chicken and garlic a few hours ahead and roast just before serving.

Q5: Can I use frozen garlic?
A5: Fresh garlic is best for roasting; frozen may not caramelize properly.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q7: Can I freeze this dish?
A7: Yes, for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q8: Can I add vegetables to the pan?
A8: Yes, carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts roast well with the chicken and garlic.

Q9: Can I serve this with pasta?
A9: Definitely! The garlicky sauce works wonderfully over pasta.

Q10: Can I make this spicy?
A10: Yes, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to taste.

Conclusion

This 30 Cloves Garlic Chicken is a garlic lover’s dream come true. Juicy, flavorful chicken roasted with sweet, tender garlic and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or a special family meal, it’s simple yet packed with bold flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides, enjoy the incredible aroma, and savor every garlicky, savory bite. Once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen for all garlic-filled cravings.

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