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40 Clove Garlic Chicken

40 Clove Garlic Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, 40 Clove Garlic Chicken is a rich and aromatic dish that transforms a simple meal into something extraordinary. Roasted to perfection, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to impress. Get ready to savor the sweet, tender garlic cloves alongside succulent chicken—perfect for sharing tonight!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 whole heads garlic
  • 3 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
  • 40 cloves garlic (peeled) (from about 4 whole heads)
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup freshly-squeezed orange juice (from 1 orange)
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dry rosemary leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color.
  2. Take the whole heads of garlic and chop off the top half-inch. This allows the garlic to roast and release its sweet flavor. You want to see the cloves peeking out, ready to caramelize.
  3. In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, place the chicken legs, whole garlic heads, and all 40 peeled garlic cloves. Spread everything out so each piece has space to roast beautifully.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice, thyme, dry rosemary, salt, pepper, and honey. Whisk this mixture together until it’s well combined.
  5. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the chicken and garlic. Make sure every piece is coated with the flavorful marinade. This will help keep the chicken moist and add layers of flavor.
  6. Using your hands or a spatula, gently toss everything to ensure even coverage of the marinade. You want to see glistening chicken legs and garlic heads.
  7. Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked.
  8. As the chicken roasts, the garlic will transform into a caramelized delight, becoming sweet and soft. Keep an eye on it; the aroma will be irresistible!
  9. Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making it even more succulent.
  10. Serve your 40 Clove Garlic Chicken with fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy every bite!

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftover 40 Clove Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
  • Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
  • Garnishing: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a bright flavor and visual appeal when serving.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic-infused juices.