Alton Brown 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe

Alton Brown 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe is made with broiler chicken, olive oil, garlic cloves, kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme. This recipe creates a juicy, golden brown braised chicken infused with mellow, sweet garlic. It takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

Alton Brown 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 1 (3- to 4-pound) broiler/fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup olive oil, not extra-virgin
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 40 cloves garlic, peeled

How To Make Alton Brown 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat oven to 350ºF.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper, then coat each piece with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Brown the Chicken: In an 11-inch oven-safe sauté pan over high heat, cook the chicken until nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
4. Add Garlic and Herbs: Remove the pan from heat and add the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil, thyme sprigs, and peeled garlic cloves.
5. Bake the Chicken: Cover the pan and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the pan rest covered for 15 minutes before serving. Serve family-style with toasted bread.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-peeled garlic won’t have the same mellow sweetness as freshly peeled cloves.
• Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest after baking enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Toasted Bread is a Must: The garlic transforms into a spreadable delicacy — perfect on crusty bread.
• Use the Right Pan: A straight-sided, oven-safe sauté pan is key for even cooking.
• Adjust for Chicken Size: If your bird is larger or smaller, cooking time may need minor adjustments.

What To Serve With Garlic Chicken

This chicken pairs well with toasted baguette slices, mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a crisp green salad. The mellow garlic and rich oil also complement a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

How To Store Garlic Chicken

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze chicken and garlic cloves in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

Garlic Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Sodium: 480mg

FAQs

Is 40 cloves of garlic too much?
No! When cooked, the garlic becomes soft, sweet, and mellow — not overpowering.

Can I use boneless chicken?
Bone-in pieces are preferred for flavor, but boneless thighs can work with reduced cooking time.

What type of bread is best to serve with this dish?
Crusty French bread or sourdough is ideal for spreading the garlic and soaking up the oil.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in place of 5 sprigs of fresh.

Do I need to turn the chicken while it bakes?
No turning is necessary once it’s in the oven — the covered braise keeps it evenly cooked.

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