French-Style Chicken with 30 Cloves of Garlic Recipe
**Chicken à la Française with 30 Cloves of Garlic Recipe**
The Chicken à la Française with 30 Cloves of Garlic, referred to as “Poulet aux Trente Gousses d’Ail,” is a timeless recipe that captures the rustic charm of French rural cuisine. This dish showcases the remarkable ability of garlic, transforming an apparently excessive quantity into a gentle, sweet, and fragrant experience. It is uncomplicated yet refined, ideal for family meals and special gatherings.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 whole chicken (approximately 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
– 30 cloves of garlic, peeled
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 1 cup chicken stock
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– Dry the chicken pieces with paper towels and season liberally with salt and pepper.
2. **Sauté the Garlic:**
– In a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
– Add the garlic cloves and sauté for around 5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove the garlic and set aside.
3. **Brown the Chicken:**
– In the same skillet, place the chicken pieces skin-side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned. You may need to do this in batches to prevent crowding the pan.
4. **Deglaze the Pan:**
– After browning the chicken, take it out of the skillet and set it aside.
– Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes.
5. **Simmer with Garlic:**
– Return the chicken and garlic cloves to the skillet. Add in the chicken stock and thyme.
– Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. **Thicken the Sauce (Optional):**
– If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the chicken and garlic from the skillet and set aside. Combine the flour with a small amount of water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. **Serve:**
– Return the chicken and garlic to the skillet to reheat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
– Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
**Serving Suggestions:**
This dish pairs beautifully with hearty French bread, ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the meal.
**Cooking Tips:**
– For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken with herbs and garlic a few hours prior to cooking.
– If desired, you can keep the garlic cloves unpeeled. They will soften and can be easily squeezed out of their skins when served.
The Chicken à la Française with 30 Cloves of Garlic epitomizes the culinary wonder of simple ingredients prepared with attention. Relish this comforting and fragrant dish that brings a slice of French countryside allure to your dining table.
Read More