Country-style Garlic Chicken

Savor the Flavor: Garlic-Infused Chicken Delight

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 whole chicken (approximately 3 to 3.5 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 heads of garlic, cloves separated
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Important Points

Ensure you have all ingredients ready before starting. The key to achieving a wonderful flavor lies in the browning of the chicken and garlic. Do not rush the simmering process; this enhances the sauce’s richness.

Cooking Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a sturdy Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the ground black pepper. Sear the chicken until it's gloriously browned on all sides, about 8 minutes, then transfer it to a plate. Lower the heat and add the garlic cloves, sautéing until they become a beautiful golden color, about 3 minutes.

Next, sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir it in until fully combined. Place the chicken back in the pot, cover it, and let it bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

After the baking time, carefully take the pot out of the oven and set it on a stovetop burner. Remove the chicken pieces once again. On medium-high heat, pour in the white wine, stirring for about a minute to deglaze the pot. Follow this by adding the chicken broth along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Allow the mixture to simmer until it starts thickening, which should take about 3 minutes.

Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat, whisk in the butter, and then generously pour the rich sauce over the chicken. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to elevate the dish.

Don't forget, there's a wealth of delicious, garlicky sauce to enjoy with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a bed of fluffy rice!

This delightful Gallic dish pairs wonderfully with a rustic red wine from the south of France. Seek out good-value bottles from regions such as Corbières or Minervois, or opt for a more robust, tannic wine from Cahors for a sophisticated touch.