Forty Clove Chicken
Forty Clove Chicken offers tender, flavorful poultry infused with garlic, herbs, and lemon—a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a baking pan and sprinkle with oregano, dried basil, red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add the garlic cloves, celery stalks, parsley sprigs, and lemon (squeeze and cut for rind).
- Pour chicken broth and olive oil over the ingredients.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle lemon rind on top.
- Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a high-quality frying chicken and fresh garlic. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves first. For a different twist, consider adding a splash of white wine for extra depth. Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried, but use them sparingly. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, enhancing the garlic and lemon notes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Forty Clove Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. It also pairs well with fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Baked Spinach-Stuffed Onions for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Forty Clove Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist, and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Forty Clove Chicken contains roughly 143 calories, with 10g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1959mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole frying chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for the whole frying chicken. They will retain moisture and flavor, making for a delicious variation. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Additionally, the juices should run clear, not pink, when pierced.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make Forty Clove Chicken in a slow cooker, simply layer all the ingredients in the cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method will yield tender, flavorful chicken with a rich sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).