Forty Garlic Chicken
Juicy roasted chicken legs infused with garlic, herbs, and cognac, served with toasted French bread for a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 8 chicken legs ⓘ
- 4 stalks celery ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 40 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon or chervil or basil or 1 tablespoon fresh
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or mace ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cognac or 1/2 cup dry vermouth ⓘ
- 16 slices French bread ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour olive oil over chicken in a heavy 3-quart casserole.
- Turn chicken in oil to coat evenly.
- Add celery, chopped onions, unpeeled garlic cloves, herbs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the casserole.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the casserole with foil, then with a lid.
- Bake for 1 1/2 hours.
- Serve the chicken from the pot, hot or at room temperature.
- As you eat, squeeze cooked garlic onto toasted French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, such as tarragon or basil. If you don't have cognac, dry vermouth works well as a substitute. To save time, you can use pre-peeled garlic cloves. When mixing the ingredients, ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the olive oil for optimal roasting. For additional depth, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the chicken. The toasted French bread is perfect for squeezing out the sweet, roasted garlic, enhancing the meal. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine, making it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings or family dinners. Explore more chicken recipes for varied flavors and preparations.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. The garlic can be reheated with the chicken for added flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Forty Garlic Chicken contains roughly 657 calories, with 13g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1300mg per serving (57% 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 boneless chicken instead of legs?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Boneless pieces will generally cook faster, so check for doneness at around 1 hour to avoid drying them out.
What can I serve with Forty Garlic Chicken?
Forty Garlic Chicken pairs well with a light salad or steamed green beans, as these sides help cut the richness of the dish. You might also consider serving it over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the flavorful juices.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick to the Forty Garlic Chicken, try incorporating red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili into the casserole. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, but be cautious, as the flavor of the garlic is quite dominant.
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).