If you are a garlic lover and a fan of incredibly tender chicken, then you are going to fall head over heels for the Crockpot 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe. This dish transforms a simple chicken thigh into a savory feast bursting with sweet roasted garlic flavor, perfectly infused with fresh herbs and a delicate white wine sauce. The magic happens slowly in the crockpot, allowing the garlic to mellow out beautifully, creating a rich, aromatic experience that will have your whole house smelling irresistible. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding texture, flavor, or that golden color which makes the dish as pretty as it is delicious. Having the right ingredients on hand will make the cooking process smooth and the end result totally satisfying.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken, locking in juices and adding a subtle texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and garlic.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and balances the sweetness of the roasted garlic.
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker, perfect for slow-cooked meals.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and frying the garlic to bring out their best flavors.
- 40 cloves garlic (about 3 heads): The star ingredient that mellows and sweetens beautifully during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme: Introduces an herby earthiness that complements the rich garlic aroma.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary: Brings a piney, fragrant note which elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth to the garlic sauce, enhancing the overall balance.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and helps create a luscious sauce to serve alongside.
How to Make Crockpot 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
Begin by combining the flour, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a shallow bowl. This simple mixture is your secret weapon for creating a gentle crust on the chicken that locks in all those beautiful juices during cooking. Then, dredge each chicken thigh thoroughly in this mixture, making sure every surface is covered. This is the first step toward a rich, flavorful finish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Rich Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully lay the coated chicken thighs in the pan and sear each side until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step develops a beautiful golden color and deep flavor thanks to Maillard reaction, setting a robust foundation for your crockpot masterpiece.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Herbs
Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and set aside. Add the whole garlic cloves along with the freshly chopped thyme and rosemary to the hot skillet. Sauté gently until the garlic starts to brown — this releases a deeply fragrant nuttiness that will elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan with Wine and Broth
Pour the dry white wine and low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet, making sure to scrape up all the tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This flavorful liquid loosens all those caramelized pieces and will become the heavenly sauce that coats your chicken as it cooks slowly in the crockpot.
Step 5: Combine and Slow Cook
Place the seared chicken thighs in the crockpot, pouring the sautéed garlic, herbs, and deglazing liquid evenly over the top. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or low for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The slow cooking perfectly melds all the flavors and lets the garlic transform into a soft, buttery delight that you can even spread on bread!
How to Serve Crockpot 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop, sprinkle your chicken with chopped parsley or extra fresh thyme right before serving. This will introduce a bright green contrast that not only looks gorgeous but adds an herbaceous note balancing the richness of the roasted garlic and wine sauce.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, both wonderful for soaking up the flavorful garlic sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad are excellent sides if you want to add some texture and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the garlic cloves along with the chicken on a rustic wooden board with warm crusty bread on the side. Guests can spread the softened, sweet garlic on the bread for a deliciously unique tasting experience. Or, transform leftovers into a savory garlic chicken sandwich with some fresh greens and a smear of aioli.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more as it rests, making the next day’s meal just as delicious if not better!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled chicken and garlic sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some headspace as the sauce expands slightly when frozen.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a lid to retain moisture. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Slow, gentle reheating preserves the tender texture and lovely sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind chicken breasts can dry out more easily in the crockpot. If you use breasts, consider shorter cooking times and monitor for doneness carefully.
Do I have to use 40 cloves of garlic?
The large amount of garlic is the signature of this recipe, creating a mellow, sweet roasted flavor not found in smaller amounts. However, you can adjust according to your taste preferences.
What kind of white wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best here. It adds bright acidity without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook for about 15-20 minutes. Just be sure to check the internal temperature.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before adding to the crockpot?
While not required, browning the chicken adds significant flavor and texture, taking the dish to another level.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about slow-cooked chicken fused with the mellow sweetness of 40 cloves of roasted garlic. This Crockpot 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe has all the elements of a cozy, impressive meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find this becoming your new go-to recipe for easy entertaining or a satisfying family dinner. Enjoy every garlicky bite!
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Crockpot 40 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Crockpot 40 Clove Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish where tender chicken thighs are seared and then slow-cooked with an abundance of garlic and fresh herbs. The garlic mellows and softens during cooking, infusing the chicken with rich, savory flavors, perfect for an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Cooking and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 40 cloves garlic (about 3 heads)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to create a seasoned dredging mix.
- Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring even coverage for a light crust when seared.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil to warm.
- Sear the chicken: Once the oil is hot, sear the floured chicken thighs on each side until they develop a nice brown color, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Remove chicken: Take the seared chicken out of the pan and set aside to prepare the garlic and sauce.
- Sauté garlic and herbs: Add the peeled garlic cloves and chopped fresh thyme and rosemary to the pan, sautéing for a few minutes until the garlic cloves start to brown and become fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the dry white wine and low-sodium chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful browned bits.
- Assemble in the slow cooker: Place the seared chicken thighs into the slow cooker and pour the garlic cloves along with the deglazed liquid over the chicken evenly.
- Slow cook the dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the garlic is tender.
Notes
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs helps the meat stay juicy and flavorful during long cooking times.
- Peeling 40 cloves of garlic may be easier if you separate the heads and crush cloves lightly to remove skins quickly.
- If white wine is not available or preferred, substitute with additional chicken broth or a dry vermouth for a similar effect.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer keeping.
