If you have been searching for a dish that combines rich, aromatic flavors with effortless preparation, then this Easy, Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (video) is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces roasted to crispy perfection, infused with the intoxicating essence of fresh garlic, shallots, and fragrant herbs, all brought together by a splash of white wine. This recipe is truly the best and easiest way to enjoy classic French flavors without any fuss, making it a dependable favorite for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each element plays a key role in creating textures ranging from crispy skin to silky pan sauce, and flavors that balance richness with brightness beautifully.
- 2 1/2 to 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken: Thighs, drumsticks, or leg quarters work best for juicy meat and crispy skin.
- 1/4 cup avocado or olive oil: This will help the skin crisp up beautifully and add a subtle fruitiness.
- Sea salt & ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor note.
- 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 20 to 25 whole garlic cloves: These roast up soft and mellow, infusing the chicken with aromatic goodness.
- Small bunch fresh thyme: Classic herbaceous flavor that complements poultry perfectly.
- 3 to 4 sprigs fresh rosemary: Offers woodsy notes and brightens the overall taste.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a savory pan sauce and keeps the chicken moist while roasting.
- 1/2 cup white wine: Preferably chardonnay or pinot grigio for a light acidity that lifts the dish.
How to Make Easy, Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (video)
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) because once you start assembling, this dish practically cooks itself. Line a large casserole dish with Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil — this foil is sturdy and safe for roasting, plus it makes cleanup a breeze, which is always a win.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base
Begin by spreading the thinly sliced shallots evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Add half of the whole garlic cloves, and then scatter fresh thyme and rosemary all around. This fragrant bed of aromatics is going to infuse every bite with irresistible goodness.
Step 3: Season and Arrange the Chicken
Place your chicken pieces skin side up over the herbs and aromatics. Drizzle both sides of the chicken generously with avocado or olive oil to ensure a crispy, golden skin. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper — seasoning is what brings the flavors to life. Sprinkle additional thyme over the chicken and tuck in the remaining garlic cloves between the pieces for even more garlicky flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Prepare to Roast
Carefully pour chicken broth and white wine around the edges of the pan instead of over the chicken, preserving the herb and garlic seasoning on the skin while still moistening the pan for a luscious sauce. If you need a substitute for the white wine, a combination of lemon juice and chicken broth works beautifully to add brightness.
Step 5: Roast Until Perfect
Place your dish in the oven and roast uncovered for about one hour. The result will be juicy chicken with crispy, golden skin and an amazing aroma filling your kitchen. For extra crispy skin, turn on the broiler for 5 to 7 minutes at the end — just watch carefully to avoid burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
Step 6: Serve with Pan Sauce
Once out of the oven, spoon the flavorful pan juices over the chicken to keep every bite moist and irresistible — this is the kind of finishing touch that you’ll find yourself repeating every time.
How to Serve Easy, Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (video)
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary just before serving add a pop of color and freshness that brightens the deep flavors. A little zest of lemon can also enhance the dish’s vibrant finish.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the pan sauce, roasted root vegetables that echo the caramelized garlic, or a simple buttered pasta tossed with fresh herbs. Rice pilaf or a light green salad can also complement the dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic dinner party feel, arrange the chicken pieces on a large wooden board surrounded by roasted garlic clusters and herb sprigs. Alternatively, serve individual portions on warm plates with a spoonful of pan sauce artistically drizzled over the top, paired with vibrant vegetable sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious, if not more so.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Easy, Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (video) by wrapping portions tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in freezer bags. Label with the date, and enjoy within 2 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm chicken gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through, which helps maintain crisp skin better than the microwave. Adding a splash of broth or pan sauce will keep it moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in, skin-on pieces retain more moisture and develop better flavor and texture during roasting, making them ideal for this recipe.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried thyme and rosemary can be substituted, but use them sparingly as their flavors concentrate during roasting. Fresh herbs will always provide more aroma and brightness.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
Yes! Mix lemon juice with chicken broth until you reach ½ cup to replicate the acidity and depth that white wine provides without the alcohol.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. The juices should run clear, and the skin should be golden and crispy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can season and arrange the chicken a few hours ahead, then refrigerate until ready to roast. Just bring the dish to room temperature before placing it in the oven for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the ease and elegance of this Easy, Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (video). It fills your home with warm aromas and promises tender, flavorful results that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and make it your go-to recipe whenever you want to impress without stress.
PrintEasy, Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (video)
This Easy Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken features bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces roasted with shallots, whole garlic cloves, fresh herbs, white wine, and chicken broth. The result is a succulent, flavorful dish with crispy golden skin, perfect for a quick yet elegant meal that pairs wonderfully with potatoes, pasta, or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 1/2 to 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or leg quarters)
- 1/4 cup avocado or olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Aromatics and Herbs
- 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 20 to 25 whole garlic cloves
- Small bunch fresh thyme
- 3 to 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Liquids
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (such as chardonnay or pinot grigio) – or substitute with lemon juice and chicken broth (juice of 1 lemon + enough chicken broth to make 1/2 cup)
Additional
- Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil (for lining the roasting pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the chicken perfectly.
- Prepare the roasting pan: Line a large casserole or roasting pan with Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil for easy cleanup and safe cooking.
- Add aromatics to the pan: Spread the thinly sliced shallots evenly on the bottom of the pan. Add about half of the whole garlic cloves evenly over the shallots. Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and rosemary.
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken pieces skin side up on top of the shallots and garlic. Drizzle both sides generously with avocado or olive oil and season all over with sea salt and ground black pepper. Sprinkle additional fresh thyme over the chicken and tuck the remaining garlic cloves between the pieces.
- Add liquids: Carefully pour the chicken broth and white wine around the edges of the pan, avoiding pouring directly over the chicken to preserve the seasoning.
- Roast the chicken: Place the pan in the oven uncovered and roast for approximately 1 hour, until the chicken skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for extra crispiness (optional): For extra crispy, darker skin, turn on the oven broiler during the last 5 to 7 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve with pan sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon the flavorful pan sauce over the pieces to keep the skin moist and flavorful, and serve alongside your choice of sides like mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, gratin, pasta, or rice.
Notes
- You can substitute white wine with lemon juice mixed with chicken broth to maintain acidity and flavor.
- Using Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil makes cleanup easy and is safe for high-temperature cooking.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For a presentation boost, broiling at the end adds crispiness and richness to the skin.
- This recipe is flexible with chicken cuts: thighs, drumsticks, or leg quarters all work well.