Name: Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (Tender Herbed Roast Chicken)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 7 min
Total time: 1 h 22 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 ½ to 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or leg quarters); ¼ cup avocado or olive oil; Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste); 3 medium shallots (thinly sliced); 20 to 25 garlic cloves (whole); Small bunch fresh thyme; 3 to 4 sprigs fresh rosemary; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup white wine (such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)

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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rustic charm with elegant flavor, look no further than this Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (Tender Herbed Roast Chicken). This recipe transforms simple chicken pieces into a sublime feast by roasting them alongside fragrant garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and shallots in a white wine and chicken broth bath. The result is irresistibly tender meat with golden, crispy skin and an aromatic, garlicky sauce that will have you savoring every bite. Perfect for both cozy weeknight dinners and special gatherings, this dish brings warmth and sophistication to your table with minimal fuss.

Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (Tender Herbed Roast Chicken) - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (Tender Herbed Roast Chicken) lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and achieving that perfect roast—whether it’s the fresh herbs infusing the meat or the wine adding depth and aroma.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken (2 ½ to 3 lbs): Using thighs, drumsticks, or leg quarters ensures juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin.
Avocado or olive oil (¼ cup): This helps the skin crisp beautifully while keeping the chicken moist.
Sea salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and herbs.
Shallots (3 medium, thinly sliced): They impart a subtly sweet and silky texture beneath the chicken.
Garlic cloves (20 to 25 whole): Roasted whole, they become mellow, soft, and intensely aromatic.
Fresh thyme (small bunch): Its earthy notes pair wonderfully with the garlic and chicken.
Fresh rosemary (3 to 4 sprigs): Adds a pine-like fragrance that complements the poultry perfectly.
Chicken broth (½ cup): Keeps the chicken moist and contributes to a luscious pan sauce.
White wine (½ cup): Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio adds brightness and a subtle acidity to balance the richness.

How to Make Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (Tender Herbed Roast Chicken)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (204°C). This high temperature is perfect for roasting the chicken to golden crispiness. Line a large casserole dish with heavy-duty foil to make cleanup quick and easy. This little prep step sets the stage for a stress-free cooking experience.

Step 2: Layer the Aromatics

Arrange the thinly sliced shallots evenly on the bottom of your casserole dish. Then sprinkle half of the garlic cloves on top of the shallots, followed by a generous scattering of fresh thyme and rosemary. This aromatic base will infuse the chicken with a wonderful depth of flavor as it roasts.

Step 3: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Drizzle the chicken pieces with olive or avocado oil, making sure each one is well coated. Season each piece generously with sea salt and ground black pepper on both sides. Place the chicken skin-side up on top of the shallots and garlic. Top the chicken with more thyme sprigs, then nestle the remaining garlic cloves between the chicken pieces for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Add Broth and Wine

Carefully pour the chicken broth and white wine around the chicken in the dish. Be sure not to pour directly on the chicken to preserve the seasoning on the skin. These liquids create steam and flavor that keep the meat juicy and create a delicious pan sauce.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

Place the dish in the oven uncovered and roast for around 1 hour, until the skin is gloriously golden and crisp, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For an extra finish, switch on the broiler for 5 to 7 minutes to further crisp the skin while keeping the meat tender underneath.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, spoon the luscious pan juices over the chicken. This simple gesture boosts every bite with that rich, garlicky goodness. Now, your Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (Tender Herbed Roast Chicken) is ready to delight!

How to Serve Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (Tender Herbed Roast Chicken)

Garnishes

To brighten the dish, sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme leaves just before serving. A light zest of lemon can also add a fresh, zesty kick that contrasts beautifully with the roasted garlic’s mellow richness.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. The pan juices double as a delicious gravy, tying all the components together perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic yet elegant presentation, serve the chicken whole on a large platter surrounded by roasted garlic bulbs and herbs. Alternatively, carve the chicken and arrange pieces atop a bed of wild rice tossed with herbs and toasted nuts for a gourmet flair that impresses at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 to 4 days, keeping the pan juices separate for reheating to retain moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save your Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (Tender Herbed Roast Chicken) for a longer time, freeze the chicken and pan juices separately in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Reheat the pan juices on the stovetop to drizzle over your chicken for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

While boneless chicken can be used, bone-in, skin-on pieces are best for achieving that tender, juicy texture and crispy skin that defines this recipe.

What white wine works best for this dish?

A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio is ideal, as it adds balanced acidity and complements the garlic and herbs without overpowering the chicken.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, dried herbs can be substituted—use about one-third the amount and sprinkle them around with the garlic and shallots.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness and ensure juicy, safe-to-eat meat.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken (Tender Herbed Roast Chicken) truly embodies comfort and elegance in one delicious package. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe that anyone can confidently make and share with loved ones. Whether for a weeknight treat or a weekend gathering, it promises to become a favorite you’ll turn to time and again. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re in for a tasty, aromatic celebration of classic French flavors!