Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Are you looking for a dish that's both comforting and surprisingly easy to whip up? Well, get your aprons ready because I've got just the thing: a rustic baked chicken with a garlic gravy that'll have everyone licking their plates. Forget complicated recipes; this one's all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor!
The Magic of Simple Flavors
This isn't your average baked chicken recipe. We're taking it up a notch by first pan-frying the chicken to get that perfect golden-brown crust. Then, we bake it in a Dutch oven, allowing all those flavors to meld together into pure deliciousness. And let's talk about the gravy! It's not just any gravy; it's bursting with the aromatic goodness of garlic and thyme, making it utterly irresistible.
Why This Recipe Rocks
- Versatile Chicken: Use whatever pieces you fancy—I'm partial to skin-on thighs for extra flavor, but the choice is yours!
- Easy Peasy: Don't let the 'rustic' fool you; this recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The garlic and thyme gravy is what dreams are made of.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, it's a meal you can feel good about.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or your preferred chicken pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 20 garlic cloves, peeled and separated
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ¾ cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter
Let's Get Cooking
- Sear it Up: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Sear them until they're beautifully browned on all sides. Don't worry about cooking them through at this point; we're just building flavor.
- Transfer to Dutch Oven: Move the seared chicken to a Dutch oven.
- Garlic Party: Add the peeled garlic cloves to the skillet and cook them for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Gravy Time: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute, then add the chicken broth and fresh thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the gravy over the chicken in the Dutch oven. Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Finishing Touch: Stir in the butter for added richness. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving this rustic chicken with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that amazing gravy. But honestly, this chicken goes well with just about anything, including roasted vegetables, a simple salad or a crusty loaf of bread. Feel free to get creative!
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So there you have it: a simple, flavourful and nutritious meal that's sure to please. Give this recipe a try, and don't forget to share your creations! Happy cooking, everyone!