This oven-roasted French garlic chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s perfect for any dinner occasion. The garlic-infused seasoning and tender, juicy chicken make it a crowd-pleaser without the need for white wine.
Recommended Kitchen Tools for Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken
To ensure your chicken turns out juicy, aromatic, and golden every time, these tools will come in handy:
- Roasting Pan or Oven-Safe Skillet – Ideal for even roasting and collecting flavorful pan juices.
- Meat Thermometer – Essential for checking doneness (look for 165°F/74°C in the thickest part).
- Mixing Bowl – For tossing chicken with herbs, garlic, and marinade.
- Garlic Press or Knife – Makes prepping a lot of garlic quick and easy.
- Pastry Brush – To brush on melted butter or oil for that golden skin.
- Tongs – For turning and handling the chicken safely.
- Aluminum Foil – Useful for tenting the chicken if it starts to brown too quickly.
- Cutting Board and Carving Knife – For slicing and serving after resting the chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs) or 4-6 chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a whole chicken, rinse and pat it dry with paper towels. If using chicken pieces, ensure they are dry and ready to season. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a marinade. Rub the mixture generously all over the chicken, ensuring every part is well coated. If using a whole chicken, stuff a few lemon slices or garlic cloves into the cavity for extra flavor.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan or oven-safe dish. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the chicken moist during roasting. Cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes (for chicken pieces) or 1 hour and 20 minutes (for a whole chicken). Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the skin to brown and crisp up.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked; it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your oven-roasted French garlic chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. A side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices is also a great addition.
Tips for Success
- If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check the doneness of the chicken by piercing it; the juices should run clear.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more herbs or spices.
- Baste the chicken with the pan juices midway through cooking to enhance flavor and ensure it stays moist.
FAQs – Oven-Roasted French Garlic Chicken
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, but bone-in, skin-on pieces will stay juicier and develop more flavor during roasting.
Q: What type of garlic should I use?
A: Fresh garlic cloves are best. You can also roast them whole with the chicken for a mellow, rich taste.
Q: What herbs work best with this dish?
A: Classic French herbs like thyme, rosemary, tarragon, and parsley are excellent choices.
Q: How long should I roast the chicken?
A: At 400°F (200°C), roast bone-in pieces for 35–45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?
A: It’s optional, but marinating for 1–4 hours enhances flavor. You can also season and roast right away with great results.
Q: What sides go well with this?
A: Serve with roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad to complement the savory garlic flavors.