Absolutely divine! Never thought to do this but it's so tasty!

Slow Cooker 30 Clove Garlic Chicken is a recipe that exemplifies the magic that can occur when patience meets simplicity in culinary arts. Originating from the traditional French dish, Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic, this dish has been adapted for the modern kitchen. The original dish is believed to have roots in Provence, where the mellowing of garlic through cooking is celebrated. In this slow cooker version, 30 cloves might seem excessive, yet when allowed to simmer slowly, these pungent bulbs transform into tender, sweet, almost nutty morsels that enrich the chicken with deep, aromatic flavors. This dish is perfect for those looking to impress guests with a rustic yet sophisticated meal, or simply for anyone wanting to enjoy a cozy evening at home with a hearty, comforting dish that's easy to prepare.

This sumptuous chicken dish pairs exceptionally well with sides that complement its robust flavors and can soak up the delightful sauce it creates. A crusty baguette or a pile of fluffy mashed potatoes are classic choices. For a healthier spin, a simple quinoa pilaf or roasted root vegetables could beautifully round out the meal. And let's not forget a crisp, green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chicken.

Servings: 4-6 Servings

- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds), cut into pieces or 4-6 chicken thighs
- 30 cloves garlic, peeled (yes, you read that correctly)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf

1. Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and sear until each side develops a nice golden-brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

3. Reduce heat to medium and add the sliced onion to the skillet. Cook until onions are softened and browned at the edges. Place the onions on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.

4. Scatter the peeled garlic cloves around and over the chicken.

5. Pour the chicken broth or white wine into the slow cooker, adding a sprig of thyme and the bay leaf.

6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

7. Once done, remove the herbs and transfer the chicken, garlic, and onions to a serving platter. Skim any excess fat from the liquid left in the slow cooker and drizzle some over the chicken to serve.

- For an even deeper flavor, consider browning the garlic cloves lightly with the onions before adding them to the slow cooker.
- While traditional recipes may use a whole chicken cut into pieces, using just thighs can make the dish more manageable and the cooking more even.
- To make this dish truly stand out, finish it off with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright contrast to the rich flavors.
- Leftovers can be magnificent when shredded and turned into a garlic chicken sandwich spread, or mixed into pasta with a touch of cream.
- If you’re feeling bold and want additional depth, a few slices of bacon or pancetta added at the beginning can be a wonderful complement to the softened garlic's sweetness.