Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness and brined in saltwater*
1/3 cup dry white wine
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
40 whole cloves garlic
Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
Optional toppings: finely-chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, lemon slices
To brine your chicken: Fill a bowl with 1 quart warm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir to dissolve. Submerge chicken for 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 450°F. Prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or oil.
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Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk white wine, melted butter, lemon juice, and thyme. Reserve 1 tablespoon of this mixture in a small bowl.
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Prepare Garlic: Add the 40 cloves of garlic to the large bowl of sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
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Arrange the Dish: Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the garlic and sauce mixture around the chicken, spreading garlic evenly.
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Top with Reserved Sauce: Brush the reserved tablespoon of mixture over the chicken. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra browning, broil on high for the final 3–5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent garlic from burning.
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Rest the Chicken: Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5–10 minutes.
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Serve: Spoon garlic and lemon-butter sauce over the chicken. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, or lemon slices if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes