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Preheat the oven to 170ºC.
1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Go through the garlic cloves, discarding any which are soft and trimming out any brown spots or assertive green sprouts.
3. Choose a flameproof casserole with a tight-fitting lid, just large enough to hold the chicken pieces.
4. Heat the olive oil in it over a medium-high heat and when it's hot, quickly brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Do this in batches, removing each piece onto a platter when it is done.
5. When all the pieces have been browned, put the garlic cloves into the hot oil and fry these for a minute or two until they soften and begin to brown.
6. Remove the casserole pan from the heat and return the chicken pieces, stirring so they and the garlic are well mixed.
7. Tie the parsley and thyme sprigs together and work this down amongst the chicken. Cover the pot tightly with foil and a lid.
8. Bake for 1½hrs. The chicken should be meltingly tender and infused with garlic.
Serve with the fried pieces of bread, to be spread with the soft garlic. A green salad would be a good addition too. |