If you’re looking for a heartwarming meal that brings together the cozy, fragrant charm of cloves with tender chicken and comforting potatoes, look no further than the Clove Chicken and Potatoes with Cream Sauce Recipe. This divine dish combines the warmth of aromatic spices and fresh herbs with a luscious cream sauce that wraps everything in velvety goodness. Every bite is bursting with flavor, making it the perfect dinner to share with family or friends on any night you want something special yet surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Clove Chicken and Potatoes with Cream Sauce Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building those rich, layered flavors and satisfying textures. From the tender chicken thighs to the baby potatoes and the luxurious cream sauce, every component is essential.
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless/skinless): These provide juicy, flavorful meat that absorbs spices beautifully.
- 40 cloves fresh garlic: Garlic’s mellow sweetness deepens with roasting, creating a comforting backbone.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and depth.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Offers richness and helps develop a golden sear on the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Balances the butter and gives a silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons good Brandy or Cognac: Imparts a subtle fruity complexity to the sauce.
- 1½ cups dry white wine: Lifts the dish with acidity and brightens flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Adds aromatic herbal notes that complement chicken perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon dried tarragon: Brings a hint of licorice-like freshness that elevates the dish.
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon or baby red potatoes: Their creamy texture pairs beautifully with tender meat.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the cream sauce for that perfect consistency.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: The luxurious finish that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- 2 tablespoons additional Brandy or Cognac: Added to the sauce for that extra depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup white wine: Combined with the cream to enrich the sauce further.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: To taste, ensuring the seasoning is just right.
- Crusty baguette: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
How to Make Clove Chicken and Potatoes with Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic
Start by bringing a medium pot of water to a boil. Separate those generous garlic cloves and drop them in for one minute. This quick blanch helps loosen their skins so you can peel them effortlessly. This little trick means your sauce will have smooth, tender garlic cloves that add gentle, sweet flavor rather than harsh raw heat.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure a beautiful sear, then sprinkle both sides liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. This seasoning is key to building the flavor foundation, giving each bite that perfect balance of savory and peppery notes.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Scrub your baby potatoes well and halve or quarter any large ones. Toss them in a bowl with salt and pepper, so they’re prepped to soak up all the delicious flavors while cooking alongside the chicken.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches until each side is golden and crispy. Keep the temperature controlled to avoid burning the fat. This step locks in juices and creates those irresistible browned bits that flavor your sauce later.
Step 5: Brown the Garlic
Once the chicken is seared and resting, add the peeled garlic cloves to the pan fat. Lower the heat and gently sauté until the cloves turn evenly browned, releasing their mellow sweetness – this little nuance will brilliantly contrast the bold chicken flavors.
Step 6: Deglaze with Brandy and White Wine
Pour in the brandy and white wine, scraping up the brown bits stuck to the pan. Those browned bits are packed with deep flavor, and loosening them creates the delicious base of your sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil to concentrate the flavors.
Step 7: Simmer Chicken and Potatoes
Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestle in the potatoes, and sprinkle fresh thyme and dried tarragon over the top. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through perfectly and the potatoes to become tender and infused with aromatic goodness.
Step 8: Finish the Dish
Carefully transfer the chicken and potatoes to a platter, covering it with foil to keep warm while you finish the sauce. This resting lets flavors settle and keeps everything juicy for serving.
Step 9: Make the Cream Sauce
In the same pan with the cooking liquid, whisk in the flour to thicken. Slowly add the remaining white wine, brandy, and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and luscious. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This silky cream sauce ties all the ingredients together with its rich texture and subtle punch.
How to Serve Clove Chicken and Potatoes with Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs or a light sprinkle of chopped parsley add a lively pop of color and freshness, perfectly contrasting the rich cream sauce. You can also add a few whole roasted garlic cloves on top for extra visual appeal and garlic goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed seasonal vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, brings a refreshing balance to the plate. Don’t forget the crusty baguette to mop up every last bit of that delicious cream sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken and potatoes family-style on a large rustic wooden board or a warm ceramic platter. Drizzle the creamy sauce generously over, scatter fresh herbs, and place small bowls of sauce on the side for dipping. This casual yet elegant presentation makes it perfect for entertaining while keeping the mood relaxed and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal. Just be sure to keep the cream sauce separate if you want to avoid over-thickening when reheating.
Freezing
This Clove Chicken and Potatoes with Cream Sauce Recipe freezes well without losing its charm. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Add a splash of water or extra cream to refresh the sauce’s silky consistency. Stir frequently until warmed through, and enjoy a comforting meal that tastes just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will add even more flavor, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it necessary to peel all 40 garlic cloves?
Yes, peeling the garlic ensures they soften evenly and blend seamlessly into the sauce without any tough skins interrupting the texture.
What type of white wine works best?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, offering bright acidity without overpowering the chicken and cream.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative to keep the sauce creamy without dairy, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.
How do the cloves influence the flavor?
The cloves provide a subtle yet distinct warmth that infuses the chicken and sauce, creating a comforting aroma and a unique taste experience that sets this recipe apart.
Final Thoughts
This Clove Chicken and Potatoes with Cream Sauce Recipe is honestly one of those dishes I can’t wait to make again and again. It’s comforting, flavorful, and impressively simple to prepare, making it a perfect go-to for cozy dinners or special gatherings. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it quickly becomes a beloved staple in the family recipe rotation.
