Garlic Chicken

  Garlic Chicken

YIELD: 4 servings
ACTIVE TIME: 15 min
TOTAL TIME: 40 min

Ingredients:

• 3 large garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Scant 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 chicken breast halves with skin and bone (2 to 2 1/4 lb total)

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 500°F with the rack in the upper third.

2. Prepare Garlic Mixture:
   a. Mince and mash the garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt to make a paste.
   b. In a bowl, mix in oregano, red-pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.

3. Prepare Chicken:
   a. Cut a 2-inch pocket (about 1 1/2 inches deep) in the side of each chicken breast.
   b. Spread 1/2 teaspoon of the garlic mixture into each pocket.
   c. Coat the outside of the chicken with the remaining garlic mixture.

4. Roast Chicken:
   a. Place the chicken skin-side up in a foil-lined baking pan.
   b. Roast at 500°F for 10 minutes.
   c. Lower the temperature to 375°F and continue roasting for 30-40 minutes.