Prep: Trim and pat dry 6 pieces of chicken. Peel 40 garlic cloves.
Sear: Brown the chicken 2–3 minutes per side in a hot, large skillet with the oil.
(Optional) Flambé: Pour in 30 ml of cognac and carefully ignite to flambé.
Add Garlic & Butter: Lower the heat, add the garlic cloves and 50 g of butter. Baste everything well.
Simmer Covered: Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Deglaze: Pour in 250 ml of white wine, scrape the bottom of the pan to release the browned bits, and reduce for 5 minutes.
Add Thyme & Simmer Again: Add the thyme, cover again, and cook for another 15 minutes.
Heat the Cream: In a separate saucepan, gently heat 250 ml of heavy cream until slightly thickened.
Finish the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet. Pour in the warm cream, then squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
Garlic Purée: Mash a few garlic cloves into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Return & Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, simmer for a few minutes. Serve garnished with fresh chives.