40 Cloves and a Chicken

1 whole chicken (broiler/fryer) cut into 8 pieces
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 sprigs fresh thyme
40 peeled cloves garlic
Salt and pepper

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
  Season chicken with salt and pepper. Toss with a 2 tablespoons olive oil 
  and brown on both sides in a wide fry pan or skillet over high heat. 
  Remove from heat, add oil, thyme, and garlic cloves. Cover and bake for 1 
  1/2 hours. 
  Remove chicken from the oven, let rest for 5 to 10 minutes, carve, and 
  serve. 
  Yield: 6 servings