1. TO BRINE THE CHICKEN: Combine garlic heads, bay leaves, and salt in gallon-size zipper-lock bag; press out air and seal bag. Using rubber mallet or meat pounder, pound mixture until garlic cloves are crushed; transfer mixture to large container or stockpot and stir in 2 quarts cold water until salt is dissolved. Immerse chicken in brine and refrigerate until fully seasoned, about 2 hours.

2. FOR THE GARLIC-PEPPER OIL: While chicken is brining, heat garlic, black pepper, pepper flakes, and oil in small saucepan over medium heat until garlic is fragrant and sizzling and mixture registers about 200°F on instant-read thermometer, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature, about 40 minutes. Measure 2 tablespoons garlic-pepper oil into 2 small bowls and set aside.

3. TO FLAVOR THE CHICKEN: Remove chicken from brine and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. After brining, slip fingers underneath skin of breasts and legs to loosen. Rub 2 tablespoons infused oil under skin.

4. TO COOK THE CHICKEN: Adjust oven rack to lowest position; heat oven to 450°F. Heat vegetable oil in heavy-bottomed, ovenproof, nonstick 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke. Swirl skillet to coat evenly with oil. Place chicken, skin side down, in hot pan and reduce heat to medium. Place weight (see note above) on top of chicken and cook, checking every 5 minutes, until evenly browned, about 25 minutes. (After 20 minutes, chicken should be fairly crisp and golden; if not, turn heat up to medium-high and continue to cook until well browned.)

5. Remove weight from chicken, and using tongs, carefully transfer chicken, skin side up, to clean plate. Pour off any accumulated fat in skillet. Place chicken back in skillet, skin side up. Transfer skillet to oven and roast until thickest part of breast registers 160°F on instant-read thermometer, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to cutting board and let rest 10 to 15 minutes. Cut chicken into serving pieces, drizzle with remaining infused oil, and serve with lemon wedges.

Serves 3 to 4