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    Hearty Castilian Garlic Chicken (Pollo al Ajillo)

    clock-icon45 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A traditional Spanish dish featuring chicken cooked with garlic, bay leaves, white wine, and chicken stock, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic meal.

    Ingredients for Hearty Castilian Garlic Chicken (Pollo al Ajillo)

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
    USchevron
    serves
    5 peoplechevron
    serves
    5 peoplechevron

    Olive Oil

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chicken, cut into 6 pieces

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Salt

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Black Pepper

    to taste

    Garlic, cloves separated and peeled

    0 heads

    Substitute chevron-down

    Bay Leaves, preferably fresh

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dry White Wine

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chicken Stock

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Hearty Castilian Garlic Chicken (Pollo al Ajillo)

    1. Heat Olive Oil

    Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed casserole or pan over medium heat until it begins to shimmer.

    2. Season and Brown Chicken

    Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan and brown each side, turning occasionally until the skin is golden-brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

    3. Fry Garlic

    Reduce the heat to low and add the peeled garlic cloves to the same pan. Fry the garlic gently until they become lightly golden.

    4. Combine Ingredients

    Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan and add the bay leaves. Pour in the dry white wine and chicken stock. Stir gently to combine and bring to a simmer.

    5. Simmer Chicken

    Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the chicken breasts and continue to cook the thighs and legs uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

    6. Reheat Chicken Breasts

    Return the chicken breasts to the pan to reheat them through before serving. Serve the chicken with the rich, garlicky sauce spooned over the top.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Quality Ingredients

    Use fresh, plump garlic cloves and opt for organic chicken to ensure the best flavor in your dish.

    Browning the Chicken

    Pat the chicken dry and sear it in a hot, heavy-bottomed pan without overcrowding for a perfect golden-brown crust.

    Marination

    Marinate your chicken in garlic, olive oil, sherry vinegar, and paprika for at least an hour or overnight to deepen the flavors.

    Deglazing

    Use a good quality dry sherry or white wine to deglaze the pan after browning the chicken, adding complexity to the sauce.

    Control Your Heat

    Cook the garlic over low heat to avoid burning and infuse the cooking oil with its flavor before adding the chicken.


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