Pixicook
HomeRecipesChickenHearty Castilian Garlic Chicken (Pollo al Ajillo)
recipe image

Hearty Castilian Garlic Chicken (Pollo al Ajillo)

clock-icon45 minutes
author-image
Author
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
serves
5 peoplechevron

Chicken, cut into 6 pieces

0 lb

Salt

to taste

Black Pepper

to taste

Garlic, cloves separated and peeled

0 heads

Bay Leaves, preferably fresh

each

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.

Comments (0)

Add your comment...

Explore More Chicken recipes

Explore More Collections

Dashi with Cod and Clams

Mushroom Soup

One-Pot Orzo with Snap Peas, Asparagus, and Basil

Easter Brunch

Crispy Skin Chicken Thigh with Garlic-Caper Pan Sauce

Quick Chicken

Chicken Katsu with Shredded Cabbage and Scallions

Chicken Fried