Pollo al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Chicken) Recipe
Pollo al Ajillo is a classic Spanish garlic chicken recipe featuring tender chicken legs simmered in a fragrant sauce of olive oil, garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, showcasing the aromatic depth of garlic infused into every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 chicken legs (1 per person)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 bunch fresh parsley (chopped)
Garlic and Oil
- 7 garlic cloves (around 1 head of garlic)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups white wine
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel six of the garlic cloves and either slice or mince them finely. Smash the remaining garlic clove with the flat side of your knife, leaving the skin on.
- Infuse the Oil: In a large pan, add the olive oil along with the smashed garlic clove. Cook over low heat until the garlic turns golden and aromatic, allowing the oil to absorb its flavor.
- Cook Sliced Garlic: Add the sliced or minced garlic cloves to the pan. Continue cooking on low heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the garlic starts to become golden and fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken legs with salt and black pepper. Add them to the pan and fry on both sides until they achieve a nice golden brown color.
- Simmer the Chicken: Pour in the white wine and water, then add the bay leaves. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on low heat for 35 minutes, basting the chicken occasionally with the sauce. Flip the chicken halfway through at the 15-minute mark to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Pollo al Ajillo with fried potatoes or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- Use good-quality white wine to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning of salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- The garlic can be sliced or minced based on preference; slicing gives a milder garlic flavor.
- Make sure to simmer the chicken at low heat to keep it tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with fried potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
