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–+ servings
Pollo al ajillo with fried potatoes on a plate

Pollo al Ajillo

Traditional garlic chicken from Spain with a heavenly sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Spanish
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken about 3¼–3¾ lb (1.5–1.7 kg)
  • 100 ml extra virgin olive oil About 6 Tbsp plus 2 tsp
  • 1 head garlic or more to taste
  • 150 ml white wine About ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp
  • 50 ml water About 3 Tbsp plus 1 tsp
  • 1 tsp wine vinegar 5 ml, or about 2 tsp (10 ml) lemon juice, to taste
  • 8 sprigs fresh thyme optional
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Salt
  • Ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • If you’re using a whole chicken, first cut it into 10 pieces: the two drumsticks and two thighs, the breast cut into four pieces (it’s good to leave the bone on), and the two wings.
    Pollo al ajillo and fried potatoes viewed from above
  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
    Chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper on a board
  • Cut the head of garlic in half crosswise and fry it, skin and all, in the moderately hot olive oil for 3–4 minutes, until it takes on a little color. It mustn’t brown too much. Then take the garlic out of the oil and set it aside.
    Head of garlic cut in half crosswise
  • Put the chicken pieces in the hot oil and brown them on both sides over high heat until golden. Depending on the heat, this will take about 5 minutes on the first side and 3–4 minutes on the second. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through yet, just nicely browned. If necessary—if you’re using a smaller skillet—brown the pieces in batches so they really brown instead of steaming in their own juices.
    Chicken pieces browning in olive oil in a skillet
  • Now add the wine, water, vinegar or lemon juice, bay leaves, and thyme, and return the garlic to the pan. Cover and cook over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
    Chicken cooking with garlic, herbs, and liquid in a skillet
  • At the end, remove the lid and reduce the sauce over higher heat for a few minutes.
    Cooked garlic chicken in its sauce in a skillet
  • Serve fresh and hot with homemade fried potatoes or your favorite side dish.
    Pollo al ajillo and fried potatoes viewed from above

Notes

Original name: Pollo al ajillo.
Keyword classic, delicious, Original, saucy
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