Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of Spain with this easy Spanish Garlic Chicken (Pollo al Ajillo) recipe. Made with garlic, white wine, and olive oil, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner or tapas night. Ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 pieces chicken (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- 10–12 garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add whole garlic cloves and cook until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the chicken: In the same skillet, add chicken, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
- Simmer with broth: Return garlic and chicken to the skillet. Add chicken broth, bay leaves, and optional red pepper flakes. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish with parsley and lemon: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and drizzle with lemon juice for a bright finish.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with crusty bread or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- Boneless option: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker cooking time.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for extra depth.
- Spicier version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Herb-infused: Add thyme or rosemary for additional aromatic notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: spanish
Keywords: Spanish Garlic Chicken, Pollo al Ajillo, Spanish Chicken Recipe, Garlic Chicken, Easy Spanish Recipe