About the Recipe
Dive into the essence of Spanish cuisine with our Pollo al Ajillo – a garlic-rich, aromatic chicken dish that promises a culinary journey in every bite. With its tender chicken bathed in a robust white wine and garlic sauce, this recipe seamlessly marries simplicity with bold flavors. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish is sure to impress, bringing a piece of Spain right to your dining table in under an hour. Prep in just 15 minutes and let the magic unfold!
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks (or equivalent pieces)
8-10 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth (optional)
Olive oil, for frying
1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked, based on preference)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
1 bay leaf (optional)
Red chili flakes or a whole dried chili pepper (optional for a touch of heat)
Preparation
Preparation: Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, skin side down, and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium-low, and add the thinly sliced garlic to the pan. If you're using chili flakes or dried chili, add it now. Sauté until the garlic is golden but not burnt.
Add Wine and Broth: Pour in the white wine (and chicken broth if you're using it) into the pan. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any brown bits – they're full of flavor!
Cook the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, add the bay leaf, and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Final Touch: Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. If you want a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken once it's done and reduce the sauce further on high heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, pour the garlic sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.