Go Back
–+ servings
An overhead shot of a skillet of Spanish Garlic Chicken, straight out of the oven.
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Spanish Garlic Chicken (Pollo Al Ajillo)

Spanish Garlic Chicken (Pollo Al Ajillo) is one of Spain's most beloved traditional dishes!  Tender chicken cooked in olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a splash of sherry, it delivers bold flavors with just a handful of simple ingredients!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Spanish
Servings: 4
Calories: 298kcal
Author: Neriz

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds chicken (3/4 to 1 kg), chopped
  • 10 to 12 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2 to 3 pcs dried bay leaves
  • 1/3 cup sherry (or any of the substitutes mentioned)
  • salt and pepper, to season
  • parsley, to garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Season the chopped chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Set a medium to large skillet on medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  • Once the oil is ready, start browning the chicken.  
    (Note: Do not place the chicken pieces too close to each other.)  
  • Once all the chicken is browned, put everything back in the skillet and add garlic, salt, and pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
  • Mix everything to combine.  Put a lid on the skillet, adjust the heat to medium and cook for 15 to 20 minutes while mixing occasionally.
  • Remove the lid and adjust the heat back to medium-high.  Pour the sherry on the garlic chicken and do not touch for about 3 minutes.
  • Start mixing, and if bits are sticking in the bottom of the pan, the sherry should have deglazed them so that everything would be combined.
  • Continue cooking uncovered (mixing occasionally) until the sherry has completely evaporated. It usually takes about 10 minutes.
  • Remove your garlic chicken from the heat, garnish with some fresh parsley (if preferred), and serve.

Video

Notes

  • Cook's Tip:  If you want a deeper color to the chicken, place the skillet in the oven (set at your usual broiler temperature) for about 10 minutes.  Do not keep it longer; you might end up drying the chicken.
  • Refer to the post for more tips and suggestions.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 203mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg