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Pollo al Ajillo

A classic Spanish garlic chicken where bone-in pieces are pan-fried until mahogany-crisp then finished in a sherry and garlic pan sauce that reduces to a glossy, fragrant glaze.

55 minEasyServes 4420 cal/serving

SpanishDinnerStovetopLow CarbHigh ProteinGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 12 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2/3 cup dry sherry (fino or manzanilla) or dry white wine
  • 2/3 cup chicken stock (gluten-free)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 2 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat 4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks completely dry. Season generously with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 10 to 12 minutes until deeply golden. Flip and cook 5 more minutes. Transfer to a plate.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 12 cloves thinly sliced garlic to the pan fat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until golden - do not burn.

  4. 4

    Add 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 bay leaves, and 4 fresh thyme sprigs. Stir for 30 seconds. Pour in 2/3 cup dry sherry (fino or manzanilla) or dry white wine, reduce by half, about 2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add 2/3 cup chicken stock (gluten-free) and deglaze. Return chicken skin-side up. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, basting occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

  6. 6

    Remove 2 bay leaves and 4 fresh thyme sprigs sprigs. Adjust salt.

  7. 7

    Serve garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and 2 cut into wedges lemon.

Questions

How long does Pollo al Ajillo keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Pollo al Ajillo?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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