Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare Chicken pieces

• If using chicken quarters, remove the drumstick from the thigh. Do this with a large sharp knife and cut it at the joint. 
• Add chicken to the baking tray.

Step 2 – Season and Bake

• Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
• Crack off the garlic cloves and gently crush them and slice them in the middle. Don’t cut all the way through though. Remove any loose skins from the garlic cloves and add them to the pan with the chicken.
• Crush/mince two additional cloves of garlic and add it over the chicken pieces. 
• Season generously with some sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary). 
• Add a splash of Jerez sherry vinegar and olive oil over the chicken. Gently toss chicken to evenly cover the pieces in oil and seasoning.
• Bake for 20 minutes, rotate chicken pieces, then continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until you see the chicken skin begin to crisp up and become golden brown. 

Step 3 – Serve

• Serve over a bed of steamed rice or mashed potatoes. Drizzle with the cooking juices right before serving, and add a side of steamed veg or a leafy green salad for a balanced meal.

Cooking Tips and FAQs

How to check the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature of the thickest pieces of chicken have reached 74°C / 165°F. 

Skin-on or skinless chicken?

Both work great for this recipe. Skin-on gives you that delicious crispy skin, whereas skinless chicken thighs offer a healthier alternative. Considering cooking with boneless chicken, we’ve got a 15-Minute garlic boneless chicken thighs recipe here. 

How much garlic?

We used a whole head of garlic, plus an additional 2 cloves that we minced. Of course, use more or less if you like! 

Spanish Smoked Paprika

We dust the chicken with just a little smoked paprika, and when it comes to paprika, La Vera Smoked paprika is our go-to. We use it to give the chicken a lovely warmth in flavor and a beautiful coloring on the skin once it is baked.

Discover more about the different types of Spanish paprika: Guide to Hot Paprika, Smoked Paprika and Sweet Paprika

Spanish Garlic Chicken – Pollo al Ajillo

Spend a speck of time travelling through Spain and you’ll quickly come across this classic chicken recipe – Pollo al Ajillo, known for its simplicity and bold flavors. It is a staple in Spanish households and tapas bars, with regional variations across the country.

In some areas, white wine or sherry is added for extra depth of flavor, as is popular in the Southern region, Andalusia. Others might include a touch of paprika or even bay leaves for a different aromatic profile.

Origins

The dish traces its roots back to traditional Spanish peasant cooking, where simple, locally available ingredients were used to create flavorful meals. Garlic, olive oil, and chicken were common in the Iberian Peninsula due to Spain’s rich agricultural heritage.

Garlic has been a fundamental ingredient in Spanish cooking for centuries, introduced by the Romans and later popularized by the Moors, who ruled Spain for nearly 800 years. The Moors also influenced the use of olive oil, another key ingredient in the dish.

Traditional Preparation of Pollo al Ajillo

Pollo al Ajillo is made by frying chicken pieces in olive oil with lots of garlic, sometimes with white wine or sherry, and occasionally a pinch of paprika or chili for heat. The dish is often served with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky sauce. We have baked the chicken as we find it tends to cook more evenly when oven-baked. We also added a few sprigs of fresh thyme.

More Chicken recipes

Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss recipe that can easily be whipped up for a weeknight meal, or a high-protein post-workout dinner that’s healthy and nutritious, we’ve got you with 7 of our favorite easy chicken recipes that will transport your tastebuds straight to the Mediterranean!

Check out our complete recipe guide for 7 Easy Chicken Recipes That Are Perfect for Weeknight Dinners here. 

Looking to bulk up this recipe? Combine this Spanish garlic chicken recipes with one of our classic Spanish potato recipes: Spanish Potatoes | Patatas a la Importancia or Poor Man’s Potatoes – Patatas a lo Pobre (Vegan Gluten-free).

Nutrition Facts

Love this recipe?

Leave us a comment and tell us your favorite Spanish recipe!