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Garlic Chicken

This aromatic Spanish garlic chicken, traditionally known as pollo al ajillo, is a classic tapas-style dish that focuses on deep, savoury flavours. By using skinless chicken thighs and heart-healthy olive oil, this recipe provides a satisfying and high-protein meal that is naturally low in carbohydrates. The combination of dry fino sherry and slow-cooked garlic creates a rich, fragrant sauce that perfectly coats the tender meat, making it a sophisticated choice for a midweek dinner.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this dish is excellent when served alongside a generous portion of steamed green vegetables or a crisp seasonal salad. The use of smoked paprika and fresh herbs ensures maximum flavour without the need for excessive salt. It is a brilliant example of how simple, Mediterranean-style cooking can be both healthy and comforting, offering a nutritious homemade meal that feels like a weekend treat.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces, or 12 chicken wings, tips removed

  • Sweet paprika

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 80ml olive oil

  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed, plus 2 cloves, minced

  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1/2 cup fino or manzanilla sherry

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish

How to make Garlic Chicken

Rub the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper and set aside at room temperature for at least 1 hour or preferably in the refrigerator at least 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 204°C.

In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and cook, stirring, until softened but not coloured, 2 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and fry, turning as needed, until golden on both sides, 5 to 8 minutes. You want them nicely coloured on the outside but not cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain briefly, and then arrange the pieces in a cazuela or baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer.

Remove the crushed garlic from the oil and discard. Return the pan to low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly. Add the thyme, bay leaves, sherry, and broth, raise the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and pour over the chicken.

Bake the chicken until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and discard the bay leaves and thyme. If the pan juices are thin, transfer to a small saucepan and cook over medium high heat until reduced, and then return to the cazuela. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve at once.

You also can complete the cooking on the stove top. Sauté the minced garlic as directed, return the chicken to the pan, add the sherry and broth, and simmer, uncovered, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the chicken is tender, 15 to 20 minutes

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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