Garlic-Infused Chicken Delight
This Garlic-Infused Chicken Delight, inspired by the classic Pollo Al Ajillo, is a mouthwatering dish that brings together juicy chicken pieces sautéed to perfection in olive oil, aromatic garlic, and infused with the bright notes of lemon and saffron. The blend of flavors creates a savory sauce that elevates the chicken, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or special occasions. With a cooking process that allows the chicken to absorb the rich flavors while keeping it tender, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (For cooking)
Chicken (cut into 8 pieces)
2 1/2-3 lbs (Cleaned and ready for cooking)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Garlic
1 head (Minced)
Water
1/2 cup (For sauce)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Saffron
1 pinch (Crushed and diluted in a small amount of water)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces carefully, skin-side down, and cook until they are golden brown on both sides, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
2
Once browned, transfer the chicken to a large, shallow casserole dish. Generously season the chicken with salt to taste.
3
In the same skillet, pour off all but 4 tablespoons of the remaining oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté over low heat until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn, about 2 minutes.
4
Stir in the half cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.
5
Pour the garlic and water mixture over the chicken in the casserole. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken and sprinkle the crushed saffron, diluted in a small amount of water, evenly over the top.
6
Cover the casserole and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. For best results, occasionally spoon the sauce over the chicken during this time to keep it moist.
7
Once cooked, serve the chicken warm, generously spooning the luscious garlic sauce over each serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic-Infused Chicken Delight?
It is a mouthwatering dish inspired by the classic Pollo Al Ajillo, featuring chicken pieces sautéed in olive oil with garlic, lemon, and saffron.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include olive oil, 2.5-3 lbs of chicken, salt, a head of garlic, water, lemon, and a pinch of saffron.
How many pieces should the chicken be cut into?
The recipe recommends cutting the chicken into 8 pieces.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked for approximately 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Is this recipe associated with a specific cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Spanish cuisine.
How much garlic is required?
One full head of garlic is used for this recipe.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be minced before sautéing.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat and browning the chicken skin-side down.
Where should the chicken be placed after browning?
The browned chicken should be transferred to a large, shallow casserole dish.
How much oil should remain in the skillet for the garlic?
You should pour off all but 4 tablespoons of the remaining oil.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
Sauté the garlic over low heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
Why is water added to the skillet after sautéing garlic?
Water is added to create a mixture that helps scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
How much water is used for the garlic sauce mixture?
A half cup of water is stirred into the skillet.
What is the purpose of the lemon in this recipe?
The juice of one lemon is squeezed over the chicken to add bright notes and acidity to the dish.
How is the saffron prepared?
The saffron should be crushed and diluted in a small amount of water before being sprinkled over the chicken.
What is the final cooking time once the chicken is in the casserole?
The chicken should cook covered on low heat for about 15 minutes.
How can I keep the chicken moist while it simmers?
Occasionally spoon the garlic sauce over the chicken during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
How should Garlic-Infused Chicken Delight be served?
It should be served warm with the garlic sauce generously spooned over each serving.
What is the estimated weight of the chicken used?
The recipe calls for 2.5 to 3 lbs of chicken.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food.
What kind of heat should be used for the final stage?
The heat should be reduced to low for the final 15-minute cook time.
How much saffron is needed?
A single pinch of saffron is sufficient for this recipe.
Do I need to season the chicken with salt?
Yes, you should generously season the chicken with salt to taste after browning.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features aromatic garlic, citrusy lemon, and the distinct floral notes of saffron.
Can this recipe be used for special occasions?
Yes, the description notes it is a perfect choice for family gatherings or special occasions.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, garlic, saffron, lemon, comfort food, main course, and spanish cuisine.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 distinct ingredients listed.
Should the casserole be covered while cooking?
Yes, the instructions state to cover the casserole during the final cooking stage.
Is Pollo Al Ajillo the inspiration for this dish?
Yes, the recipe is specifically inspired by the classic Pollo Al Ajillo dish.