Gallo al Ajillo
Cuisine: Spanish Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Chicken
1 whole chicken (1000)
Garlic
6 cloves (18)
Olive Oil
1 cup (240)
White Wine
1 cup (240)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (28)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5.69)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (2.84)
Totals
54 oz
(1,535 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Chicken
250
Olive Oil
120
Garlic
20
White Wine
100
Lemon Juice
10
Paprika
5
Salt
0
Black Pepper
0
Parsley
5
Totals
510 kcal
Steps
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add thinly sliced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Remove the garlic slices from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Season the chicken (cut into small pieces) with salt and pepper.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the skillet.
6. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown on all sides.
7. Reduce the heat to medium and add white wine to the skillet.
8. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
9. Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
10. Sprinkle dried chili flakes into the skillet for a spicy kick (optional).
11. Return the sautéed garlic slices back into the skillet.
12. Cook the chicken in the broth for about 15-20 minutes or until it is fully cooked and tender.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves for added flavor and presentation.
14. Serve the Gallo al Ajillo hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Note: This recipe is for Gallo al Ajillo, a Spanish dish typically made with chicken and garlic. Adjust the quantities of ingredients according to your preference and the number of servings desired.
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Gallo al Ajillo:
1. Chicken: Substitute with turkey or pork loin. Adjust cooking time as needed, as these meats may require longer or shorter cooking times compared to chicken.
2. Garlic: If fresh garlic is unavailable, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of garlic required in the recipe.
3. Olive oil: Can be replaced with vegetable or canola oil in equal quantities.
4. White wine: Substitute with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in equal quantities. These alternatives will provide acidity and flavor to the dish.
5. Lemon zest: If you don't have a fresh lemon, use 1/2 teaspoon of bottled lemon juice per teaspoon of zest required.
6. Paprika: Replace with equal amounts of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicier version.
7. Parsley: Substitute with cilantro or fresh basil leaves in equal quantities for a different herb flavor.
8. Salt and pepper: Adjust according to taste preferences, as these ingredients can be customized to personal preference in most recipes.
Note: It is important to consider personal taste preferences and adjust seasoning and cooking times accordingly when substituting ingredients in any recipe.
Pairings
- Paella
- Patatas bravas
- Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp)
- Pan con tomate (bread with tomato)
- Pisto (Spanish ratatouille)
- Tortilla española (Spanish omelette)
- Pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus)
- Ensalada mixta (mixed salad)
- Jamón ibérico (Iberian ham)
- Chorizo al vino (chorizo in wine)
- Queso manchego (Manchego cheese)
- Sangria
- Tinto de verano (red wine with soda)
- Cava (Spanish sparkling wine)
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
- Serve in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for an elegant touch.
- Top with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a visually appealing contrast.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of sliced mushrooms or roasted bell peppers to enhance the dish's texture and add depth of flavor.
- Incorporate a splash of white wine or sherry vinegar to brighten the sauce and balance the richness.
- Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a silky mouthfeel and enhanced flavor.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use jumbo or tiger prawns instead of regular shrimp for a more indulgent experience.
- Substitute regular olive oil with truffle-infused olive oil to impart a luxurious earthy aroma.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of saffron threads for a touch of opulence and a subtle floral note.
Remember, these enhancements are suggestions to take your Gallo al Ajillo to the next level, but feel free to adapt them to your personal taste and preferences. Enjoy your elevated dining experience!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean cuts of chicken or turkey instead of fatty cuts to reduce the overall fat content.
- Substitute olive oil with a healthier oil like avocado oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Decrease the amount of oil used in the recipe to reduce calorie and fat intake.
- Increase the amount of garlic and other spices to enhance flavor without relying on excessive oil or salt.
- Replace white bread or traditional bread crumbs with whole wheat bread crumbs for added fiber.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad to increase the nutritional value and fiber content of the meal.
- For individuals with gluten intolerance, use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour as a substitute.
- To make it suitable for vegetarians or vegans, replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Reduce the amount of salt used or use low-sodium alternatives to accommodate individuals with high blood pressure or sodium restrictions.
- For those watching their carbohydrate intake, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or pasta.
Healthy Choices
- Use olive oil instead of butter or lard for cooking the chicken.
- Use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken with skin to reduce saturated fat.
- Increase the amount of garlic and spices to enhance flavor without adding extra salt.
- Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to increase fiber and vitamins.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or homemade broth instead of regular broth to reduce sodium content.
- Serve the dish with a side of whole grain rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added nutrients and fiber.
- Consider using leaner meats like turkey or chicken instead of pork to reduce saturated fat.
- For a lighter version, grill or bake the chicken instead of frying it.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add freshness and flavor without adding extra calories.
- Lastly, limit the amount of added salt and opt for natural flavor enhancers like lemon juice or vinegar.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-peeled garlic cloves or minced garlic to save time on peeling and chopping.
2. Substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley flakes to eliminate the need for washing and chopping fresh herbs.
3. Opt for boneless chicken thighs instead of whole chicken pieces to reduce cooking time.
4. Use a pre-made chicken broth or stock instead of making it from scratch.
5. Consider using frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp to save time on cleaning and deveining.
6. Use a high-quality store-bought olive oil instead of infusing your own to save on preparation time.
7. Use a non-stick skillet or pan to minimize the need for excessive oil or butter.
8. Serve the dish with crusty bread instead of making homemade bread to save on baking time.
9. Consider using frozen diced onions instead of fresh onions to save time on peeling and chopping.
10. Utilize a food processor to quickly chop onions, garlic, and parsley together, saving time on individual chopping.