Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to Spain with the delightful "Chicken with Almond Garlic Sauce" (Pollo en Pepitoria)! This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings together the rich flavors of toasted almonds, aromatic garlic, and tender chicken thighs simmered to perfection. In just one hour, you can impress your family or guests with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to tantalize their taste buds and leave them craving more. Ready to uncover the secrets of this mouthwatering Spanish classic? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Grind toasted almonds in a food processor or mortar and pestle until they form a fine, slightly coarse meal.
- Crush saffron threads between your fingers and add to the skillet. Stir to release their aromatic oils.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle ground almonds over the chicken.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Occasionally stir the sauce and check liquid levels, adding more broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Once chicken is cooked, remove lid and let sauce reduce and thicken for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, spooning the almond sauce over the chicken thighs. Garnish with additional toasted almonds if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Toasted Almonds: Make sure to keep a close eye on the almonds while toasting them in the skillet. Stir constantly to achieve a golden brown color without burning, as this enhances their flavor and aroma.
- Searing the Chicken: Don’t rush the searing process. Allow the chicken thighs to brown well on each side; this step locks in juices and adds depth to the dish.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, feel free to add a splash more chicken broth to maintain a creamy texture that beautifully coats the chicken.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of sherry to the sauce for a unique twist that complements the almonds.
- Garnishing: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with additional toasted almonds and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds a fresh flavor contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
