Experience a culinary masterpiece with this delicious recipe for stuffed chicken legs, featuring a unique blend of spices, marinated pineapple, and cheese. This dish elevates ordinary chicken legs into a gourmet meal that will impress your guests and become a favorite at any dinner table.
Ingredients
- Chicken Legs: 8, deboned
- Salt: To taste
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
- Dried Basil: 1 tsp
- Ground Coriander: 1 tsp
- Marinated Pineapple: 3 slices, diced
- Cheese: 120g, grated
- Young Potatoes: Halved
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Vegetable Oil: For greasing
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
For the Sauce:
- Pineapple Juice: 150 ml (50 ml for initial mix, 100 ml for cooking)
- Ketchup: 1 1/2 tbsp
- Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 1/2 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 1/2 tbsp
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 190°C (374°F).
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Wash and pat dry the chicken legs. Remove the bones and flatten the meat under cling film.
3. Season the Chicken
- Mix salt, paprika, garlic powder, dried basil, and ground coriander together. Rub this spice mix evenly on both sides of each chicken leg.
4. Prepare the Filling
- Combine diced pineapple and grated cheese in a bowl.
- Place a portion of this filling in the center of each flattened chicken leg and secure with a toothpick.
5. Prepare the Potatoes
- Toss halved young potatoes with salt, paprika, black pepper, and minced garlic.
6. Arrange Chicken and Potatoes
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Grease a wire rack with vegetable oil and place it over the potatoes.
- Lay the chicken legs on the rack.
7. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8. Make the Sauce
- While the chicken is baking, combine 50 ml pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder in a saucepan.
- Mix the cornstarch with the remaining 100 ml pineapple juice, then add to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
9. Add Sauce and Finish Baking
- After 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and generously pour the sauce over the chicken legs.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes at 180°C with top and bottom heat plus circulating air.
10. Serve
- Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Chicken Preparation: Ensure the chicken legs are evenly flattened to cook uniformly and absorb the seasoning fully.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the amount of cornstarch if you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve these gourmet chicken legs with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Conclusion
This recipe for stuffed chicken legs with pineapple and cheese not only offers a burst of flavors but also presents a beautiful dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its complex flavors and eye-catching presentation, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Enjoy the tastes of a real culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your home!
Read Also: Chicken Salad Recipe for Weight Loss: Delicious & Nutritious