Juicy Pineapple Cheese Stuffed Chicken Legs Recipe for Dinner

Juicy chicken legs meet their match with a delightful pineapple cheese stuffing that promises pure culinary magic.

Sweet tropical notes dance alongside creamy cheese in this unexpected flavor combination.

Every bite reveals a surprising texture contrast between crispy skin and melted interior.

Home cooks will find this recipe surprisingly simple to master.

Mediterranean herbs complement the tangy pineapple, creating a dish that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

Crisp edges and tender meat guarantee a memorable meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next gathering.

Why Pineapple Cheese Stuffed Chicken Legs Are Bursting With Flavor

• Burst with Tropical Flavor: Pineapple and cheese combine to create a mouth-watering blend that transforms ordinary chicken legs into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This recipe offers a straightforward approach with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize for Everyone: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping cheese types or adjusting spice levels, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a personalized plate.
• Impress without Stress: Delivers restaurant-quality results with home kitchen simplicity, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients List For Pineapple Cheese Stuffed Chicken Legs

• Chicken Legs: The primary protein source that will be stuffed and seasoned for this dish.
• Cheese: A rich, melting ingredient that adds creamy texture to the chicken leg filling.

• Pineapple: A sweet and tangy fruit that provides moisture and flavor to the chicken.
• Salt, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Dried Basil, Ground Coriander: Spices that create a complex and aromatic seasoning for the chicken.
• Parsley: A fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright flavor to the final dish.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to the potatoes and sauce.

• Pineapple Juice: The base liquid that creates a sweet and tangy sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and create a glossy consistency.
• Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar: Ingredients that balance and enhance the sauce's flavor profile.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for greasing the grill and preventing sticking.
• Toothpicks: Helps secure the stuffing inside the chicken legs.
• Young Potatoes: A side dish seasoned to complement the main chicken course.

How To Cook Pineapple Cheese Stuffed Chicken Legs

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken Legs

Gently pound chicken legs between plastic wrap to create an even surface. Mix together a blend of spices including salt, paprika, garlic powder, dried basil, and ground coriander.

Thoroughly coat both sides of the chicken legs with the spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Create Delicious Filling

Carefully place a chunk of marinated pineapple and a slice of cheese in the center of each chicken leg.

Use toothpicks to securely close and hold the filling inside the meat.

Step 3: Prepare Tasty Potato Accompaniment

• Salt
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Crushed garlic cloves

Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Position a wire rack over the potatoes and lightly brush with vegetable oil. Arrange the stuffed chicken legs on the rack.

Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (374°F) for 30 minutes until chicken begins to turn golden.

Step 5: Craft Tangy Pineapple Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk pineapple juice with cornstarch to create a thickening agent.

• Pineapple juice
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Garlic powder

Gradually stir in the cornstarch mixture while cooking. Simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Final Baking and Sauce Application

Remove chicken from the oven and generously pour the prepared sauce over the legs. Return to the oven and bake at 180°C (356°F) for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and intensify flavors.

Step 7: Plate and Enjoy

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken legs. Serve immediately alongside the roasted seasoned potatoes for a complete and delicious meal.

Tips For Juicy Pineapple Cheese Stuffed Chicken Legs

• Soften chicken legs gently using cling film to prevent tearing and ensure even seasoning distribution.
• Choose fresh, ripe pineapples for the most vibrant and sweet flavor in the stuffing and sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
• For a gluten-free version, replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch in the sauce.
• Substitute dairy cheese with vegan alternatives like plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option.

Tasty Variations For Pineapple Cheese Stuffed Chicken Legs

• Tropical Fusion Chicken Legs: Replace pineapple with mango chunks and use pepper jack cheese for a spicier Caribbean-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Legs: Swap pineapple with sun-dried tomatoes, use feta cheese, and add oregano and rosemary to the spice mix for a Greek-style experience.
• Korean BBQ Chicken Legs: Substitute pineapple with kimchi, use gochujang instead of ketchup in the sauce, and sprinkle sesame seeds for an authentic Korean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Chicken Legs: Replace potatoes with roasted cauliflower, use sugar-free sweetener in the sauce, and add extra cheese for a high-fat, low-carb alternative.

Perfect Sides With Pineapple Cheese Stuffed Chicken Legs

• Pair Tropical White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complement the sweet-tangy pineapple and cheese flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Citrus-Infused Cocktail: Create a zesty pineapple mojito with rum, fresh mint, lime juice, and sparkling water to match the tropical notes of the dish.
• Fresh Herb Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with cucumber, mint, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the savory and sweet elements of the chicken legs.
• Refreshing Tropical Mocktail: Blend fresh pineapple, coconut water, and a splash of ginger for a non-alcoholic drink that echoes the recipe's fruity undertones.

How To Store Pineapple Cheese Stuffed Chicken Legs Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken legs in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 165°C (325°F). Place chicken legs in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), ensuring even heating.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel.

Your FAQs On Pineapple Cheese Stuffed Chicken Legs

• Can I use different types of cheese for stuffing?

You can use various cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the pineapple flavor.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Use chicken legs with skin and avoid overcooking. The skin helps retain moisture, and baking at the right temperature ensures juicy meat.

• Is it necessary to marinate the pineapple?

Marinating the pineapple enhances its flavor and helps it blend better with the chicken. If short on time, you can skip marinating, but it adds an extra layer of taste.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the spice mix. You can also include some hot sauce in the pineapple sauce for extra heat.

Pineapple Cheese Stuffed Chicken Legs Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pineapple cheese stuffed chicken legs offer a tropical twist on classic poultry. Juicy chicken wrapped around melted cheese and sweet pineapple creates a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken legs
• 120 grams (4.2 ounces) cheese

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic

Fruits and Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 pieces marinated pineapple
• 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) pineapple juice
• 50 milliliters (1.7 fluid ounces) pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• Young potatoes
• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken legs by gently pounding them between plastic wrap, creating an even surface for seasoning and stuffing.
2. Craft a robust spice blend combining salt, paprika, garlic powder, dried basil, and ground coriander. Thoroughly massage the mixture into every surface of the chicken legs.
3. Create delectable pockets within each chicken leg, strategically inserting marinated pineapple chunks and melting cheese. Secure the openings using toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
4. Prepare young potatoes by coating them with a zesty blend of salt, paprika, black pepper, and crushed garlic cloves, ensuring comprehensive seasoning.
5. Arrange potatoes on a parchment-lined baking tray, positioning a wire rack above them and lightly brushing with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
6. Position seasoned chicken legs on the elevated rack, roasting at 190°C for 30 minutes until golden and partially cooked.
7. Simultaneously craft a tangy sauce by whisking pineapple juice with cornstarch, then combining with ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder in a saucepan.
8. Simmer sauce mixture, continuously stirring until it reaches a glossy, thickened consistency, approximately 3-5 minutes.
9. Generously drench roasted chicken legs with prepared sauce, returning to the oven at 180°C for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize and intensify flavors.
10. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and serving immediately alongside seasoned potatoes for a complete, vibrant meal.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken legs thoroughly to ensure even seasoning and prevent tough meat texture.
• Use fresh pineapple chunks for more vibrant flavor and natural sweetness compared to canned alternatives.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Monitor internal chicken temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without drying out meat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg