Description
Succulent chicken legs embrace a tropical fusion of pineapple and creamy cheese in this mouthwatering culinary adventure. Crisp exterior gives way to a juicy, flavor-packed interior that promises to delight palates and elevate dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken legs
- 120 grams (4.2 ounces) cheese
- 3 pieces marinated pineapple
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 150 milliliters (5.1 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 (as needed)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Tenderize chicken legs by gently pounding between plastic wrap, creating an even surface for seasoning and stuffing.
- Create a robust spice blend using salt, paprika, garlic powder, dried basil, and ground coriander. Massage the mixture thoroughly into each chicken leg, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slice marinated pineapple into small chunks and pair with cheese pieces. Carefully stuff each chicken leg, securing the opening with toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Prepare potato accompaniment by tossing with salt, paprika, black pepper, and crushed garlic for enhanced flavor profile.
- Line baking tray with parchment paper. Position a wire rack over potatoes and arrange stuffed chicken legs on top, promoting even heat circulation.
- Roast in preheated oven at 190°C for 30 minutes, allowing chicken to develop golden-brown exterior and potatoes to crisp underneath.
- Craft a vibrant sauce by combining pineapple juice, cornstarch, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder. Simmer until mixture thickens and develops glossy consistency.
- Generously brush chicken with prepared sauce, then return to oven at 180°C for additional 10 minutes to caramelize and intensify flavors.
- Remove toothpicks, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken by gently pounding it between plastic wrap to ensure even thickness and prevent dryness during cooking.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks for better flavor and texture, allowing natural sweetness to complement the savory chicken.
- Create dairy-free version by substituting cheese with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Marinate chicken legs overnight in pineapple juice to enhance tenderness and infuse deeper tropical flavors throughout the meat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg