This elegant dish features tender chicken legs stuffed with creamy cheese, paired with a luscious pineapple sauce for a sweet and savory flavor combination. Perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner at home, this recipe delivers a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Legs:
- Chicken Legs: 4 large, deboned
- Cheese: 150 g (5 oz), shredded (mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
For the Pineapple Sauce:
- Pineapple Chunks: 1 cup, fresh or canned
- Pineapple Juice: ½ cup (if using canned, use the juice from the can)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated
- Chili Flakes: To taste (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken Legs
- Debone the chicken legs, leaving the skin intact.
- Rub the chicken legs with salt, black pepper, paprika, and minced garlic. Let them marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Stuff the Chicken Legs
- Stuff each chicken leg with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing in place.
3. Cook the Chicken Legs
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Sear the stuffed chicken legs on all sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared chicken legs to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
4. Prepare the Pineapple Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add pineapple chunks and grated ginger, and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and chili flakes if desired.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Remove the cooked chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle the pineapple sauce generously over the chicken legs.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or additional pineapple chunks for presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Complement with mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Add a side of garlic bread or buttery rolls.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the chicken legs are tightly secured to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Use fresh pineapple for a brighter, tangier flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- For extra richness, brush the chicken legs with melted butter before baking.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking to lock in the juices.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: A lean protein source rich in vitamins B6 and B12.
- Cheese: Provides calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles.
- Pineapple: Packed with vitamin C, manganese, and digestive enzymes.
- Ginger: Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Dietary Information
- High-Protein: Great for muscle building and recovery.
- Contains Dairy: Not suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free for a gluten-free dish.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 12 g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or in a skillet until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The savory chicken and cheese pair beautifully with the tangy-sweet pineapple sauce.
- Elegant Presentation: Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties.
- Customizable: Adjust the level of sweetness, spice, or cheese to your taste.
- Easy Gourmet: A restaurant-quality dish made at home.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
Conclusion
This Gourmet Stuffed Chicken Legs with Cheese and Pineapple Sauce is a show-stopping dish that combines comfort and elegance. The juicy stuffed chicken, paired with the sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, creates a delightful harmony of flavors. Perfect for special occasions or a memorable family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your loved ones.
Try this recipe today and elevate your culinary game with this simple yet sophisticated dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of legs? Yes, chicken breasts can be stuffed and baked similarly.
- What cheese works best for stuffing? Mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar are great options.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, prepare the sauce and refrigerate it. Reheat before serving.
- How do I prevent the stuffing from leaking? Secure the chicken tightly with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Is canned pineapple suitable? Yes, use canned pineapple and its juice for convenience.
- Can I grill the chicken instead of baking? Yes, grill over medium heat until cooked through.
- What sides pair best with this dish? Rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables complement it well.
- Can I use other fruits for the sauce? Mango or peaches are excellent substitutes for pineapple.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked? Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
- Can I skip the chili flakes in the sauce? Yes, omit chili flakes if you prefer a milder sauce.