Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this scrumptious Oven-fried Stuffed Chicken Legs recipe! Perfect for a delightful dinner, this dish combines tender chicken legs with a savory stuffing mix, creating a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a family favorite. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 40 minutes, you’ll have this delicious dish on the table in no time! Let’s dive into the details and uncover the secrets to making this mouthwatering recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 onion
- 1/2 celery stalk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 3 cups cornbread stuffing mix
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 4 chicken legs
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 430.3
- Fat: 29.1g
- Saturated Fat: 11.2g
- Cholesterol: 161.5mg
- Sodium: 349.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Protein: 31.6g
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is perfectly heated and ready to bake your delicious chicken legs to golden perfection.
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Prepare Baking Sheet and Dish: Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet and a small baking dish with nonstick spray. This prevents the chicken legs from sticking and ensures easy cleanup later on.
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Prepare Stuffing Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, diced onion, chopped celery, butter, and poultry seasoning. Heat the mixture until the butter melts, creating a fragrant base for your stuffing. Once melted, stir in the cornbread stuffing mix until it’s evenly moistened and aromatic.
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Prepare Coating: In a large plastic bag, combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful coating adds a delicious crunch to your oven-fried chicken legs, ensuring each bite is packed with savory goodness.
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Prepare Chicken Legs: Loosen the skin on the chicken legs, starting at the thigh end and working your way down to the middle of the drumstick. This creates a pocket for the stuffing. Next, mound 1/2 cup of the prepared stuffing mixture under the loosened skin of each chicken leg, then fasten the skin with toothpicks to secure the stuffing in place.
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Coat Chicken Legs: Drop the stuffed chicken legs, two at a time, into the bag of seasoned flour. Close the bag securely and shake it gently until the chicken legs are evenly coated with the flour mixture. This coating adds a crispy texture to the chicken as it bakes in the oven.
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Bake: Place the coated chicken legs, skin side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
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Prepare Remaining Stuffing: While the chicken is baking, place the remaining stuffing mixture in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle it with 3 tablespoons of water, then cover the dish tightly with foil.
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Serve: Once the chicken legs are cooked to perfection, serve them hot alongside the extra stuffing for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can customize the stuffing mix with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Ensure the chicken legs are fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Oven-fried Stuffed Chicken Legs recipe, where tender chicken meets savory stuffing for a mouthwatering culinary experience. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its irresistible aroma and delicious taste. Enjoy the convenience of oven-frying for a healthier twist on a classic favorite, and savor every bite of this flavorful feast!
