This recipe for chicken legs is so delicious that it might just become your go-to method for cooking them. With a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of coffee, these chicken legs are incredibly flavorful. Paired with a creamy curry rice, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Legs:
- Chicken legs: 9 pieces
- Sweet paprika: 9 g (0.3 oz)
- Soy sauce: 90 ml (3 fl oz)
- Olive oil: 20 ml (0.7 fl oz)
- Honey: 20 g (0.7 oz)
- Garlic: 10 g (0.4 oz), minced
- Black pepper: 2 g (0.1 oz)
- Instant coffee: 10 g (0.4 oz)
For the Rice:
- Rice: 300 g (11 oz)
- Chicken broth: 300 ml (10 fl oz)
- Cooking cream: 100 ml (3.4 fl oz)
- Curry powder: 10 g (0.4 oz)
- Frozen green peas: 150 g (5.3 oz)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Legs
- Prepare the marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 9 g of sweet paprika, 90 ml of soy sauce, 20 ml of olive oil, 20 g of honey, 10 g of minced garlic, 2 g of black pepper, and 10 g of instant coffee. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
- Marinate the chicken:
- Add the 9 chicken legs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Legs
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Prepare the baking tray:
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Bake the chicken:
- Arrange the marinated chicken legs on the prepared baking tray. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, turning the legs halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Step 3: Prepare the Curry Rice
- Cook the rice:
- In a large pot, bring 300 ml of chicken broth to a boil. Add 300 g of rice and stir. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the cream and curry:
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in 100 ml of cooking cream and 10 g of curry powder. Mix until the rice is evenly coated with the curry sauce.
- Add the peas:
- Stir in 150 g of frozen green peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Rest the chicken:
- Allow the chicken legs to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This will help the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
- Plate the dish:
- Serve the chicken legs hot, alongside the creamy curry rice. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy this flavorful and juicy chicken dish that rivals any takeout!
Cook’s Notes
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavors will penetrate. Overnight marination yields the best results.
- Curry Powder: Feel free to adjust the amount of curry powder based on your spice preference.
Variations
Spicy Chicken Legs
Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
Herb-Infused Rice
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the rice for added freshness and flavor.
Lemon-Garlic Chicken
Add lemon zest and extra garlic to the marinade for a zesty, aromatic chicken leg.
Vegetable Rice
In addition to peas, you can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or corn to the rice for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I grill the chicken legs instead of baking them?
Yes, you can grill the chicken legs over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally until fully cooked.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken legs and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken legs for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
4. What other sides go well with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple coleslaw.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs?
Yes, chicken thighs work just as well and may even add more flavor due to their higher fat content.
These chicken legs are a fantastic homemade alternative to your favorite takeout. With a rich marinade that includes a surprise ingredient—instant coffee—these legs are packed with flavor and paired perfectly with creamy curry rice. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy cooking and indulging in this better-than-KFC recipe!
