Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs with Herbs

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs with Herbs recipe features tender, juicy chicken legs seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce infused with fresh herbs. It’s a simple yet luxurious dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken legs

2-3 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika

1 tbsp butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth

½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)

1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)

1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)

1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh)

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispier sear.

Season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken legs, skin-side down, and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they develop a deep golden-brown crust.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same pan.

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.

Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), oregano, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

Return the seared chicken legs to the pan, spooning some sauce over them.

Cover and let simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F).

If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs:

✅ Crispy Skin: For extra crispiness, finish the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after simmering.
✅ More Garlic Flavor: Roast whole garlic cloves in the pan for a sweeter, mellow garlic taste.
✅ Herb Variations: Swap dried herbs for fresh ones for a more vibrant taste.
✅ Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs:

🍽 Starches: Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or crusty bread.
🥦 Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed asparagus, or sautéed spinach.
🍷 Drink Pairing: White wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 6g

This dish is easy to prepare yet full of bold flavors, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 😊🍗

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