Description
This braised chicken legs recipe features tender chicken paired with sweet grapes and fragrant herbs, resulting in a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, making it a satisfying meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick attached)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the chicken legs in the pot, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
- Once simmering, add the halved grapes, thyme, balsamic vinegar, honey, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Return the seared chicken legs to the pot, nestling them into the mixture.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for about 45 minutes. Check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If not, cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and place on a serving platter. For a thicker sauce, increase heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spoon the sauce and grapes over the chicken legs, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken legs in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of grapes or add other fruits like figs or apples for a unique twist.
- This dish can be made ahead of time; braise the chicken a day in advance and reheat it gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes