- 4-6 skinless chicken legs
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken stock
Citrus-Rosemary Skinless Chicken Legs
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the lemon and orange zest and juice with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken legs, turning to coat completely. Cover and marinate at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove legs from marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear on all sides until deeply golden, 6-8 minutes total.
- Add the sliced shallot to the pan and cook 1 minute, then pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
- Pour in the reserved marinade and chicken stock, and nestle the legs back into the liquid.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast uncovered 35-40 minutes, basting once or twice, until the internal temperature reaches 175°F and the juices run clear.
- Remove the legs to a platter and set the skillet back over medium-high heat; simmer the pan liquid 4-5 minutes until it reduces to a glossy, spoonable sauce.
- Rest the chicken 5 minutes, then spoon the citrus pan sauce over the top before serving.
Chef's tip
No wine on hand? Substitute an extra 1/2 cup of chicken stock plus a teaspoon of white wine vinegar for similar brightness.