Chicken Legs roasted with Honey and Middle-Eastern Spices

Roasted Chicken Legs with Honey and Middle-Eastern Spices Recipe from Arabia

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 50-55 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This recipe for Chicken Legs roasted with Honey and Middle-Eastern Spices is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of spices, lemon zest, and honey creates a unique and mouthwatering flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from Middle-Eastern cuisine, where the use of spices and honey in savory dishes is common. The combination of cumin, coriander, black pepper, and cayenne pepper adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the chicken, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the spices.

Ingredients

4 large or 6 medium chicken legs
2 tbsp olive oil
0.5 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp ground coriander seed
0.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
2 tbsp honey, slightly warmed

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Place the chicken in a shallow baking dish and brush it with olive oil.
Combine the spices and lemon zest in a bowl, then sprinkle and rub them on the chicken.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Baste the chicken with the pan juices and then drizzle it with honey.
Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Variations

You can use chicken thighs or breasts instead of chicken legs for this recipe.
Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice rub.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken breasts instead of chicken legs.
The spice mix is also nice to rub on roasting chicken or pork loin or leg roasts.
Drizzle such roasts with the honey near the end of cooking so it does not scorch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brush the chicken with olive oil before adding the spice rub to help the spices adhere to the chicken.

- Basting the chicken with the pan juices and drizzling it with honey towards the end of cooking helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a delicious glaze to the dish.

- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the spice rub and lemon zest for a few hours before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Legs roasted with Honey and Middle-Eastern Spices with a side of couscous or rice and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the chicken in the oven helps to lock in the flavors and juices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the spices listed, you can use a pre-made Middle-Eastern spice blend as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spice rub and marinate the chicken in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, lemon slices, or a drizzle of extra honey for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light and refreshing beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Legs roasted with Honey and Middle-Eastern Spices is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal. The combination of spices, lemon zest, and honey creates a unique and mouthwatering flavor profile that is sure to impress. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Chicken Legs roasted with Honey and Middle-Eastern Spices. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had invited me to help her in the kitchen one afternoon.

As we stood in the kitchen, surrounded by the warm and comforting smells of herbs and spices, my grandmother pulled out an old, tattered recipe book. She explained that this recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, and had originated from a dear friend who had traveled to the Middle East many years ago.

The recipe called for a unique blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric, which were to be mixed together with honey to create a delicious marinade for the chicken legs. The combination of sweet and savory flavors intrigued me, and I eagerly helped my grandmother prepare the dish.

We marinated the chicken legs in the fragrant mixture, allowing the flavors to seep into the meat and tenderize it. As we placed the chicken legs in the oven to roast, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of the spices mingling with the honey.

When the chicken legs were finally ready, we sat down to enjoy our meal together. The tender, juicy meat was perfectly complemented by the warm, earthy flavors of the spices and the sweetness of the honey. It was a truly unforgettable meal, and one that I would never forget.

From that day on, I made it a point to learn as much as I could about Middle Eastern cuisine and the art of using spices to enhance the flavors of my dishes. I experimented with different spice combinations and methods of cooking, always striving to create delicious and memorable meals for my family and friends.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with many people, passing on the tradition and flavors of my grandmother's kitchen to new generations. Each time I make Chicken Legs roasted with Honey and Middle-Eastern Spices, I am reminded of that special day in the kitchen with my grandmother, and the love and passion she had for cooking.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories of that day, I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that have been passed down to me through the generations. And I am proud to carry on the legacy of my grandmother, sharing her delicious recipes and the joy of cooking with others.