Gourmet Stuffed Chicken Legs with Melted Cheese & Pineapple Glaze

There is something deeply satisfying about taking a humble ingredient like chicken legs and turning it into a dish that feels indulgent and sophisticated. I still remember the first time I made stuffed chicken legs—it was an experiment, inspired by a dish I had at a small bistro that specialized in elevating classic comfort foods.

The moment I sliced into the perfectly golden chicken, revealing the gooey melted cheese inside, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and the slight crispness from pan-searing made it rich and satisfying, yet still balanced. But what truly made the dish unforgettable was the sweet and tangy pineapple glaze drizzled over the top. The hint of natural sweetness from the fruit, combined with a touch of soy sauce and honey, created an irresistible contrast to the savory, smoky chicken.

Since then, this Gourmet Stuffed Chicken Legs Recipe has become a go-to for special dinners—whether it’s a cozy meal at home or an occasion where I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors

This dish brings together savory, smoky, sweet, and creamy elements. The cheese-stuffed chicken is hearty and rich, while the pineapple glaze adds a burst of freshness and contrast.

2. Elevates Simple Ingredients

Chicken legs are affordable and packed with flavor, but stuffing them with cheese and finishing with a glaze transforms them into a gourmet dish that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.

3. Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside

Pan-searing before baking gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust, while the cheese inside keeps the meat moist and tender.

4. Ideal for Special Occasions or Weeknight Dinners

This dish is fancy enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a family meal when you want something more exciting than plain baked chicken.

5. Pairs Well with a Variety of Sides

From roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes to fresh salads and rice, these stuffed chicken legs go with almost anything, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Legs

For the Pineapple Sauce

Directions

1. Season the Chicken – Rub the deboned chicken legs with salt, pepper, paprika, and minced garlic.
2. Stuff with Cheese – Place shredded cheese inside each chicken leg and fold or roll tightly. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
3. Sear for a Golden Crust – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken legs on all sides until golden brown.
4. Bake to Perfection – Transfer the chicken to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
5. Prepare the Pineapple Sauce – In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and chili flakes. Simmer for a few minutes, then add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.
6. Glaze & Serve – Brush the baked chicken with the pineapple sauce and serve warm with extra sauce on the side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Stuffed Chicken Leg)

Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Chicken Legs

1. Choose the Right Cheese

A cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar, works best for stuffing. Mozzarella gives a classic stretch, gouda adds a hint of smokiness, and cheddar brings sharpness.

2. Debone Carefully for Easy Stuffing

If your butcher hasn’t deboned the chicken legs for you, take your time removing the bone while keeping the meat intact. A small sharp knife helps make precise cuts.

3. Secure the Chicken Properly

To prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to seal the stuffed chicken legs tightly.

4. Sear for Extra Flavor

Pan-searing before baking locks in moisture and adds a crispy outer layer, giving the chicken a rich golden-brown color.

5. Simmer the Pineapple Glaze for Depth

Reducing the glaze for a few minutes intensifies the flavors, ensuring that the sweet and tangy notes complement the savory chicken perfectly.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Stuffed Chicken Legs

1. Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes

The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes balances the richness of the cheese-stuffed chicken and absorbs the delicious pineapple glaze.

2. Roasted Vegetables

A side of roasted asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts adds earthiness and a touch of caramelization that pairs well with the dish.

3. Coconut Rice

For a tropical-inspired meal, coconut-infused rice brings out the pineapple flavors while adding a mild sweetness.

4. Fresh Green Salad

A light arugula or spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish, making for a well-balanced meal.

5. Crusty Bread

Use freshly baked bread to soak up the extra sauce, ensuring that none of the delicious glaze goes to waste.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken legs?

Yes! While chicken legs have more flavor and remain juicier, boneless chicken breasts can also be stuffed using the same technique. Simply butterfly them, stuff with cheese, and secure the edges before cooking.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can stuff and season the chicken legs up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and sear/bake when ready to serve. The pineapple glaze can also be made ahead and reheated before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh pineapple juice?

You can substitute with canned pineapple juice, but try to use an unsweetened variety to control the sweetness of the glaze.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.

Q: Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add extra chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the pineapple glaze for a spicier kick.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the best texture, reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. Microwaving can make the cheese filling less creamy.

Q: Can I grill instead of baking?

Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crisp. Brush with the pineapple glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.

Why This Dish Deserves a Spot on Your Dinner Table

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between comfort and elegance the way these Gourmet Stuffed Chicken Legs do. The combination of tender chicken, rich melted cheese, and a bright, tangy pineapple glaze creates a dish that is both indulgent and well-balanced.

✔ A creative way to elevate simple chicken legs
✔ A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors
✔ Crispy on the outside, juicy and cheesy inside
✔ Impressive enough for a dinner party, easy enough for a weeknight meal

Whether you’re treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home or cooking for guests, this recipe guarantees bold flavors and an unforgettable dining experience.

So go ahead—slice into that golden chicken leg, watch the melted cheese ooze out, and savor the sweet, tangy glaze. This dish proves that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.

Gourmet Stuffed Chicken Legs with Melted Cheese & Pineapple Glaze

Print Recipe

These Gourmet Stuffed Chicken Legs are packed with creamy melted cheese, seared to golden perfection, and glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for an elegant dinner or a special family meal.

• Author: Amal
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Pan-searing & Baking
• Cuisine: International

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Legs:

• 4 large chicken legs, deboned
• 150g (5 oz) shredded cheese (mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pineapple Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Season the Chicken – Rub the deboned chicken legs with salt, pepper, paprika, and minced garlic.
• Stuff with Cheese – Place shredded cheese inside each chicken leg, fold or roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
• Sear to Perfection – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken legs until golden brown on all sides.
• Bake Until Juicy – Transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
• Prepare the Pineapple Sauce – In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and chili flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in the cornstarch slurry.
• Glaze & Serve – Brush the baked chicken with the pineapple sauce and serve with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 3 minutes of baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.
• Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or coconut rice for a complete meal.