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Amal

Gourmet Stuffed Chicken Legs with Melted Cheese & Pineapple Glaze

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: International

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Legs:
  • 4 large chicken legs deboned
  • 150 g 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

Method
 

  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, fold or roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  3. Sear to Perfection – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken legs until golden brown on all sides.
  4. Bake Until Juicy – Transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.