Pan-roasted chicken legs with thyme
Juicy chicken legs infused with the aromatic flavor of thyme, cooked to perfection in a pan.
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken Legs
- Pat dry the chicken legs with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the chicken legs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Rub the chicken legs with a bit of olive oil for browning and flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken Legs
- Pat dry the chicken legs with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the chicken legs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Rub the chicken legs with a bit of olive oil for browning and flavor.
- Preheat the Pan
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken Legs
- Once the pan is hot, add the chicken legs skin-side down.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken legs and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes.
- Add Thyme
- Strip the leaves from several sprigs of fresh thyme.
- Sprinkle the thyme leaves over the chicken legs in the pan.
- You can also add a few whole sprigs of thyme for extra flavor.
- Finish in the Oven
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves before serving if desired.
- Plate the chicken legs and serve hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Recipe notes
- Pan Choice: Use an oven-safe skillet or frying pan for this recipe to ensure proper searing and finishing in the oven.
- If you prefer, you can substitute thyme with other herbs like rosemary or sage.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair the pan-roasted chicken legs with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Store any leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Ingredients
Scaled from 1 serving
- 2 chicken legs
- Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Several sprigs fresh thyme