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Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Legs with Roasted Vegetables Recipe

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Legs

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and brown sugar (if using). Taste the marinade, and add salt and pepper as desired.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken legs in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
  3. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate overnight. This time allows the sweet, salty, and savory flavors to deeply infuse into the chicken, resulting in a juicy and tender finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables for Roasting

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Chop the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables. Cut the baby carrots, bell pepper, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Season the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary. Ensure all vegetables are evenly coated. If you enjoy a slight kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Legs

  1. Prepare the Skillet: Heat a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and allow it to heat up.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Remove the chicken legs from the marinade (reserving the marinade for later). Place them in the hot skillet, skin side down. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until the skin is golden and slightly crispy. This searing process locks in the flavors and adds a delicious crispiness to the skin.
  3. Set Aside the Chicken: Once seared, remove the chicken legs from the skillet and set them aside temporarily.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables

  1. Arrange in the Skillet: Add the seasoned vegetables to the skillet, spreading them evenly along the bottom. Place the seared chicken legs on top of the vegetables. This layering helps the chicken juices to drip down, infusing the vegetables with flavor.
  2. Brush with Marinade: Using a basting brush, generously brush the reserved marinade over the chicken legs. This layer of sauce will form a beautiful glaze as it cooks.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken and Vegetables

  1. Roast in the Oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Roast for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  2. Baste and Check: Halfway through roasting, brush additional marinade over the chicken legs. This will intensify the glaze and keep the chicken moist.
  3. Final Touches: In the last 5 minutes, switch your oven to broil. Broiling helps caramelize the honey glaze, adding a beautiful golden-brown finish to the chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish with Sesame and Green Onions: Once out of the oven, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken for a burst of flavor and color.
  2. Serve Hot: Transfer the chicken and vegetables onto a large serving platter. Ensure each plate gets a mix of glazed chicken and roasted vegetables, and don’t forget to spoon some of the pan drippings over the top for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

  • Marinating Time: Don’t rush the marinating step! Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances the flavors tenfold.
  • Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken before roasting gives it a deeper flavor and keeps it juicy. Make sure the pan is hot enough for a quick sear without cooking the chicken fully.
  • Veggie Variations: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite seasonal vegetables. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and asparagus work wonderfully.
  • Pairing Suggestions: Serve this dish with a side of jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete, comforting meal.

This Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Legs with Roasted Vegetables recipe is sure to become a household favorite. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy, and aromatic ginger and garlic will make this dish unforgettable.

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