This extraordinary chicken leg recipe has captured hearts worldwide with its incredible combination of tender, juicy meat and a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The secret lies in perfectly seasoned chicken legs that are seared to golden perfection, then braised in a rich, smoky paprika-infused sauce that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience. Served alongside vibrant turmeric rice with colorful vegetables, this complete meal delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 700g chicken legs (1½ lbs) – drumsticks and thighs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (6g)
- 1 tablespoon wheat flour (8g)
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar (4g)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (1g)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (45g)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
For the Rice Garnish
- 200g basmati rice (1 cup)
- 400ml water (1⅔ cups)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (1.5g)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 100g green peas (½ cup)
- 100g canned corn (½ cup), drained
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken legs skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes until well browned.
- Remove chicken legs and set aside on a plate.
Building the Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add chopped red onion.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced small tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to break down.
- Sprinkle the smoked paprika and flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, and dried basil to the pan.
- Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Braising the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken legs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the lid and stir in the sour cream, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
- Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Preparing the Turmeric Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and add turmeric and a pinch of salt.
- Add the rice, stir once, and bring back to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pan, sauté the diced bell pepper and garlic until tender.
- Add green peas and corn, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and fold in the sautéed vegetables.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
Final Assembly
- Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve the creamy chicken legs alongside the colorful turmeric rice.
- Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and rice as desired.
Time and Serving
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 4-5 people
- Difficulty: Medium
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
Why This Recipe is Good and Healthy
This globally beloved chicken recipe offers an excellent balance of high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients that make it both satisfying and nutritious. Chicken legs provide complete protein containing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance and repair, while also delivering important minerals like selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins that support energy metabolism and immune function.
The rich tomato-based sauce is packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and may help protect against certain chronic diseases. The smoked paprika not only adds incredible flavor but also contributes capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may boost metabolism. Fresh garlic and onions provide sulfur compounds that support cardiovascular health and have natural antibacterial properties.
The colorful vegetable rice provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the turmeric offers curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. The combination of bell peppers, peas, and corn adds vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber, supporting immune function and digestive health. This complete meal delivers a wide spectrum of nutrients while avoiding processed ingredients and excessive sodium.
The cooking method preserves the nutritional integrity of all ingredients while creating incredibly tender, flavorful results. The moderate use of sour cream provides calcium and probiotics without overwhelming the dish with excess fat, making this a well-balanced meal that satisfies both nutritional needs and culinary desires.