Spicy Chicken Legs in Honey Glaze

4 servings

60 minutes

Spicy chicken legs in honey glaze are an exquisite blend of sweetness and spiciness, giving the dish a unique and rich flavor. This recipe, inspired by European culinary traditions, transforms simple ingredients into a true gastronomic delight. Honey and balsamic vinegar create a caramelized crust, while smoked paprika and red pepper add a mild heat. The legs are tender inside and crispy outside, with an appetizing aroma that awakens the desire to try them immediately. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive table, surprising guests with its originality and depth of flavor. Serve with a light vegetable garnish or fresh herbs for ideal balance and enjoy the harmony of flavor contrasts.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 570.8
• Proteins: 44.1g
• Fats: 40.8g
• Carbohydrates: 8.1g

Ingredients

• Chicken legs: 1 kg
• Olive oil: 3 tbsp
• Ground red pepper: 2 tsp
• Salt: to taste
• Tomato paste: 35 g
• Ground dried garlic: 1 tsp
• Balsamic vinegar: 1 tbsp
• Honey: 1 tbsp
• Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
• Water: 50 ml

Cooking steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

2. Mix tomato paste, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, paprika, water, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper for the glaze. If you prefer less spicy dishes, reduce the amount of red pepper.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomato paste: 35 g
   • Ground dried garlic: 1 teaspoon
   • Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon
   • Honey: 1 tablespoon
   • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
   • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
   • Water: 50 ml
   • Ground red pepper: 2 teaspoons

3. Place the chicken legs in a deep bowl, add olive oil, salt, and the remaining chili pepper. Mix well to ensure the legs are evenly seasoned.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken legs: 1 kg
   • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground red pepper: 2 teaspoons

4. Place the legs in a single layer on a rack set over a baking tray, pour a little water into the tray to prevent dripping fat from burning, and put it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until almost done.

   Required ingredients:

   • Water: 50 ml

5. Brush the almost ready legs with glaze on all sides using a culinary brush. Place in the oven for 5 minutes and repeat the procedure. Put them back in the oven and bake until the legs are nicely browned. Attention: it takes very little time from a beautiful browning to charcoal. Due to the glaze, one stage quickly transitions to another. Stay vigilant!

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomato paste: 35 g
   • Ground dried garlic: 1 teaspoon
   • Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon
   • Honey: 1 tablespoon
   • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
   • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
   • Water: 50 ml

6. Remove the legs from the oven, transfer to a serving plate, and serve.