Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken legs
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
• 250 ml milk
• 4 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Provencal herbs (or a mixture of thyme, rosemary, oregano)
• Fresh parsley and dill (chopped, for garnish)

Steps to Make It:

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken Legs:
   • Start by patting the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on all sides. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
2. Brown the Chicken:
   • Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken legs to the pan, skin-side down. Sear the chicken legs for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The goal here is to develop a nice crust on the chicken, which will add flavor to the final dish.
   • Once the chicken is browned on all sides, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Prepare the Garlic and Herb Sauce:
   • In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
   • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the garlic and stir well to create a light roux. Cook the flour for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps in the sauce.
4. Add the Milk and Sour Cream:
   • Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to combine it with the garlic and flour. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly.
   • Stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated into the sauce. The sour cream will add richness and tanginess to the dish, balancing out the flavors.
   • Add 1 teaspoon of Provencal herbs to the sauce, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. You can also add more paprika if you want a spicier kick.
5. Simmer the Chicken Legs:
   • Return the browned chicken legs to the pan, nestling them into the creamy garlic sauce.
   • Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the chicken legs simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 75°C / 165°F) and the sauce has thickened.
   • Stir the sauce occasionally and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and dill over the top for added freshness and flavor.
   • Serve the creamy garlic chicken legs hot, with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a green vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans. Don’t forget to spoon plenty of the creamy sauce over the chicken and sides!

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Calcium: 100mg
• Iron: 2mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken legs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for chicken legs. However, chicken breasts may cook faster, so reduce the simmering time to avoid overcooking them. The flavor will be slightly different, but the sauce will still complement the chicken beautifully.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using a plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream. The sauce will have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
3. What are Provencal herbs? Provencal herbs are a blend of thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, and sometimes lavender. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own with these herbs. They add a fragrant, earthy flavor to the dish.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. The flavors will develop even more if it’s made ahead. Reheat the chicken gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs:

1. Brown the Chicken First:
   • Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce enhances the flavor and gives the dish a richer taste. The crispy skin also adds texture to the final dish.
2. Use Fresh Garlic:
   • Fresh garlic is key to achieving the best flavor in this dish. Mince the garlic finely so it distributes evenly throughout the sauce, giving it a rich garlic flavor.
3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken:
   • Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s simmering in the sauce. You want it to be fully cooked but still juicy. Overcooking can make the chicken dry, so be sure to check its internal temperature.
4. Customize the Herbs:
   • Feel free to adjust the herbs to your taste. If you prefer more thyme or rosemary, you can increase the amount of those herbs. You can also add a bay leaf during simmering for extra flavor.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration:
  Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing:
  You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Reheating:
  When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to the sauce to prevent it from thickening too much. Warm gently to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.

Conclusion:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Legs with Herbs is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and full of rich, savory flavors. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a garlicky, creamy sauce with a blend of Provencal herbs makes for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or a special occasion, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. The fresh parsley and dill add a pop of color and brightness to balance the richness of the sauce.

Enjoy cooking this flavorful dish and serving it to your loved ones for a delicious, hearty meal!