September 9th, 2012
What’s For Dinner? Zucchini Stuffed Chicken Leg Quarters, We Love Chicken in Delmarva, Recipe, Easy, Looks and Tastes Good enough for Company, Gluten Free!!
The dark meat has always been more economical. Dark meat aficionados will tell you that it is low in carbs, moist, and, definitely, more flavorful. The only thing is that if you do not like dark meat, then skip this post. Because this post only uses leg quarters.
I will be the first one to tell you, that my preference is the white meat. Crispy fried chicken? I’ll eat either one. Barbecued? Yes, probably, the same. You can get these leg quarters nice and brown in the oven; the combination of the stuffing and the meat will win you over.
The leg quarters are stuffed with grated zucchini, grated Swiss cheese, your own spices, homemade breadcrumbs….and I am not kidding, they are good enough to serve at a party. Oh, and so easy make too. Assemble ahead of time, place in the oven. Enjoy your company and serve.
So, if you are looking for a tasteful and delicious dish, then, read on.
Zucchini Stuffed Chicken Leg Quarters
4 large chicken quarters (there were 5 in my package)
2 cups grated zucchini (1 or 2, depending on the size)
2 cups grated Swiss Cheese (grate your own)
2 eggs
salt (use your own judgement)
Pepper (same as salt)
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Paprika
1 1/2 to 2 cups of homemade breadcrumbs. Note: To make this recipe gluten free you need to use gluten free bread. I toasted the bread and crumbled it. Depending on the size of your bread, you might have to use 3 slices. If you do not have a gluten allergy or intolerance, you may use commercially prepared stuffing.
I really don’t like to touch raw chicken with my hands, but you really need to get your fingers on this chicken. Separate the skin, gently. You want to create a pocket so the stuffing stays in place. Get your fingers in there and work it. Set them on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl mix the rest of the ingredients; the zucchini, the grated cheese, etc. etc.
Slowly, and in small amounts start stuffing the leg quarters. You want them full, but you also want the skin to cover all the stuffing.
Do you mind the skin? It turns a beautiful color and I don’t think there would be any other way to stuff them.
Once they have been assembled, melt one tablespoon of butter and brush the top of the quarters. Then, sprinkle a little paprika on top for added color and taste.
Place in the middle of the oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you want them to brown even more after cooking, just turn the broil on and give it a couple of minutes; just a couple, though.
Take them out…add your sides…and enjoy!
My sides: asparagus, new potatoes, and…..canned cranberry sauce!!
Note: This recipe doubles easily. It is one of those that you can start adding different ingredients to the stuffing, making it your own!!
Tags: Chicken leg quarter recipe, Chicken Recipe, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Easy Chicken Recipe, gluten free recipe, Leg quarters, Recipe, Southern Delaware, Stuffed Leg Quarters, What's Cooking?, What's for Dinner?, Zucchini Stuffed Chicken Leg Quarters
