Print

Crispy Chicken Whole Legs Florentine Easy Recipe with Creamy Spinach

crispy chicken whole legs florentine - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting dish featuring crispy, golden chicken whole legs paired with a luscious, creamy spinach sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 whole chicken legs (thigh and drumstick attached), skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or fresh if available
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 10 ounces fresh baby spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken legs, including under the skin where possible.
  3. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place chicken legs skin-side down. Sear for about 6-7 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust.
  4. Flip the chicken legs carefully with tongs and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Transfer the skillet directly to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If your pan isn’t oven-safe, transfer chicken to a preheated baking dish and bake.
  6. While the chicken bakes, prepare the creamy spinach: In another pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. When chicken is done, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  10. Plate the dish by spooning the creamy spinach onto plates and topping with the crispy chicken whole legs. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Do not move chicken while searing to develop a golden crust. If skin isn’t crispy enough after baking, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely. Use pre-washed baby spinach and pre-minced garlic to save time. For dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with coconut oil and coconut milk, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, whole legs, Florentine, creamy spinach, easy recipe, comfort food, skillet chicken, family dinner

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-chicken-whole-legs-florentine-easy-recipe-with-creamy-spinach/