Chicken-Leg Confit With Potatoes and Escarole

Ingredients for Chicken-Leg Confit With Potatoes and Escarole

• 2 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick)

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 2 large shallots, unpeeled, quartered

• 1 head of garlic, unpeeled, halved crosswise

• 8 sprigs thyme, divided

• 350ml olive oil

• 275g fingerling potatoes

• 1 small head of escarole, leaves torn into bite-size pieces

• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 135°C. Season chicken legs with salt and pepper on both sides and nestle into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Arrange shallots, garlic, and 6 thyme sprigs around chicken and pour oil over. Bake until chicken is cooked through and tender and shallots and garlic have started to caramelize, 2–2 1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, cook potatoes in a medium pot of boiling salted water until tender, 15–20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Remove chicken from oven. Pour off infused oil, reserving 80ml (save remaining oil for another use). Heat 2 tablespoons infused oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Carefully transfer chicken to skillet, arranging skin side down. Cook, undisturbed, until skin is golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Return chicken to dish, placing skin side up.

Heat 2 tablespoons infused oil in same skillet (no need to wipe it out) and add potatoes and remaining 2 thyme sprigs. Using the back of a wooden spoon or spatula, lightly crush potatoes to flatten slightly. Season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until potatoes are well browned and crisp on all sides (some pieces will fall off and get extra-brown; you want this!), 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl.

Toss escarole in another medium bowl with lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon infused oil; season with salt and pepper.

Serve chicken in baking dish (with all those shallots and garlic) with escarole and potatoes alongside.

Chicken can be cooked (but not crisped) 2 days ahead; reheat in low oven before crisping. Potatoes can be boiled 2 days ahead; cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.