Photography by David Loftus
tender and crisp chicken legs with sweet tomatoes
This recipe takes literally minutes to put together but then requires slow, gentle cooking. However, in return for your patience, what happens in the pan from just a couple of ingredients is an absolute joy and never fails, so it’s a good one to serve if you have guests.Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Season your chicken pieces all over and put them into a snug-fitting pan in one layer. Throw in all the basil leaves and stalks, then chuck in your tomatoes. Scatter the garlic cloves into the pan with the chopped chilli and drizzle over some olive oil. Mix around a bit, pushing the tomatoes underneath. Place in the oven for 1½ hours, turning the tomatoes halfway through, until the chicken skin is crisp and the meat falls off the bone.
If you fancy, you can add some drained cannellini beans or some sliced new potatoes to the pan and cook them with the chicken. Or you can serve the chicken with some simple mashed potato. Squeeze the garlic out of the skins before serving. You could even make it part of a pasta dish – remove the chicken meat from the bone and shred it, then toss into a bowl of linguini or spaghetti and serve at once.
• from Jamie’s Dinners
Maria da Luz [Visitor]
Thu 21 Jun 2007 @ 18:39
Just perfect.....
JennyR [Visitor]
Thu 21 Jun 2007 @ 19:04
Throw some white wine in along with the tomatoes, use cannelini beans & sliced new potatoes together and you've got perfection!
Jan Carley [Visitor]
Tue 17 Jul 2007 @ 02:17
Made tender & crisp chicken legs for dinner tonight. It had an amazing flavor & so simple to prepare! Could not find red pepper so I used a serrano. I don't know the difference, but it tasted delicious! Will make again!!
John S. Purdon [Visitor]
Sun 22 Jul 2007 @ 16:42
This is a fabulous dish. I cook for myself and my wife as she is handicapped and the simplicity of the reccipe is extraordinary and the result is delicious! Well don Jamie!
alma [Visitor]
Thu 26 Jul 2007 @ 22:39
A perfect dish!!!
Mel [Visitor]
Fri 10 Aug 2007 @ 05:00
Just have one thing to say, absolutely wonderful dish, keep em coming
Emma, age 14 [Visitor]
Fri 10 Aug 2007 @ 14:45
i tried making this dish for my family and it didn't turn out too well, the basil leaves went black and the tomatoes had shrivelled up , i followed the instructions real carefully and i don't understand why it went wrong, p.s i chucked some yellow peppers in there instead of yellow tomatoes.
Thomas [Visitor]
Fri 17 Aug 2007 @ 19:53
I made this dish today and I was totaly suprised when this flavour touched my tongue. I've never imagined that you could do such a fantastic meal with such simple engridients and such an easy way to make. I'll have it again.
faye [Visitor]
Sat 18 Aug 2007 @ 23:00
As I live alone, am always looking for one dish meals-
Perfect fo two dinners!A1
Perfect fo two dinners!A1
safwanlukman [Visitor]
Sun 19 Aug 2007 @ 08:10
p.h.a.t !! :P
di [Visitor]
Tue 21 Aug 2007 @ 15:48
recipe sounds delicious...definitely gonna try to make it!
Monika [Visitor]
Wed 22 Aug 2007 @ 14:59
I have made this twice in the last 2 weeks, with the optional beans and Nicola potatoes. The second time I used 2 tins of beans instead of one - you can never have enough beans! Simple to make, tastes absolutely fantastic and is now on my regular meals list.
Lillian [Visitor]
Sat 25 Aug 2007 @ 18:31
absolutely fantastic!
Daniel [Visitor]
Sun 26 Aug 2007 @ 18:27
OMG!! That is te best chicken i have ever made!
Yes it takes a little long to prepare (for me it took about two hours to bake the chicken so that it literally fell off the bones), but otherwise its awesome!
I also refrigerated some of the left overs and had it a couple of days afterward (microwaved it), and it tased just as good! I finally got myself a lunch packed from home that I will enjoy!
I think the key is to put plenty of olive oil to drench it and lots of tomatoes(enough to fill up whatever pan you are using) and enough sea salt (I actually thought I was putting way too much some on all sides of the chicken, but I think I would have regretted putting less. It was perfectly seasoned with enough salt).
Anyway, hope everyone has a good time with this one!
jo l [Visitor]
Wed 12 Sep 2007 @ 17:40
this is one of those receipes i cook over &over again for children who are 1,2& 8 it is so simple to prepare but tastes fantastic!!!. i tend to use drumsticks & thighs for the children. i also included whole muhrooms as my daughter loves them. jo x
Anna [Visitor]
Wed 12 Sep 2007 @ 19:21
Very easy to cook and prepare. The dish tasted fabulous. Very impressed. Will definately recommend website and recipe to family and friends. Thanks
Wim [Visitor]
Sat 15 Sep 2007 @ 19:19
I must have done someting wrong? The tomatoes make the whole thing to drown in water and go boiling. Is that supposed to happen?
Lucy [Visitor]
Sun 14 Oct 2007 @ 07:41
This is one of the best recipe i've ever tried. Loved by all and so simple and easy to do. Chuck everything in, throw it into the oven and ready in time for dinner. I like it with a but more zang so i included some lemon pepper in mine...yum.
Liz [Visitor]
Sat 27 Oct 2007 @ 16:27
I love this recipe. I make it a couple of times a month and it is so easy! If I'm really pushed for time I fling the lot in the slow cooker instead of the main oven, along with some new potatoes. The end result isnt as crip but just as delicious. Leftover chicken meat is lovely in sandwiches,
Vape [Visitor]
Mon 12 Nov 2007 @ 19:36
All good. First time making tonight.
Some tips for the top:
1. De-seed that chilli! Yowza.
2. A glass of dry white wine would keep things moister.
3. Squeeze a lemon into the proccedings at the halfway point wold lift thins again.
4. double the beans!
Some tips for the top:
1. De-seed that chilli! Yowza.
2. A glass of dry white wine would keep things moister.
3. Squeeze a lemon into the proccedings at the halfway point wold lift thins again.
4. double the beans!
Cynthia [Visitor]
Sun 18 Nov 2007 @ 19:28
I made this recipe for the first time while hosting dinner with friends. Absolutely fabulous. Great flavor, simple to prepare, lovely!
Lay [Visitor]
Sat 24 Nov 2007 @ 23:27
Such a great dish! I have made it probably a hundred times.
I add some cubed mushrooms (after 45 minutes) - beautiful!
Mikey [Visitor]
Sun 02 Dec 2007 @ 13:15
I tried this for a party last night and it was great. I let it cook for 3 hours as i wanted the juices to reduce. Put heaps of basil and the beans and wine are a must. I added a teaspoon of sugar towards the end as well. I felt the garlic was a bit much though. Great dish!
Stacey [Visitor]
Tue 04 Dec 2007 @ 04:42
As a student I often find it hard to find the time for slow cooked meals, but this is so easy and tasty! As one of my favourites, I cook it all the time, especially when I have guests.
p.s. I love the garlic.
p.s. I love the garlic.
Juliana [Visitor]
Thu 06 Dec 2007 @ 13:30
Great recepy! I added a bit of balsamic vinager, and the tomatoes go incredibly sweet, hmmm. I loved it. Thanks Jamie.
Joanna [Visitor]
Mon 24 Dec 2007 @ 00:01
I had this dish smelting away in the oven for an extra hour whilst I got the kids into bed. Because it cooks so slowly it made it even better. It was absolutely delicious - I served it with jackets and laid the chicken legs on a bed of rocket drizzled with balsamic. Perfect.
Shameena [Visitor]
Tue 01 Jan 2008 @ 17:42
Great recipe! Simple yet delicious. I will definately be cooking this again!
Thanks
Thanks
Molly [Visitor]
Thu 03 Jan 2008 @ 23:47
I am not a good cook by any means, but i tried this recipe on a whim and I have to say, it was the most successful dish I have made to date. It went down very well with my family!
matt [Visitor]
Mon 07 Jan 2008 @ 02:06
Awesome flavors,so simple and yet they work so well together,cannellini beans are great with it, and l used a good crusty bread to soak up the souce and clean up the pot. l could not get enough
tanya [Visitor]
Thu 10 Jan 2008 @ 14:18
Just stretching my legs in the kitchen, Jamie you're helping me understand fusions, Thank You kindly for sharing your talents so openly.
Rachael [Visitor]
Sun 20 Jan 2008 @ 16:10
Wow, really loved this dish. Never imagined it would be so easy and taste soooo great.
Chilli gives a great kick, made a little mistake 2nd time around and did'nt add enough was'nt as nice so wont do it again!
Teasle [Visitor]
Sun 27 Jan 2008 @ 15:10
Works equally well with rabbit!
Well done Jamie - another triumph over Gordon.
xx
Well done Jamie - another triumph over Gordon.
xx
Little Miss Sunshine [Visitor]
Tue 29 Jan 2008 @ 21:21
I'm at the moment far from my homecountry Austria, and am experiencing the best year whatsoever in America for one schoolyear as an exchange student..
It's oficially known that American food is not one ofthe healthiest or full of nutritions and especially not in Oklahoma :))
But I looove your recipes and especially this one, because it makes me feel soooo ood and it remembers me of my mum and me cooking together in our kitchen all of your fabulous dishes. It's so simple but has a special kick to it and it is the only dinner that I can definitely make right this weekend :) , and show my host family what real food is...
It will stimulate all of their senses because that's what this chicken dish is doing you besides making you crazy for it and you will never wantto eat anything else!!
With best regards from sunny beautiful Oklahoma...
TW
It's oficially known that American food is not one ofthe healthiest or full of nutritions and especially not in Oklahoma :))
But I looove your recipes and especially this one, because it makes me feel soooo ood and it remembers me of my mum and me cooking together in our kitchen all of your fabulous dishes. It's so simple but has a special kick to it and it is the only dinner that I can definitely make right this weekend :) , and show my host family what real food is...
It will stimulate all of their senses because that's what this chicken dish is doing you besides making you crazy for it and you will never wantto eat anything else!!
With best regards from sunny beautiful Oklahoma...
TW
Tish P Suffolk [Visitor]
Mon 11 Feb 2008 @ 10:57
Fab recipe the boys love it. Freezers well for us on night shifts! Well done again Jamie. When your in Bury show me how too do gravy. I make a mean fruit cake so come in and try it with the family.
Cyndi [Visitor]
Thu 28 Feb 2008 @ 21:17
this is fabulous and easy - DEFINITELY add the CANNELINI beans - yummy
Bill Taylor [Visitor]
Wed 05 Mar 2008 @ 23:58
Hi Jamie - In what part of England do you live??
Do you accept visitors from Canada??
Thanks
Bill
Do you accept visitors from Canada??
Thanks
Bill
Sandra [Visitor]
Fri 14 Mar 2008 @ 22:27
Jamie, thank you so much for this fabulous recipe! It's so easy to make and fills the house with wonderful aromas while cooking. I added white wine, and a sprinkle of cayenne to give it some zip. Wonderful! I'm making it again tonight. Keep up the great work.
At Home with Kim Vallee [Visitor]
Wed 19 Mar 2008 @ 13:16
I make this delicious quite often, with or without potatoes. I found out that my large tagine pot gives me the best results with my gas stove. Everyone loves it!
I like to serve it as light main course with slices of rustic bread or fancy grill cheese sandwiches make with old age cheddar flavored with Port. Delicious!
I like to serve it as light main course with slices of rustic bread or fancy grill cheese sandwiches make with old age cheddar flavored with Port. Delicious!
Joshua [Visitor]
Tue 25 Mar 2008 @ 18:07
This was wonderful
Tanya [Visitor]
Wed 26 Mar 2008 @ 04:59
This is a really lovely dish I as well used the beans and potatoes but used a whole chicken cut up nice to have the different cuts. My kids really loved it couldnt belive how they polished it off for fussy eaters!
addy from Perth, Australia [Visitor]
Thu 27 Mar 2008 @ 00:32
OH MY GOD JAMIE I LUV THIS DISH!!!!
I have given every one in the office a copy, it is insane!!!
Luv your stuff keep it coming.
I have given every one in the office a copy, it is insane!!!
Luv your stuff keep it coming.
Kim [Visitor]
Sat 05 Apr 2008 @ 06:49
I tried to make this tonight and 90 minutes wasn't long enough. (Maybe my oven isn't accurate.) It was still good, though! I threw in the beans and potatoes; next time I'll use 2 cans of beans and skip the potatoes just to save the work of washing and halving them. (I used a whole bag of fingerlings.) My husband and daughters loved the dish; my 5 year old son wouldn't touch it, but oh, well- maybe he'll try it next time. (More for the rest of us!) The smell of it cooking was AMAZING!
I like all of the comments with suggestions about preparing the dish- it helps when I'm trying out a new recipe, even the comments where it didn't turn out. I learn from what other people have tried, so thanks to everyone for sharing! :)
I like all of the comments with suggestions about preparing the dish- it helps when I'm trying out a new recipe, even the comments where it didn't turn out. I learn from what other people have tried, so thanks to everyone for sharing! :)
Tibi [Visitor]
Sun 06 Apr 2008 @ 19:50
it's beautiful
andrew jones [Visitor]
Sat 03 May 2008 @ 12:20
this meal is fantastic and sooo easy to make
rate
2003 votesserves 4
ingredients
• 4 chicken legs, preferably free-range or organic, jointed
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• a big bunch of fresh basil, leaves picked, stalks finely chopped
• 2 big handfuls of red and yellow cherry tomatoes, halved, and ripe plum tomatoes, quartered
• 1 whole bulb of garlic, broken up into cloves
• 1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped
• olive oil
optional:
• 1 x 410g tin of cannellini beans, drained
• 2 handfuls of new potatoes, scrubbed
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• a big bunch of fresh basil, leaves picked, stalks finely chopped
• 2 big handfuls of red and yellow cherry tomatoes, halved, and ripe plum tomatoes, quartered
• 1 whole bulb of garlic, broken up into cloves
• 1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped
• olive oil
optional:
• 1 x 410g tin of cannellini beans, drained
• 2 handfuls of new potatoes, scrubbed
