Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Leg with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Description

This comforting dish features a juicy roasted chicken leg glazed with a sweet and savory orange sauce, served alongside smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. Roasted garlic, herbs, and fresh orange slices add aroma and brightness, making it a perfect balance of richness and freshness—ideal for a cozy dinner or special meal.

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Ingredients (Serves 2)

Chicken & Glaze

• 2 chicken leg quarters (drumstick + thigh)

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Orange Glaze

• ½ cup fresh orange juice

• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Zest of ½ orange

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 small head garlic, cloves separated

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)

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Mashed Potatoes

• 500 g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• Salt, for boiling

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ¼ cup warm milk or cream

• Salt and white pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.

2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

3. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and dried herbs.

4. Place chicken in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.

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Step 2: Make the orange glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic, and orange zest.

2. Pour half of the glaze over the chicken.

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Step 3: Roast the chicken

1. Add orange slices, garlic cloves, and rosemary around the chicken.

2. Roast uncovered for 35–40 minutes, basting once with remaining glaze halfway through.

3. Roast until chicken is golden, sticky, and internal temperature reaches 75°C / 165°F.

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Step 4: Make the mashed potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–18 minutes until fork-tender.

2. Drain well and mash until smooth.

3. Add butter and warm milk, mixing until creamy.

4. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.

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Step 5: Serve

1. Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates.

2. Place roasted chicken on top or alongside.

3. Drizzle with pan juices and glaze.

4. Garnish with roasted garlic and orange slices.

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Tips

• Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

• For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

• Mashed potatoes can be enriched with cream cheese or olive oil.