Crispy Rosemary-Garlic Chicken Legs & Thighs in Savory Tomato Sauce
Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite comfort meals—crispy, well-seasoned chicken legs and thighs simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce with fresh rosemary. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and so satisfying—perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you just need something delicious to lift your spirits.
The best part? The chicken stays juicy on the inside while the skin gets ultra-crispy before soaking up all that savory tomato goodness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Let’s get into it.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs (drumsticks + thighs attached, or separate)
- 1 tsp salt (plus extra for seasoning)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp butter (for richness)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Garnish (Optional but Highly Recommended)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra rosemary sprigs
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Grocery List -
Chicken legs & thighs -
Olive oil
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Onion
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Garlic
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Crushed tomatoes
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Chicken broth
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Fresh rosemary
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Butter
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Spices (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper flakes)
Instructions
Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps it crisp up!).
- In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Rub this all over the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-6 mins until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for 3-4 mins more. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
- In the same pan, add the onion and sauté for 2-3 mins until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds (don’t let it burn!).
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, rosemary, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 mins.
- Add the butter and stir until melted—this makes the sauce extra rich!
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up, nestling it into the sauce.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 mins until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the lid and let it cook for 5 more mins if you want a thicker sauce.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra rosemary for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Notes
For extra crispy skin: Broil the chicken for 2-3 mins at the end.
No fresh rosemary? Dried works, but use half the amount.
Make it creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp of heavy cream at the end.
Leftovers? Tastes even better the next day!
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 909Total Fat 53gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 32gCholesterol 477mgSodium 1821mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 4gSugar 8gProtein 89g
Want More Recipes Like This?
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Final Thoughts
This dish is simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. The crispy chicken + rich tomato sauce combo is just chef’s kiss .
Tag me if you make it—I’d love to see your creations! And don’t forget to follow for more daily recipes from my kitchen to yours.
Happy cooking! ️
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(Serves 4)