Baked Chicken Legs with Apples

The combination of chicken and apples is delicious and creates a dish where the sweet and savory flavors meld beautifully. Here is the recipe for succulent baked chicken legs with apples, with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 large apples, preferably of a variety that holds up well to cooking (e.g., Annurca or Fuji)
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/2 glass of white wine (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (about 390 °F).
2. Clean the chicken legs, removing any residual feathers and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Peel the apples and cut them into quarters, removing the cores.
4. In a large baking dish, arrange the chicken legs and alternate with the apple quarters.
5. Drizzle over the extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Add the crushed garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs.
7. If you decide to use the white wine, pour it into the dish around the chicken and apples.
8. Bake and cook for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through. If necessary, you can turn the chicken legs halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
9. Check the tenderness of the apples; they should be soft but not mushy.
10. Once ready, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

If you wish, you can serve this dish with a side of mixed salad or steamed vegetables. Baked apples and chicken is a classic combination in Italian autumn cuisine, and the rosemary adds an aromatic touch that perfectly complements the sweet and rustic flavors of the apples. Enjoy your meal!