Chicken Leg Toast – Going Out on a Limb
I’ve posted a lot of pictures to tease upcoming videos on social media in my day, to all sorts of reactions, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a response quite as diverse as the one this Chicken Leg Toast received. I hope this doesn’t sound like an attempt to get a few more Twitter followers, but the thread that follows the picture I posted is nothing short of hilarious. Michele and I were literally laughing out loud, so if you’re in the mood for a few chuckles, maybe take a peek.
While I was thoroughly entertained by these comments, I was also bothered by a few that insinuated this was some sort of joke or gimmick. Not that I haven’t posted joke and/or gimmick recipes, but I always fully admit that’s what I’m doing. Believe it or not, this was carefully conceptualized, and thoughtfully executed, and I was thrilled with the result. That this came out looking like intentionally bizarre click-bait was purely coincidental. Allegedly.
Anyway, if you’re a fan of our Million Dollar Chicken recipe, you will understand what we’re trying to do here. Oven-roasted, savory French toast is good, but oven-roasted, savory French toast soaked with meaty juices is better. Plus, we’re feeding someone a delicious, satisfying meal with little more than a piece of bread, and a single drumstick, which is a win for any home cook. So, for all those reasons and more, I really do hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!
Ingredients
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2 chicken drumsticks
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¼ cup diced carrot
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¼ cup diced celery
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¼ cup diced onion
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2 cups chicken broth
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freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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cayenne pepper to taste
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⅓ cup creme fraiche or heavy cream
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2 large eggs
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2 thick slices day old French bread (1 to 1 1/2 inch thick)
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1 tablespoon butter for browning bread, plus a teaspoon for greasing pan
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2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
For optional "Dragon Syrup"
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
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Combine chicken drumsticks, carrots, onions, celery, and broth in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn drumsticks over, cover, and cook for another 20 minutes.
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Remove chicken and transfer to a plate. Allow to cool, wrap, and transfer into the refrigerator until needed.
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Turn heat to medium-high and reduce cooking liquids in the saucepan to about 1/3 cup. Strain liquid into a mixing bowl, pressing some of the cooked vegetables through the sieve. Season gravy with black pepper, salt, thyme leaves, lemon zest, and cayenne; add creme fraiche and eggs and whisk everything together until a smooth batter forms.
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Place bread in a shallow baking dish just large enough to fit the slices, and pour over the batter. Toss several times, wrap and place in the fridge for 1 hour or until almost all the batter is absorbed.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with butter.
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Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat and brown bread for a few minutes per side. Transfer bread onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Press one drumstick into the top of each slice of bread. Brush over any excess batter. Sprinkle with salt, dust with Parmesan cheese, and finish with a shake of cayenne.
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Bake in the preheated oven until nicely browned, 30 to 35 minutes.
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Mix together maple syrup, Sriracha hot sauce, and cayenne pepper in a little bowl ("dragon syrup").
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Serve chicken leg toast drizzled with dragon syrup.
![chicken leg toast]()
Chef John
Cook's Note:
For a completely savory dish, top chicken leg toast with a cream sauce, chicken gravy, or mushroom sauce instead of dragon syrup.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 691 | Calories |
| 38g | Fat |
| 54g | Carbs |
| 36g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 2 | |
| Calories 691 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 38g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat 18g | 91% |
| Cholesterol 351mg | 117% |
| Sodium 2946mg | 128% |
| Total Carbohydrate 54g | 20% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 8% |
| Protein 36g | 71% |
| Potassium 514mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
