This Gordon Ramsay Stuffed Chicken Legs Recipe is a juicy and savory recipe, which features tender chicken legs and a simple stuffing mix. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipeGordon Ramsay Stuffed Chicken Legs Recipe Ingredients
For the Stuffing:
- 360ml water
- 60g butter or margarine
- 170g box stuffing mix
For the Chicken:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2.3kg chicken drumsticks
- 45ml olive oil
How To Make Gordon Ramsay Stuffed Chicken Legs
- Prepare the Stuffing: Prepare the stuffing mix according to the package directions using the water and butter. Once prepared, set it aside to cool completely.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it, or place a wire rack inside the sheet.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Stuff the Chicken Legs: Carefully lift the skin from the meat on each drumstick to create a pocket. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled stuffing under the skin of each leg, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Bake Until Golden: Arrange the stuffed chicken legs, skin-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist.

Recipe Tips
- How do I get extra crispy skin? For an even crispier, deeper golden-brown skin, you can give the chicken a quick sear in a hot, oven-safe skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before placing the entire skillet in the oven to finish baking.
- How do I get the bottoms crispy too? The best way to ensure the entire drumstick is crispy is to bake it on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate all around the chicken, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Why rest the chicken on a wire rack? Resting the cooked chicken on a plate will trap steam underneath, which can make the crispy underside of the skin turn soft and soggy. A wire rack allows air to flow, keeping it crisp.
- Do I have to let the stuffing cool? Yes, this is an important step. Placing warm stuffing under raw chicken skin and letting it sit can be a food safety issue. Cooling it first is the safest method.
What To Serve With Stuffed Chicken Legs
This flavorful main course pairs well with a variety of classic side dishes.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
- Roasted Root Vegetables like carrots and parsnips
- Steamed Green Beans or a simple side salad
- Dinner Rolls
How To Store Stuffed Chicken Legs
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: The best way to reheat the chicken and re-crisp the skin is in a 375°F (190°C) oven or in an air fryer for 5-10 minutes.
Stuffed Chicken Legs Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 646 kcal
- Protein: 55g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs would work wonderfully for this recipe. The method is the same, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on their size.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can stuff the chicken legs, cover them, and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before you plan to bake them. This can be a great time-saver for a weeknight dinner.
Can I use homemade stuffing?
Absolutely. If you have a favorite homemade stuffing recipe, feel free to use it instead of the boxed mix. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before you use it to stuff the chicken.
Try More Recipes:
- Gordon Ramsay Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Chicken Piccata Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Stuffed Chicken Legs Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes40
minutes646
kcalJuicy chicken drumsticks filled with a savory stuffing tucked under the skin, then baked until the skin is golden and perfectly crisp.
Ingredients
Stuffing: 170g box stuffing mix, 360ml water, 60g butter.
Chicken: 2.3kg chicken drumsticks, 45ml olive oil.
Spice Mix: 1 tsp each of Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper.
Directions
- Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions and let it cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Mix all spices together in a small bowl.
- Pat chicken dry, rub with olive oil, and coat evenly with the spice mix.
- Gently lift the skin on each drumstick and place 1-2 tablespoons of cooled stuffing underneath.
- Arrange chicken on a baking sheet (preferably on a wire rack) skin-side up.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For the crispiest skin, consider a quick pan-sear before baking or bake the chicken on a wire rack.
- It is crucial to let the stuffing cool completely before placing it under the raw chicken skin.
- Resting the chicken after baking is essential for keeping the meat juicy.
- Leftovers reheat well in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.