Confit is a cooking method I learned in culinary school. It's a cooking term used to describe food that is typically cooked in fat, at a lower temperature, instead of deep frying. For this recipe, I used chicken drum sticks (or legs). It's a labor of love but worth investing your cooking time. Bon appetit!
Recipe For: Chicken Confit
Method Adapted From: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Yield: 8 chicken drumsticks
Servings: 4 (2 drumsticks per serving)
Ingredients : Amounts:
Chicken Drumsticks 2 lbs ( about 8 drumsticks)
Kosher Salt 1 ½ tsp
White Pepper ¼ tsp
Ground Ginger ¼ tsp
Ground Anise ¼ tsp
Ground Cinnamon ¼ tsp
Ground Clove ¼ tsp
Canola Oil 24 oz (or enough to cover the chicken drumsticks)
Method of Preparation:
In a small bowl, combine, and mix the seasonings and spices.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl, toss-in the spice mixture, carefully rub the spices on the outside and under the skin without tearing it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Remove the chicken drumsticks from the fridge, place them in a shallow baking dish, and pour the canola oil over them. Add only enough oil to submerge them (about ½” of oil above them).
Preheat the oven to 300º F. Tightly cover the baking dish with parchment paper and then aluminum foil.
Place in the oven and cook until “off-the-bone” tender, about 2 hours.
Place a wire rack on a sheet pan or line the sheet pan with foil.
Carefully, remove the chicken from the fat, place on the sheet pan, and allow it to cool and firm up, about 30 minutes.
Preheat a large cast iron or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken drumsticks, all the way around until golden brown and the skin is crisp. Tip: sear 3-4 drumsticks at a time to prevent steaming and avoid a soggy skin texture.
Plate and garnish with finishing salt flakes, thinly sliced scallions, and finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
Substitutions & Serving Suggestions:
The chicken drumsticks may be substituted for wings or bone-in chicken thighs. Serve with an asian style dipping sauce and a mixed green salad or white rice.
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