Duck Confit with Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic French dish featuring slow-cooked duck legs in its own fat, paired with tangy cherry tomatoes and aromatic herbs. This french-inspired quick meals ready in about 100 minutes pairs Duck legs, Salt, Thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine duck legs, 2 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp thyme, and 1 tbsp rosemary. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, skimming foam, and cook for 1 hour until duck is tender. Remove legs, strain broth, and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Return duck legs to the pot, spoon sauce over them, and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with herbs garnished.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Duck Confit with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (30 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Duck Confit with Cherry Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep duck legs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Duck Confit with Cherry Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Duck Confit with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Duck Confit with Cherry Tomatoes?

French quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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