French Duck Confit with Cherry Tomatoes

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

Slow-cooked duck legs in its own fat, paired with sun-kissed cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs for an authentic French touch. This french-inspired quick meals ready in about 85 minutes pairs duck legs, duck fat, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 2, 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: 25 min Cook: 60 min Serves 2 French cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). In a roasting pan, melt 2 tbsp duck fat over medium heat. Add 2 pcs duck legs, skin-side down, and sear for 5 minutes per side until crispy.
  2. Step 2: Transfer pan to oven and roast for 45 minutes. Remove duck, keep warm. In the same pan, add 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 2 sliced shallots, 1 tsp thyme, and 1 tsp rosemary. Sauté for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften.
  3. Step 3: Return duck to pan, pour in 1/4 cup red wine, and simmer for 10 minutes. Finish with 1 tbsp butter, stirring until melted and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Serve duck with tomatoes and herbs, garnished with additional thyme.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 85 minutes (25 min prep + 60 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 French 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 French 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 French Duck Confit with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 French 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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