re: What are my options with this kitchen lighting?

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I was actually thinking you could use the existing switch leg and pull it back to the first light and then jump out the rest.

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You can. I recently did this using 'remodel' recessed cans with LED inserts. The remodel cans have clips just like you guys were talking about, so you're not nailing the cans to the ceiling joists like you would in new construction. Everything can be done from below. Just make sure you know where the ceiling joists are so you don't hit them when you cut the holes. Planning is key.

I removed an atrocious looking light just like the OP has, patched the drywall, textured the patches to match rest of ceiling, repainted the entire ceiling, and installed recessed lighting throughout the kitchen.

Really not a hard job at all. You don't even have to get in the attic. Just fish the wire from hole to hole.

One of these bad boys really makes life easy. You can get them at Home Depot for around $30 ( LINK):




ETA: If you do decide to do this job, a couple of words of advice:

1. Make DOUBLE sure your hole is not too big when you cut it. I screwed up one hole and had to cut a bigger area out, patch the drywall, texture, etc., then recut the hole. Luckily I was already doing other drywall patch work, but that mistake slowed me down for sure.

2. Cut the hole tight tolerance to fit the can. If you have to shave the hole a little bit, the backside of a drywall saw makes a good 'scraper' that can be used to widen the hole just a hair.