Heart-Healthy Perfectly Baked Chicken Legs
Savor the deliciousness of **Heart-Healthy Perfectly Baked Chicken Legs**, a wholesome recipe that combines bold flavors with nutritious simplicity. These tender, juicy chicken legs are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, then baked to golden perfection. The recipe prioritizes heart-friendly ingredients by incorporating olive oil and offering the option to use a salt substitute, making it perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste. With just 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for weeknight dinners. Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a well-balanced, satisfying, and heart-conscious meal. Perfect for anyone seeking a flavorful, low-sodium twist on a classic baked chicken recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (optional, or use salt substitute)
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 cup Water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, black pepper, salt or salt substitute, and paprika. Stir to create a marinade.
Add the chicken legs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Place the marinated chicken legs in a baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
Pour the water into the baking dish around the chicken legs to prevent them from drying out during baking.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
Bake the chicken legs covered for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the baked chicken legs with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1107 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.6 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.0 g | 95% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 454 mg | 151% | |
| Sodium | 1001 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.8 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 84.7 g | 169% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1007 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
