High Protein Grilled Chicken Legs
Elevate your backyard barbecue with these High Protein Grilled Chicken Legs that are bursting with bold, zesty flavors and packed full of protein to fuel your day. Perfectly marinated in a rich blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, these chicken legs are tender, juicy, and irresistibly smoky after grilling to perfection. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple cooking instructions, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend gatherings. Garnished with fresh cilantro for a final burst of freshness, these chicken legs pair beautifully with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad for a wholesome, high-protein meal. Whether you're looking for a healthy dinner option or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit with every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken legs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 units garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a marinade.
Add the chicken legs to the bowl, tossing them in the marinade to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C).
Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and place them on the preheated grill, discarding any remaining marinade.
Grill the chicken legs for 25-30 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once fully cooked, remove the chicken legs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish the grilled chicken legs with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve hot with your choice of side dishes such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2086 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 147.9 g | 190% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.0 g | 180% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 907 mg | 302% | |
| Sodium | 3255 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.2 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 169.6 g | 339% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 152 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 12.1 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 2061 mg | 44% | |
*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.
