Elevate dinner with these Mediterranean Diet Perfectly Baked Chicken Legs—an irresistibly flavorful and healthy dish that's ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Marinated in an aromatic blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and thyme, these chicken legs boast crispy golden skin and tender, juicy meat. A touch of paprika brings subtle smokiness, while fresh parsley adds a vibrant finishing touch. This oven-baked recipe is effortlessly simple, with only 15 minutes of prep time and no-fuss cleanup. Serve alongside classic Mediterranean sides like a refreshing Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal packed with heart-healthy ingredients. Perfect for anyone embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle, this recipe strikes the balance between indulgence and nourishment.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, juice of the lemon, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Place the chicken legs in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring that it's evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to a few hours in the refrigerator if time permits.
Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the baking dish, skin side up.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is baking, chop the fresh parsley. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a couple of minutes before garnishing with parsley.
Serve immediately with your favorite Mediterranean side dish, such as a Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Calories |
1126 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.9 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.1 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 454 mg | 151% | |
| Sodium | 2813 mg | 122% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 85.8 g | 172% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 110 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1139 mg | 24% | |
*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.