Packed with bold, smoky flavors and a perfectly caramelized glaze, these Paleo BBQ Chicken Legs are a mouthwatering dish that's as healthy as it is satisfying. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, this recipe balances savory spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne with the subtle sweetness of honey and tomato paste, all brought together with the umami-rich kick of coconut aminos. The chicken legs are baked to juicy perfection, with a golden, crispy skin thatβs enhanced by basting with a homemade BBQ sauce. Ready in under an hour, this easy weeknight dinner or backyard barbecue centerpiece is perfect for paleo enthusiasts and anyone seeking wholesome, flavorful comfort food. Serve them hot with a side of extra sauce and get ready to savor every bite!
Start by preheating your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to form a spice rub.
Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss them in the spice rub until they are completely coated.
Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
In a small saucepan, combine coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, honey, and tomato paste over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Brush a generous amount of the BBQ sauce over each chicken leg, reserving some for additional basting.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, basting the chicken legs with more BBQ sauce halfway through the cooking time.
After 35 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 450Β°F (230Β°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize the sauce and crisp up the skin.
Remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the Paleo BBQ Chicken Legs hot, with any extra sauce on the side. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy meal!
Calories |
2288 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 147.6 g | 189% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.0 g | 180% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 907 mg | 302% | |
| Sodium | 4307 mg | 187% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.6 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.0 g | ||
| Protein | 170.6 g | 341% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 130 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 12.1 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 2342 mg | 50% | |
*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.