Sugar-Free BBQ Chicken Legs
Transform your next grill night with these irresistible Sugar-Free BBQ Chicken Legs! This healthy twist on a classic favorite combines bold flavors and guilt-free indulgence, making it perfect for those watching their sugar intake. Infused with a smoky blend of paprika, cumin, onion, and garlic powders, these tender chicken legs are generously basted in a tangy homemade BBQ sauce crafted from apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, liquid smoke, and low-sodium soy sauce—no refined sugars needed! Oven-baked to perfection, each bite delivers a smoky, juicy, and slightly spicy punch that will leave your taste buds craving more. Ready in just over an hour, this easy recipe is ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Pair with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a wholesome meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.5 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
Pat dry the chicken legs with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and massage it into the legs to coat them well.
Sprinkle the spice mix over the chicken legs and rub it in until each piece is thoroughly coated.
Arrange the chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, liquid smoke, soy sauce, and water. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and is well combined.
Brush the sauce over the chicken legs generously, ensuring each piece is covered.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, basting with the sauce every 10 minutes.
Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your sugar-free BBQ chicken legs!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.3 g | 172% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.9 g | 169% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 907 mg | 302% | |
| Sodium | 4302 mg | 187% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.3 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 175.7 g | 351% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 176 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 15.2 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 2554 mg | 54% | |
*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.
