Heart-Healthy Barbecue Chicken Legs
Savor the irresistible flavor of Heart-Healthy Barbecue Chicken Legs, a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. These tender, oven-baked chicken legs are marinated to perfection in a zesty blend of low-sodium soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and smoked paprika, delivering mouthwatering, smoky sweetness with every bite. Infused with garlic and onion powders, a hint of cayenne heat, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, this recipe packs bold flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or weekend cookout, this dish satisfies your barbecue cravings while keeping health in mind. Garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, herby finish, these chicken legs pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad. Ready in just an hour, this recipe is delightfully simple, heart-smart, and full of vibrant, crowd-pleasing flavor.
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Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken legs
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.
Step 3
Whisk together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Step 4
Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for better flavor.
Step 5
Place the marinated chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 7
Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with any remaining marinade to enhance the flavor and juiciness.
Step 8
Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 9
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1429.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2204.0 |
| Total Fat 133.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 33.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 907.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2892.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 70.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 57.6g | |
| Protein 177.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 138.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2110.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories