Nutrition Facts for Maple orange and basil chicken legs

Maple Orange and Basil Chicken Legs

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these irresistible Maple Orange and Basil Chicken Legs—a delightful combination of flavors that balance sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite. Tender oven-baked chicken is basted in a vibrant glaze of maple syrup, fresh orange juice, and zesty orange peel, creating a caramelized finish that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Fragrant garlic and a touch of chili flakes (for optional heat) add depth, while fresh basil leaves lend a pop of herby brightness. Perfectly golden and juicy, these chicken legs require minimal prep and are ready in under an hour, making them ideal for busy evenings or casual entertaining. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100
Want to add this food to your meal log?
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
SnapCalorie App QR Code

Scan with your phone to download!

Image of Maple Orange and Basil Chicken Legs
Prep Time:15 mins
Cook Time:45 mins
Total Time:60 mins
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Chicken legs
  • 3 tablespoons Maple syrup
  • 1 cup Fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon Orange zest
  • 10 leaves Fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

2. Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, fresh orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and optional red chili flakes.

Step 4

4. In a baking dish, arrange the chicken legs in a single layer. Pour the maple-orange mixture evenly over the chicken legs, ensuring they are well coated.

Step 5

5. Tear or roughly chop the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle half of them over the chicken. Reserve the rest for garnishing later.

Step 6

6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 7

7. Remove the foil and baste the chicken legs with the juices from the baking dish. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

8. Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining basil leaves over the top for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Step 9

9. Serve the maple orange and basil chicken legs with your choice of side, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size (945.5g)
Amount per serving % Daily Value*
Calories 1366.9
Total Fat 81.5g 0%
Saturated Fat 19.1g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 453.5mg 0%
Sodium 2809.4mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 69.3g 0%
Dietary Fiber 2.4g 0%
Total Sugars 60.0g
Protein 86.7g 0%
Vitamin D 0IU 0%
Calcium 96.3mg 0%
Iron 6.0mg 0%
Potassium 1436.7mg 0%
*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.0%
Protein: 25.5%
Carbs: 20.4%