Mediterranean Diet Perfectly Baked Chicken Legs

Savor the irresistible flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy and wholesome recipe for Mediterranean Diet Perfectly Baked Chicken Legs. Tender, juicy chicken legs are coated in a zesty marinade of fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic spices like oregano, thyme, and paprika, then baked to achieve a crispy, golden skin. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a straightforward baking method, this healthy recipe fits seamlessly into busy weeknight dinners or elegant weekend meals. Garnished with vibrant fresh parsley and perfectly paired with sides like Greek salad or roasted vegetables, this dish brings a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table. Packed with protein, heart-healthy olive oil, and bold flavors, it’s a must-try for anyone following a Mediterranean diet or simply craving a nutritious and delicious meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 whole Chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 whole Lemon
• 4 whole Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, juice of the lemon, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the baking dish, skin side up.

Step 6

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).

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Serve immediately with your favorite Mediterranean side dish, such as a Greek salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(715.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1125.9

Total Fat 80.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 453.5mg	0%
Sodium 2813.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 12.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.4g	0%
Total Sugars 1.7g
Protein 85.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 110.2mg	0%
Iron 6.7mg	0%
Potassium 1138.8mg	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: 65.0%

Protein: 30.7%

Carbs: 4.3%