Mediterranean Diet Smoked Chicken Leg

Infused with the vibrant, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean, this Mediterranean Diet Smoked Chicken Leg recipe is a true culinary delight for health-conscious food lovers. Tender chicken legs are marinated in a mouthwatering blend of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. The smoky aroma from hickory or applewood chips elevates this dish to the next level, while the finishing touch of fresh parsley and lemon slices adds a bright, fragrant contrast. Perfectly smoked to juicy perfection in just 90 minutes, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also fits wonderfully into a wholesome Mediterranean diet. Serve these irresistible smoked chicken legs with a Mediterranean salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, flavorful meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken legs
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 units garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 units lemons, sliced
• 2 cups wood chips (such as hickory or applewood)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt.

Step 2

Place the chicken legs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken legs, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 3

Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 4

Preheat your smoker to approximately 225°F (107°C).

Step 5

Once the wood chips are soaked, drain and place them in the smoker box or directly on the coals of your smoker.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the legs on the smoker’s grill grates. Discard any remaining marinade.

Step 7

Arrange the lemon slices over the chicken legs to infuse additional flavor while smoking.

Step 8

Smoke the chicken legs for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is tender and juicy.

Step 9

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for an aromatic finish.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve the smoked chicken legs with additional lemon wedges and a side of your favorite Mediterranean salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1267.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1254.3

Total Fat 95.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 20.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 453.5mg	0%
Sodium 2780.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 17.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.1g	0%
Total Sugars 2.9g
Protein 86.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 139.6mg	0%
Iron 8.0mg	0%
Potassium 1275.6mg	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: 67.4%

Protein: 27.2%

Carbs: 5.4%