Heart-Healthy Smoked Chicken Leg

Infuse your next meal with bold flavor and wholesome goodness with this Heart-Healthy Smoked Chicken Leg recipe! Perfectly balanced with a zesty marinade of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and low-sodium soy sauce, these tender chicken legs get a smoky boost from maple wood chips and a hint of herbal freshness from rosemary tucked under the skin. Smoked low and slow for maximum juiciness and a deep, aromatic flavor, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this low-sodium, high-protein recipe is ideal for health-conscious eaters who refuse to compromise on taste. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete, heart-smart meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
• 1 cup Maple wood chips
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

Begin by soaking the maple wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, low-sodium soy sauce, and salt to create a marinade.

Step 3

Rinse and pat dry the chicken legs with paper towels.

Step 4

Place the chicken legs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and toss to coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 5

Preheat your smoker to 225°F (approximately 110°C).

Step 6

Drain the wood chips and place them in the smoker’s chip tray. If using a grill, follow your equipment’s instructions to create a smoking environment with the wood chips.

Step 7

Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and place them on the smoker grate. Insert a sprig of rosemary under the skin of each chicken leg for a hint of herbal aroma.

Step 8

Smoke the chicken legs for about 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are cooked perfectly through.

Step 9

Once the chicken is smoked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve the heart-healthy smoked chicken legs with a side of your favorite vegetables or salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	942.9 grams (942.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1135

Total Fat 80.80g	104%
Saturated Fat 19.10g	96%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 454mg	151%
Sodium 3810mg	166%
Total Carbohydrate 10.60g	4%
Dietary Fiber 2.00g	7%
Total Sugars 1.10g
Protein 89.00g	178%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 71mg	5%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 1045mg	22%

*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: 64.6%

Protein: 31.6%

Carbs: 3.8%