Keto Lemon Pepper Garlic Chicken Legs

 

Keto Lemon Pepper Garlic Chicken Legs

This keto-friendly recipe features crispy, flavorful chicken legs with a zesty lemon-pepper-garlic seasoning. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner!

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken legs (drumsticks)
• 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• ½ tsp dried oregano (or thyme)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.

2. Make the Marinade:

   • In a bowl, mix olive oil (or melted butter), lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and minced garlic.

3. Coat the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels.
   • Toss the chicken in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

4. Bake the Chicken:

   • Arrange chicken legs on the wire rack, skin-side up.
   • Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Broil for Crispiness (Optional):

   • For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

6. Garnish & Serve:

   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with a side of roasted keto-friendly veggies or a fresh salad.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of cauliflower mash, roasted Brussels sprouts, or zucchini noodles for a complete keto meal.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 25g
• Net Carbs: 1g

Enjoy your crispy, zesty keto lemon pepper garlic chicken legs!