5 from 12 votes
Baked Chicken Legs with Sumac and Garlic
Baked Chicken Legs with Sumac and Garlic feature a marinade of garlic, olive oil, cilantro, lemon juice, and Middle Eastern spices including sumac, cumin, coriander, allspice, and cinnamon. The chicken is marinated and baked atop sliced onions and lemon slices, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with aromatic, slightly tangy, and warming spice notes. This dish suits a hearty meal with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern influences.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
707 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 heads garlic
- 8 chicken legs skin on
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cilantro chopped
- 2 lemon plural
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 1/2 tsp sumac
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 onion sliced, large
Instructions
- Peel both heads of garlic. Mince half of the cloves and reserve the other half for later.
- Place the chicken legs in a large bowl and top with the minced garlic, olive oil, cilantro, juice of one lemon, salt, cumin, coriander, allspice, sumac and cinnamon.
- Using a pair of tongs, move the chicken around to make sure all pieces are fully coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour up to 8 hours. The longer the chicken marinades, the tastier it'll be.
- When you're ready to cook, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a baking dish large enough for the chicken legs with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Place the sliced onion and the reserved garlic cloves in the baking dish. Arrange the marinated chicken legs on top.
- Slice the remaining lemon and tuck the lemon sliced in between the chicken legs.
- Bake at 425 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and an instant thermometer inserted into the chicken registers at 165 degrees F.
- If desired, turn on the broiler for the final 5 minutes for more color and some crispy skin.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour and up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- You can add other herbs and spices like cayenne, oregano, turmeric, paprika, parsley, or rosemary to personalize the marinade.
- Use bone-in, skin-on drumsticks, thighs, or a mix according to preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a microwave or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15 to 20 minutes to maintain moisture.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, Greek potatoes, or a Mediterranean salad to complement the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Calories
707kcal
(35%)
Carbohydrates
16g
(5%)
Protein
44g
(88%)
Fat
52g
(80%)
Saturated Fat
13g
(65%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
10g
(59%)
Monounsaturated Fat
25g
(125%)
Trans Fat
0.2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
240mg
(80%)
Sodium
807mg
(34%)
Potassium
771mg
(16%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
532IU
(11%)
Vitamin C
39mg
(43%)
Calcium
89mg
(9%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 707
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 707kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 52g | 80% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 25g | 125% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 240mg | 80% |
| Sodium | 807mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 771mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 532IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 39mg | 43% |
| Calcium | 89mg | 9% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.