barbecue chicken leg recipe

barbecue chicken leg recipe

The Best barbecue chicken leg recipe

I first discovered this barbecue chicken leg recipe about 10 years ago, and it has been a staple in our household ever since. The combination of the tender chicken, the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, and the smoky flavor of the grill is absolute perfection.

My kids love it when I serve it with a side of coleslaw or baked beans, and my husband can’t get enough of the crispy skin. As for me, I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – whether we’re having a family dinner or a backyard BBQ, this recipe never fails to impress.

And let’s not forget the health benefits – with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of veggies on the side, we feel good about what we’re putting in our bodies. Plus, it’s so easy to scale up or down depending on how many people we’re feeding, making it perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings.

Barbecue Chicken Legs

Barbecue Chicken Legs

4.9 from 1272 votes

Juicy chicken legs coated in a smoky sweet barbecue sauce and baked until tender. This easy recipe delivers crispy skin and deep flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken legs (drumsticks), about 2 pounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
4In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5Add the chicken legs and toss until evenly coated.
6Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up.
7Bake the chicken legs for 25 minutes.
8Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and onion powder to make the barbecue sauce.
9After 25 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
10Brush each chicken leg generously with the barbecue sauce.
11Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the meat.
12For extra sticky glaze, brush with a second layer of sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
13Let the chicken legs rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Basting brush
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 130mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 15g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a spicier version, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. Leftover chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Barbecue Chicken Legs Works

This barbecue chicken leg recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether we’re having a family dinner or a backyard BBQ.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to reheat – simply place the leftover chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil before reheating in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

We love serving this with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Chicken Legs

Q1: What type of barbecue sauce should I use for this recipe?

The type of barbecue sauce you use will depend on your personal preference. Some people like a thick, sweet sauce while others prefer a tangy, vinegar-based one. For this recipe, I recommend using a Kansas City-style BBQ sauce as it provides a nice balance of sweet and smoky flavors.

Q2: Can I use boneless chicken legs for this recipe?

While you can use boneless chicken legs if you prefer, I highly recommend using bone-in chicken legs for this recipe. The bones add flavor and moisture to the meat as it cooks, making the final product more tender and juicy.

Q3: How do I ensure that my chicken is cooked through?

To ensure that your chicken is cooked through, you’ll want to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For chicken breasts or thighs, you want to aim for an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the breast or thigh – if the juices run clear and there’s no pink color remaining, it’s done.

Q4: Can I marinate my chicken overnight before grilling?

Yes, you can marinate your chicken overnight before grilling! In fact, marinating helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Just be sure to remove any excess marinade before grilling to prevent flare-ups.

Q5: How do I store leftover barbecue chicken?

To store leftover barbecue chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just thaw it in the refrigerator or reheat it in the oven when you’re ready.

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