barbecue baked chicken legs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
barbecue baked chicken legs recipe
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The Best barbecue baked chicken legs recipe

I’m so excited to share this barbecue baked chicken legs recipe with you all today! This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

I love how the sweet and tangy flavors of the barbecue sauce complement the smoky taste of the chicken, and the fact that it’s so easy to make is just the icing on the cake. My kids absolutely adore this recipe, and it’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family dinner, a picnic, or just a quick weeknight meal.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some protein into our diets without feeling too guilty about serving processed meat. The best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, too – with chicken being an excellent source of lean protein and veggies adding fiber and nutrients galore. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and see what you think!

It’s sure to become a favorite in your household as well.

Barbecue Baked Chicken Legs

Barbecue Baked Chicken Legs

4.9 from 1156 votes

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

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken legs (drumsticks), about 2 pounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken legs with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4Toss well to coat each piece evenly.
5Arrange the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
6Bake for 25 minutes until the skin begins to brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7While the chicken bakes, prepare the barbecue sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
8Combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and liquid smoke, then stir and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
9Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush each chicken leg generously with the prepared barbecue sauce.
10Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
11Let the chicken legs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
12The skin will be crisp and the meat will be tender and juicy.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Small saucepan
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 130mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Watch Video Of How Barbecue Baked Chicken Legs Works

This barbecue baked chicken legs recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight meal. The best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, too – with chicken being an excellent source of lean protein and veggies adding fiber and nutrients galore. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and see what you think!

It’s sure to become a favorite in your household as well.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Baked Chicken Legs

Q: Can I make these chicken legs in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make these chicken legs in a slow cooker by placing them in the crockpot with your favorite seasonings and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

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