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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken legs are naturally juicy and flavorful, making them ideal for BBQ. This recipe delivers a delicious balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to grilling or oven baking, and loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken legs (drumsticks)

  • Barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • Olive oil

  • Garlic powder

  • Onion powder

  • Smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper

  • Optional: cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat

Directions

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Pat chicken legs dry and coat lightly with olive oil.

  3. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or chili powder.

  4. Grill chicken legs for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred, brushing with barbecue sauce during the last 5-10 minutes.

  5. If baking, place chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce halfway through.

  6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving with extra barbecue sauce.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25-40 minutes

Variations

  • Use different barbecue sauces, such as spicy, smoky, or honey mustard.

  • Marinate chicken legs in BBQ sauce overnight for deeper flavor.

  • Add a dry rub with brown sugar for a sweet crust.

  • Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave for convenience.

FAQs

How do I know when chicken legs are cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I bake chicken legs instead of grilling?

Yes, baking is a great alternative for indoor cooking.

Should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances flavor but is optional; seasoning and BBQ sauce work well on their own.

How do I prevent chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and baste regularly with sauce during cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, thighs cook similarly and stay juicy.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add cayenne, chili powder, or use spicy barbecue sauce.

Do I need to preheat the grill or oven?

Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and good sear.

Can I cook chicken legs on a smoker?

Yes, smoking adds wonderful flavor and tenderness.

How long do leftovers last?

Up to 3 days refrigerated.

Can I freeze cooked chicken legs?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Legs are a delicious and easy-to-make classic that brings smoky, tangy, and juicy flavors to your table. Perfect for grilling season or any casual meal, these drumsticks are sure to please family and friends with their irresistible barbecue taste and tender texture.

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BBQ Chicken Legs

BBQ Chicken Legs

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  • Author: Alice
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

BBQ Chicken Legs are juicy, flavorful drumsticks coated in smoky barbecue sauce and grilled or baked to perfection. This classic crowd-pleaser features tender, caramelized meat with a tangy glaze, ideal for summer cookouts, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)

  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Optional: 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat

Instructions

  • Preheat grill to medium heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Pat chicken legs dry and coat lightly with olive oil.

  • Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or chili powder.

  • For grilling: Grill chicken legs for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and charred, brushing with barbecue sauce during the last 5-10 minutes.

  • For baking: Place chicken legs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce halfway through cooking.

  • Let rest for a few minutes before serving with extra barbecue sauce

Notes

Try different barbecue sauces like spicy, smoky, or honey mustard for variety.Marinate chicken legs overnight in BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.Add a dry rub with brown sugar for a sweet crust.Serve with classic sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob.Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven or microwave.

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