My BBQ chicken legs are simple to make and require minimal ingredients. These BBQ drumsticks come out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred with a delicious sweet and sticky sauce all over. You'll be licking your fingers clean, trust me!
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My Famous BBQ Chicken Legs
I've become known around my neighborhood for these BBQ chicken legs. I made them at a few get-togethers, and everyone raved over how delicious they were. They couldn't believe they were baked, too, since the BBQ chicken drumsticks have a crispy skin.
Now, I make my famous BBQ chicken legs recipe every time my wife and I go over to a friend's house. I don't know what the best part about them is. The juicy chicken, the crispy skin, or the spice rub adds a perfect smoky heat. Then there's the BBQ sauce that caramelizes under the broiler, giving the chicken a sticky, charred finish. Gah, every element of the BBQ chicken legs is so good!
Honestly, you don't even need to serve them with anything, but I like making a complete meal and serving the chicken with this crock pot cornbread.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Legs
The only thing I ever need to get from the grocery store for this recipe is the chicken. So you might have all of the ingredients in your pantry, too!
Here's what you’ll need to make these juicy BBQ chicken legs:
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks or chicken legs
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce of your choice
How to Make BBQ Chicken Legs
Step 1: Prepare The Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Set the spice rub aside.
Next, cut a few slits in each drumstick and rub the spice mixture all over the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the chicken for 25 minutes. Flip the chicken and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 3: Broil for Extra Char
Move the oven rack closer to the broiler, and broil the chicken for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until lightly charred.
Step 4: Glaze with BBQ Sauce
Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce, broil for 5 more minutes, flipping and brushing with more sauce halfway. Once fully cooked and charred to your liking, give the chicken a final brush of sauce and serve.
My Expert Tips To Follow
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure juicy chicken that's not overcooked or undercooked every time, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Go Bold with The BBQ Sauce: Don’t be afraid to use a thick, flavorful BBQ sauce, as it caramelizes even better under the broiler. Feel free to change up the flavor of the sauce you use too.
- Customize the Spice Rub: Adjust spices to your preference. Try adding a dash of cayenne for extra heat or smoked paprika for added smokiness.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after broiling to allow the juices to soak into the chicken.
Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe, though they'll take longer to bake. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
I like using a thick, sweet BBQ sauce to balance out the smokiness from the dry rub, but any will work great!
Can I make these on the grill?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken over medium heat and follow the same steps for charring and brushing with sauce.
How do I store leftover BBQ chicken legs?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for a few months. The chicken is delicious reheated-just thaw it in the fridge and bake at 400F for 10 minutes.
Can I make the spice rub ahead of time?
Yes! The spice rub can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 month. I actually like using this spice rub on other chicken recipes.
More Oven Baked Chicken Recipes
- Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Oven Baked Jerk Chicken Wings
- Oven Baked Mississippi Chicken
- Hasselback Chicken
- Harissa honey chicken thighs
Tender and Juicy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe
BBQ chicken legs are a simple yet mouthwatering way to enjoy smoky, saucy goodness right from your oven. These drumsticks come out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or a family BBQ night. This recipe is easy, requires minimal ingredients, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce of your choice
Instructions
1. Move oven rack to middle position and preheat to 425 ° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Create a few slits in each drumstick and place on a plate. Cover the chicken pieces with the rub and transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Preheat the oven and bake the chicken for 25 minutes. After that, use tongs to turn the chicken over and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Move the oven rack 6 inches away from the broiler and heat the broiler. Broil the chicken until it’s lightly charred, about 5-10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.
6. Brush the chicken with one-third of the sauce and continue broiling until lightly charred, around 5 more minutes. Flip the chicken again and brush it with more sauce halfway through the broiling process.
7. Once fully cooked and charred to your liking, brush the chicken with the remaining sauce and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 489Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 288mgSodium: 905mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 55g
Mike
Wow I could eat these BBQ chicken legs every single night for dinner.