BBQ Chicken Legs
BBQ Chicken Legs are oven-baked, juicy, and loaded with flavor. Topped with a simple seasoning blend and tangy bbq sauce, this easy chicken recipe is perfect for everyone!
BBQ Chicken Legs
There’s nothing quite like a good chicken leg recipe.
Tender, juicy, flavorful. These baked bbq chicken drumsticks fit the bill and will have you coming back for more.
Much like this honey garlic chicken legs recipe, this dish is just as easy to prepare and just as delicious. By using a simple seasoning blend before adding the bbq sauce, you can ensure that this chicken isn’t lacking in flavor.
These easy baked drumsticks are sweet, tangy, and perfect for the entire family. And by using the oven, you can bet that these taste just as good, if not better, than with a grill.
And did I mention that this chicken legs recipe has that tender, fall-off-the-bone quality?
Yep, the bbq chicken legs marinade and time in the oven make for a winning combination. Easy, tasty, delicious, and perfect for leftovers, too.
Ingredients in BBQ Chicken Legs:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- BBQ sauce
How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken:
Simple ingredients and minimal prep time makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights!
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper or grease with cooking spray. Place chicken legs on pan and drizzle with olive oil. Set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until combined. Rub seasoning over chicken until each piece is thoroughly coated.
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Bake for 15 minutes, then remove chicken from oven and brush half of bbq sauce over chicken. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and then brush remaining sauce over chicken.
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Broil chicken legs under high heat for 2-4 minutes to get the skins extra crisp. Serve immediately.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Drumsticks in the Oven?
All oven will vary, but in general, these chicken legs cook at 400°F for roughly 25-30 minutes when cooked on the center rack. The chicken should be cooked through and the internal temperature reach 165°F. To ensure that sticky, crisp glaze, I like to broil the chicken legs just before serving.
Tip: Using an oven-safe meat thermometer is a great way to check for doneness!
Do You Put BBQ Sauce on the Chicken Before or After Baking?
To ensure extra flavor and sauce that stays put, I like to brush the sauce on halfway through baking and then just before broiling.
How to Store:
Let chicken legs cool to room temperature and then store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Are Chicken Drumsticks Healthy?
While it depends on the cooking method and ingredients added, chicken is a good source of protein and amino acids. In general, chicken that is baked is often on the healthier side than fried or breaded chicken.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Legs:
This recipe goes along well with so many different side dishes! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Corn Souffle
- Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli
- Baked Cheesy Cauliflower
- Garlic Herb Sweet Potato Wedges
Tips for Making the Best Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken legs make a delicious dinner. However, chicken thighs or chicken breasts would work just as well. Remember that you will need to adjust the cooking time, depending on the cut and size of your chicken.
- Want an even deeper flavor? Marinate the chicken in the seasoning blend in a ziploc bag in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- No need for homemade bbq sauce, though you can use that if you prefer. I like to use my favorite store-bought kind for taste and convenience.
- While broiling the chicken legs just before serving isn’t necessary, it will help the bbq sauce stay put and give it that crispy, sticky finishing touch.
Looking for More Chicken Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Crockpot Southwest Chicken
- Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Honey Balsamic Chicken
BBQ Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 10-12 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, (regular paprika works, too)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce, (any kind)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper or grease with cooking spray. Place chicken legs on pan and drizzle with olive oil. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until combined. Rub seasoning over chicken until each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove chicken from oven and brush half of bbq sauce over chicken. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and then brush remaining sauce over chicken.
- Broil chicken legs under high heat for 2-4 minutes to get the skins extra crisp. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- See my tips and tricks for making these BBQ Chicken Legs above the recipe box.
The new family favorite for chicken legs. Just be sure to keep an eye on them under the broiler, lol.
So glad everyone enjoyed!