BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe
Make these juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken legs in the oven with a smoky spice rub and sticky barbecue glaze. An easy dinner idea perfect for any night!
Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked BBQ chicken legs are a classic dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe delivers tender chicken with a smoky, spicy rub and a sticky barbecue glaze. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or need a simple dinner idea, this recipe will hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bursting with Flavor: A smoky, slightly spicy rub paired with sweet barbecue sauce creates an irresistible combination.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these pantry staples.
Versatile Pairings: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or skillet mac and cheese for a complete meal.
Effortless Cooking: The oven does most of the work, making this perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients Explained
Chicken Legs (4-6): Chicken legs stay juicy and tender during cooking, making them perfect for this recipe.
Olive Oil: Helps the spice mixture adhere to the chicken and promotes even browning.
Garlic Powder (1 tbsp): Adds a savory, aromatic flavor.
Onion Powder (1 tbsp): Complements the garlic with a slightly sweet and tangy taste.
Cayenne (1/2 tbsp): Brings a hint of heat; adjust to taste.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
Smoked Paprika (1/2 tbsp): Adds a smoky, earthy depth.
BBQ Sauce (1/2 cup): Provides the sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze that defines BBQ chicken.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until evenly blended.
Season the Chicken: Arrange the chicken legs in a baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced evenly. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the spice rub on both sides of each piece.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Add the BBQ Sauce: Remove the foil and brush barbecue sauce generously on both sides of the chicken legs.
Finish Baking: Return the chicken to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Serve and Enjoy: Pair with mashed potatoes or skillet mac and cheese for a comforting meal.
Tips for Success
Pat the Chicken Dry: Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the chicken legs before adding the spice rub to ensure crispy skin.
Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne. For more spice, add extra cayenne or chili powder.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Line the Pan: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken Legs (4-6)
- Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Cayenne
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until evenly blended.
- Season the Chicken: Arrange the chicken legs in a baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced evenly. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the spice rub on both sides of each piece.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add the BBQ Sauce: Remove the foil and brush barbecue sauce generously on both sides of the chicken legs.
- Finish Baking: Return the chicken to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve and Enjoy: Pair with mashed potatoes or skillet mac and cheese for a comforting meal.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the chicken legs before adding the spice rub to ensure crispy skin.
- Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne. For more spice, add extra cayenne or chili powder.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Line the Pan: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes: Mashed potatoes, skillet mac and cheese, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread.
Drinks: Pair with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea for the perfect complement.
Ready to make the best BBQ chicken legs? Let’s get cooking!
If you try this BBQ chicken legs recipe, let us know in the comments or tag us on social media with #CookSnapBake. We’d love to see your creations! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends who love a good BBQ dish.
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