Barbecue chicken legs are a delicious and easy meal to make in the oven. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have flavorful oven-baked chicken legs ready in under an hour. Follow this guide for tips on how to make juicy, tender barbecue chicken legs in the oven.
Ingredients Needed
- 6-8 chicken legs
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Legs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and place them on a baking sheet. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Bake the Chicken
- Bake for 20 minutes on one side. Then flip the legs over and bake for another 15 minutes. This helps render the fat and cooks the legs evenly.
Brush on the Barbecue Sauce
- Remove the pan from the oven. Brush the barbecue sauce evenly over both sides of the chicken legs.
- Place back in the oven and bake for 10 more minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and sticky. Keep an eye on it so the sauce doesn’t burn.
Finish off Under the Broiler
- For crispy skin, place the barbecue chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken legs in the barbecue sauce overnight before cooking.
- Try different barbecue sauce flavors like hickory smoked or brown sugar.
- Add extra spices to the seasoning blend like chili powder, cumin, or oregano.
- Bake the chicken on a rack over a baking sheet to allow the fat to drip away for crispier skin.
- Temperature and cook times may vary based on the size of the chicken legs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making BBQ Chicken Legs in the Oven
What’s the best oven temperature for barbecue chicken legs?
The best oven temperature is 400°F. This high heat helps render the fat under the skin for crispy chicken. Lower temps may not crisp the skin enough.
How long should I bake chicken legs with barbecue sauce?
Bake for 20 minutes skin-side down first. Then brush with sauce and bake 10 more minutes. Broil 2-3 minutes at the end for crispiest skin.
What’s the best barbecue sauce for oven chicken legs?
Thick, sticky barbecue sauces work best to coat the chicken. Sweet tomato-based sauces are classic. Try hickory or brown sugar flavors too.
Should I flip the chicken legs while baking?
Yes, flip the legs over halfway through baking. This allows even cooking and ensures both sides get evenly coated in sauce.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless thighs work well too. Follow a similar recipe but reduce baking times by 5-10 minutes since boneless pieces cook faster.
How can I make the chicken skin extra crispy?
Baking on a rack, broiling at the end, and patting the skin dry first all help the skin crisp up in the oven.
What sides go well with BBQ chicken legs?
Classic pairings are cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
Conclusion
Barbecue chicken legs baked in the oven are an easy and flavorful dinner option. With just a few pantry staple ingredients and following these simple steps, you can have tender, juicy chicken legs coated in sticky barbecue sauce ready in under an hour. Bake them to perfection by flipping halfway through, basting with sauce, and finishing under the broiler. Then dig into these finger-licking baked chicken legs that are sure to be a hit at any meal.