barbecue chicken leg recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best barbecue chicken leg recipe

I’m so excited to share this amazing barbecue chicken leg recipe with you all! As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious meals that my family will love. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it.

It’s a classic Southern-style barbecue dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend gathering. The key to this recipe is the slow cooking process, which breaks down the connective tissues in the chicken and makes it tender and juicy. It’s also super versatile – you can serve it as is, or with some tasty sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

My kids just devour it, and I love how easy it is to make. Plus, the health benefits are amazing – chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and when cooked low and slow, it’s just fall-apart tender. The best part?

This recipe is ridiculously easy to make. Just throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker or Dutch oven and let it cook all day long. Voila!

A delicious, stress-free meal that everyone will love. And don’t even get me started on how great this dish smells – it’s like a big ol’ hug in a pot. Okay, I know what you’re thinking – ‘Barbecue chicken legs?

That sounds like so much work!’ But trust me, it’s worth it. This recipe has been passed down through generations of my family, and I’m honored to be sharing it with you today.

Barbecue Chicken Legs

4.5 from 1709 votes

This recipe features tender chicken legs coated in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. It’s a classic dish perfect for backyard barbecues or a hearty family dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken legs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For the Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2The grill should be hot enough to sear the chicken and create those beautiful grill marks.
3In a small bowl, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the barbecue sauce.
4Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
5Place the chicken legs in a large bowl.
6Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.
7Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
8If you want to add more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
9Place the chicken legs on the preheated grill.
10Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is nicely browned and has visible grill marks.
11Reduce the heat to medium.
12Brush the barbecue sauce generously over the chicken legs.
13Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has caramelized and the chicken is cooked through.
14The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
15Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
16This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
17Serve the barbecue chicken legs hot, with additional sauce on the side if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Grill or grill pan
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Watch Video Of How Barbecue Chicken Legs Works

I always recommend making this barbecue chicken leg recipe ahead of time and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezing it for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

This dish is perfect for family gatherings – just imagine serving it at your next backyard BBQ or game night! My kids love helping me prep the ingredients and assemble the marinade – they think they’re little chefs when they get to sprinkle on their favorite seasonings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Chicken Legs

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken legs for this recipe. If you prefer boneless legs, just remove the bones before cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using.

Q: How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to check if the chicken is cooked through is by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the leg. If it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then it’s done!

Q: Can I substitute other types of meat for chicken?

Sure thing! You can also use pork or beef legs for this recipe.

Q: How long does this recipe take to cook?

This recipe takes about 2-3 hours to cook on low heat or 1-2 hours on high heat.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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