Baked Barbecued Chicken Legs Recipe – How To Make BBQ Chicken Legs

Looking for a simple and delicious way to enjoy barbecue chicken at home? This baked BBQ chicken legs recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With just a few ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken legs coated in your favorite barbecue sauce, all baked to perfection in the oven!

Why You’ll Love Baked Barbecued Chicken Legs

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s as simple as seasoning, saucing, and baking!
• Versatile Sauce Options: Use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or whip up a homemade version to suit your taste. Sweet, smoky, or tangy – the choice is yours!
• Perfectly Juicy Chicken: Baking the chicken legs locks in all the natural juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family meal or a potluck, these BBQ chicken legs are always a hit. Everyone loves the smoky, saucy flavor!
• Mess-Free Cooking: Lining the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying your meal.

Making baked BBQ chicken legs at home is very easy.  To make baked barbecue chicken legs, you need 2 things: chicken legs and BBQ sauce.  If you have a package of chicken legs in your freezer and a bottle of barbecue sauce in your pantry, you’ve got dinner!

What kind of barbecue sauce should you use to make this chicken legs recipe?  You can use store-bought barbecue sauce or homemade barbecue sauce.  Homemade BBQ sauce taste much better than store-bought.  If you go with the store-bought BBQ sauce, I recommend the Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce brand.  If you want super-duper-yummy homemade BBQ sauce, check out my homemade BBQ sauce recipe and make a double-batch!

Ingredients For Baked Barbecue Chicken Legs Recipe:

• Chicken legs, thawed – The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy meat.
• BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought) – Adds a smoky, tangy, or sweet flavor to the chicken. Use your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade recipe for extra deliciousness.
• Salt and pepper – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken while adding a mild kick to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Baked Barbecued Chicken Legs

• Measuring spoons – For precise seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Baking sheet – Holds the chicken legs while they bake evenly in the oven.
• Parchment paper or foil – Makes cleanup simple and prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.
• Microwave-safe cup – For warming the extra BBQ sauce to slather on the cooked chicken.

Directions How To Make Baked BBQ Chicken Legs:

Preheat oven to 400F.

Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Sprinkle chicken legs with salt and pepper (approximately 1 tbsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper for every 8 chicken legs).

Slather the BBQ sauce all over the chicken legs.  Put in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until done (juices run clear when thickest part is cut).

Warm some more BBQ sauce in a cup in a microwave, and slather extra barbecue sauce over cooked chicken legs.  Enjoy the baked BBQ chicken legs while they are piping hot!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these baked BBQ chicken legs with classic sides like coleslaw, steamed beans, or cornbread for a complete barbecue meal.
• Serve them alongside a fresh kale and apple salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter option.
• Add a dipping bowl of extra warmed BBQ sauce on the side for those who love an extra saucy bite.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
• These chicken legs are perfect for casual dinners, picnics, or potlucks – serve them hot and watch them disappear!

Tips For Success

• Use Thawed Chicken: Make sure the chicken legs are fully thawed before baking. This ensures even cooking and prevents soggy skin.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the BBQ sauce.
• Choose the Right BBQ Sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, pick a BBQ sauce you love. A high-quality sauce can elevate the dish significantly. If using homemade, prepare extra to use for dipping!
• Line Your Baking Sheet: Using parchment paper or foil is a game-changer. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, saving you time in the kitchen.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the chicken legs with space in between to allow air to circulate. This helps the skin get slightly crisp and ensures even cooking.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear when the meat is pierced.
• Add BBQ Sauce Twice: For extra flavor, coat the chicken legs with BBQ sauce before baking and again after they’re cooked. This double layer ensures maximum sauciness.
• Reheat Sauce Safely: When warming additional BBQ sauce, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 15-30 second increments to avoid splattering.

Variations And Substitutions

• Change Up the Sauce: Try experimenting with different types of barbecue sauce to change the flavor profile. Use honey BBQ for a sweeter twist, spicy BBQ for some heat, or smoky mesquite for a bold flavor.
• Use Drumsticks or Thighs: If you don’t have chicken legs, drumsticks or bone-in chicken thighs work just as well. Adjust the baking time slightly for larger or smaller pieces.
• Gluten-Free Option: Most store-bought BBQ sauces contain gluten, so opt for a certified gluten-free sauce if needed, or make your own at home.
• Add a Spice Rub: Before coating with BBQ sauce, sprinkle the chicken with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make It Smoky: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to your BBQ sauce for a deep, smoky taste without needing a grill.
• Herb-Infused Flavor: Sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme over the chicken legs before baking for an earthy flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: If you’re watching your sugar intake, opt for a low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce to keep it healthy.
• Add Lemon or Lime: Squeeze fresh citrus juice over the chicken legs right before serving to add a tangy, zesty finish.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled chicken legs in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with foil and cover them loosely to retain moisture. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick option, place the chicken legs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until fully warmed.
• Extra BBQ Sauce: Brush on some fresh BBQ sauce before reheating to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Drumsticks, thighs, or even wings work wonderfully with this recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of chicken piece you use. Always check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What’s the best way to get extra crispy skin?

For crispier skin, bake the chicken uncovered and avoid adding too much BBQ sauce before baking. You can also broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after it’s fully cooked to give the skin a nice char.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the chicken by seasoning and coating it with BBQ sauce a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, then bake it when you’re ready. You can also cook the chicken and reheat it following the reheating tips.

Is homemade BBQ sauce better than store-bought?

It depends on your preference! Homemade BBQ sauce often has fresher, more customizable flavors, while store-bought options are convenient and come in a variety of styles. Choose whichever works best for you.

What sides go well with BBQ chicken legs?

BBQ chicken legs pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, baked beans, or a fresh green salad. The smoky, saucy chicken complements these classic barbecue sides perfectly.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to check doneness is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the leg and make sure the juices run clear.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Of course! You can add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce to give the chicken a kick. Adjust the heat level to your liking.

Can I use frozen chicken legs?

You can, but it’s best to thaw them completely before baking for even cooking. If baking from frozen, you’ll need to increase the cooking time significantly.

Other Easy Chicken Recipes

Quick Air Fryer Chicken with Mushrooms: A flavorful and healthy dish combining tender chicken and savory mushrooms, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Healthy Chicken Fried Rice with Cauliflower: A low-carb twist on a classic favorite, featuring chicken and cauliflower rice packed with fresh vegetables.

One-Pan Chicken Fajitas in the Oven: A simple and mess-free way to enjoy bold fajita flavors with juicy chicken and roasted peppers in one pan.

Lemon Herb Baked Greek Chicken Thighs: Succulent chicken thighs baked with zesty lemon and aromatic Greek herbs for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Spicy Chili Lime Chicken Stir-Fry: A quick and fiery stir-fry with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy chili lime sauce.

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad – No Mayo Needed: A light and healthy chicken salad made creamy with ripe avocado, perfect for wraps or sandwiches.

Simple Skillet-Cooked Boneless Chicken Thighs: A quick and easy stovetop recipe for juicy, golden-brown chicken thighs with minimal ingredients.

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