Description
Sizzling Barbecue Chicken Legs bring summer grilling magic right to your backyard feast. Tender chicken coated in a sticky, tangy sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that everyone will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
Spice Blend:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Combine 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika in a small bowl. Thoroughly coat your 8 chicken legs with this seasoning mix.
- Heat your grill to 375-400°F. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Position seasoned chicken legs on the grill, maintaining medium-high heat. Cook for 12-15 minutes per side, rotating to ensure even charring.
- Whisk together 1 cup ketchup, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt in a separate bowl.
- During the final 10 minutes of grilling, generously paint your chicken legs with the prepared barbecue sauce. Rotate frequently to create a caramelized, glossy exterior.
- Check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from grill and let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken legs for at least 2 hours to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
- Pat the chicken completely dry before grilling to ensure a crispy, caramelized exterior that seals in juices.
- When basting with barbecue sauce, wait until the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and achieve a perfect glaze.
- For a lower-carb option, swap regular barbecue sauce for a sugar-free version or make your own with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 271 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg