Are you a grilling enthusiast looking to level up your outdoor cooking game? Look no further! In this article, we’re sharing 18 mouth-watering BBQ chicken leg recipes that are sure to impress. From classic sweet and tangy flavors to bold and spicy options, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re a fan of sweet and sticky glazes or savory and smoky flavors, these recipes will guide you through the perfect blend of ingredients and techniques to create tender, juicy, and flavorful BBQ chicken legs that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So fire up your grill, get ready to get creative, and let’s dive into the most epic list of BBQ chicken leg recipes ever!
Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Legs
Elevate your barbecue game with this simple yet flavorful recipe for Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Legs. The perfect blend of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tangy BBQ sauce makes these chicken legs a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and garlic until well combined.
3. Brush the chicken legs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill or bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the honey-garlic mixture and BBQ sauce.
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Sriracha BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Spicy Sriracha BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: A flavorful twist on classic BBQ chicken drumsticks, this recipe adds a spicy kick from sriracha sauce and a sweet glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Sriracha sauce, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the drumsticks on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and brush with additional Sriracha sauce (optional).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Legs
Elevate your BBQ game with this sweet and smoky recipe that combines the richness of bourbon, the tanginess of maple syrup, and the savory flavor of chicken legs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce:
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush chicken legs with the oil mixture and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill or bake chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. During last 10 minutes of cooking, brush with Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sticky Asian-Inspired BBQ Chicken Legs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this sweet and sticky take on traditional BBQ chicken legs, infused with the bold flavors of Asia.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add the chicken legs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill or bake the chicken legs until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Brush with additional honey and soy sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your sticky and savory Asian-inspired BBQ chicken legs!
Classic Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Legs
This recipe is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. With its sweet and tangy flavors, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken legs
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken legs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Citrus-Marinated BBQ Chicken Legs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this refreshing twist on classic chicken legs. This citrus-marinated recipe combines the tanginess of oranges, lemons, and limes with sweet BBQ sauce for a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken legs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together orange, lemon, and lime juices, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken legs to the marinade; refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cajun-Spiced BBQ Chicken Legs
Add a kick to your backyard barbecue with these Cajun-spiced chicken legs, smothered in a tangy and spicy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning blend (such as Tony’s or homemade)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning blend, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Season the chicken legs evenly with the spice mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Grill or bake the chicken legs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Legs
Savor the fusion of tropical flavors with this easy-to-make recipe for Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Legs. This dish combines the sweetness of pineapple, the tanginess of teriyaki sauce, and the smokiness of BBQ chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add chicken legs to the marinade; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Grill or bake chicken legs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Brush with additional teriyaki sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brown Sugar and Mustard Glazed BBQ Chicken Legs
Transform your chicken legs into a sweet and tangy masterpiece with this simple recipe. The combination of brown sugar, mustard, and spices will create a glaze that’s both sticky and flavorful.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken legs in a large bowl and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of each leg.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange the glazed chicken legs.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Korean Gochujang BBQ Chicken Legs
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with this mouthwatering Korean-inspired dish! This recipe combines the sweet and savory flavors of gochujang with the tender goodness of chicken legs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger.
3. Add chicken legs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Brush with water during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Garlic Butter BBQ Chicken Legs
Elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering Garlic Butter BBQ Chicken Legs recipe! Tender, juicy legs smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
3. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken legs.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Remove from oven and brush with BBQ sauce.
8. Return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Pepper BBQ Chicken Legs
Add some brightness to your BBQ game with this refreshing take on chicken legs, featuring the perfect balance of tangy lemon and warm pepper flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Add the chicken legs to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chipotle Lime BBQ Chicken Legs
Elevate your backyard barbecue game with this bold and zesty recipe that combines the richness of chipotle peppers with the brightness of lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chipotle peppers, garlic, and lime juice.
3. Place chicken legs in a large bowl and brush with the chipotle-lime mixture.
4. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the chicken.
5. Cook chicken for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Brush with BBQ sauce during last 5 minutes of cooking.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Balsamic Glazed BBQ Chicken Legs
Balsamic Glazed BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe
Sweet and tangy, these balsamic glazed BBQ chicken legs are a perfect combination of flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken legs in a large bowl and brush the glaze all over them.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange chicken legs on it.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Jerk-Style BBQ Chicken Legs
Elevate your backyard barbecue with the bold flavors of Jamaica! This recipe combines the classic sweetness of BBQ sauce with the spicy, aromatic heat of jerk seasoning.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken legs
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken legs with olive oil, then sprinkle the jerk mixture evenly over the meat.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the BBQ sauce on both sides of the chicken.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herb-Infused BBQ Chicken Legs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this flavorful recipe that combines the richness of chicken legs with a blend of aromatic herbs. Perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
– 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tbsp lemon zest
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and garlic powder.
3. Brush the herb mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken legs.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill chicken legs for 20-25 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush BBQ sauce onto the chicken legs.
7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Peach BBQ Glazed Chicken Legs
Sweet and savory peach BBQ glazed chicken legs are a perfect summer treat!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 cup peach BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh peaches
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peach BBQ sauce, honey, and brown sugar.
3. Add chopped peaches to the mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Season chicken legs with salt and pepper.
5. Place chicken legs in a shallow baking dish lined with parchment paper.
6. Brush the peach BBQ glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken legs.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Smoked Paprika BBQ Chicken Legs
Elevate your backyard barbecue with the rich flavor of smoked paprika, perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy notes.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken legs in a shallow dish and brush the paprika mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Grill chicken for 20-25 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce (if using) during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill with these 18 mouth-watering BBQ chicken leg recipes! From classic sweet and tangy to spicy sriracha and smoky maple bourbon, there’s something for every grilling enthusiast. Discover sticky Asian-inspired flavors, citrus-marinated delights, Cajun-spiced kick, and more. Whether you prefer a simple honey garlic glaze or bold Korean gochujang sauce, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, with a range of flavor profiles and spice levels, there’s something for everyone. So grab your apron and get ready to sizzle with these juicy BBQ chicken leg recipes!
