Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe
Who doesn’t love some smoky barbequed Chicken Legs with homemade rub? This recipe is always a hit at our house, especially when we have family gatherings or just a casual weekend BBQ.
Servings 4 servings
Calories 348kcal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 pounds chicken legs
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
- 2 tablespoons water if needed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and ground mustard.
- Place the chicken legs in a large bowl and toss with all of the spices. Cover and place in the fridge for 2 hours to marinate, or use immediately.
- Stir together the bbq sauce and water until combined. (If your bbq sauce is thin already and easy to brush on, then you can skip this step.)
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the grates.
- Place the chicken legs on to the grill and allow them cook, turning every few minutes until an internal temperature reaches 130-140°F. Time will depend on the size of the legs, but this should take 15-20 minutes.
- Baste the legs on both sides with the sauce, and continue to cook until an internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F about another 10 minutes or until your desired doneness (180-190°F results in fall-off-the-bone meat). I like to rotate the legs every minute or so and baste with the bbq sauce each time so the sauce will caramelize.
- Once they hit your desired temperature, serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a Meat Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to the right temperature.
- Pat Dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin get crispy.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Prevent sticking by oiling the grates before cooking.
- Marinate Longer: If you have time, marinate the chicken legs for a few hours or overnight for more flavor.
- Rotate and Baste: Rotate the legs and baste with BBQ sauce frequently for a caramelized glaze.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken legs to rest for a few minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute.
Nutrition
Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 769mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 323IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg