Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs

These Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs are smoky, sticky, and caramelized thanks to a sweet brown sugar rub and your favorite barbecue sauce. An easy, budget-friendly grilling recipe.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 348kcal

Author Jason Decker

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