Oven-Baked Bbq Chicken Legs: The Perfect Timing

BBQ chicken legs are a simple dish to prepare that your family will love. They can be grilled or baked, and the cooking time varies depending on the size of the drumsticks. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can marinate the chicken in a variety of spices and sauces, such as olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion. You can also use a store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce to add a sticky, sweet, and tangy flavour to the dish.

How to make BBQ sauce from scratch

Ingredients

• Ketchup
• Vinegar (apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar)
• Water
• Brown sugar
• Tamari or soy sauce
• Mustard (dry or prepared)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Spices (e.g. smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper)
• Salt and pepper

Optional Ingredients

• Liquid smoke
• Molasses
• Honey

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients in a medium to large saucepan. The amount of water can be adjusted to reach your desired consistency.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
• Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. This usually takes about 20 minutes, but you can continue cooking for up to an hour for a thicker sauce.
• Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Tips

• For a spicier sauce, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or adobo sauce.
• For a honey BBQ sauce, add 1/4 cup of honey.
• To reduce the sweetness, cut down on the brown sugar.
• You can use tomato sauce or tomato paste as a base instead of ketchup.
• If you want a smoother texture, blend the sauce until smooth before cooking.

Now that you've made your BBQ sauce from scratch, you can use it as a marinade or glaze for chicken legs! Here's a simple recipe for oven-baked BBQ chicken legs:

Oven BBQ Chicken Legs

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks
• BBQ sauce (adjust amount as needed)
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dry mustard
• Chili powder

Optional Ingredients

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Ketchup
• Vinegar
• Water

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
• Prepare the BBQ sauce as instructed above.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil or butter, salt, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and chili powder. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor.
• Place the chicken drumsticks in a baking dish and coat them generously with the sauce mixture.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about an hour, turning the chicken halfway through.
• Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the skin to crisp up.
• The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
• Serve the chicken legs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, seasoned rice, or a salad.

How long to bake chicken legs in the oven

Baking chicken legs in the oven is a great way to get juicy, tender, and crispy chicken without having to grill. The time it takes to bake chicken legs in the oven depends on a few factors, including the size of the chicken legs and the desired level of crispiness. However, on average, you can expect to bake chicken legs in the oven for around 40-50 minutes at an oven temperature of 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preparing the Chicken Legs for Baking

Before baking, you can choose to marinate the chicken legs in a mixture of spices and/or barbecue sauce. This step is optional but can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. If you do decide to marinate the chicken, simply place the legs in a plastic bag or shallow dish and cover them with your chosen marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Baking the Chicken Legs

When you're ready to bake the chicken legs, preheat your oven to the desired temperature. The recommended temperature range is 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the chicken legs on the sheet, leaving a little space between each leg.

Bake the chicken legs for 40-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. To check if the chicken is done, look for crispy, browned skin and clear juices running from the meat. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Adding Barbecue Sauce

If you want to add barbecue sauce to your chicken legs, you can do so before, after, or both before and after baking. Simply brush the sauce onto the chicken legs and return them to the oven for a few minutes to allow the sauce to bake into the skin.

Serving and Storing

Once your chicken legs are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. They go great with sides like mashed potatoes, seasoned rice, or a classic potato salad.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze cooked chicken legs in a zip-top bag for up to three months.

What temperature to bake chicken legs at

When baking chicken legs in the oven, the temperature you bake them at will depend on the type of oven you are using, and whether you are cooking the legs by themselves or with other ingredients.

If you are using a conventional oven, preheat your oven to around 400°F (204°C). Place the chicken legs on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through.

If you are using an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place the chicken legs inside, leaving a little space between each one. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook in batches. Cook for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Chicken legs are cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This can be measured with a meat thermometer.

How to get crispy skin on BBQ chicken legs

Preparation

Getting the perfect crispy skin on BBQ chicken legs requires a bit of preparation. Firstly, it's important to use the right cut of chicken. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or drumsticks are best, as the bone and skin help keep the chicken juicy. If you're using chicken breasts, opt for bone-in and skin-on, as this will help prevent the meat from drying out.

Before you begin marinating or seasoning the chicken, it's a good idea to pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help ensure crispy skin.

Marinating

You can choose to marinate your chicken legs before cooking for extra flavour and tenderness. However, if your main goal is crispy skin, it's best to avoid marinades as they can make the skin soggy. If you do decide to marinate, a simple mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion can be used. Place the chicken and marinade in a large zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible, and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight.

Seasoning and Dry Brining

If you don't want to marinate your chicken, you can simply season it with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. One important step to help achieve crispy skin is to dry brine the chicken. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the chicken legs—about ½ teaspoon per pound of chicken—and place them uncovered on a wire rack in the fridge overnight. This will help draw out moisture and ensure crispy skin when cooked.

Boiling Water Trick

Another trick to tighten the skin and improve crispiness is to pour boiling water over the chicken after it has been dry-brined. Place the chicken in the sink and carefully pour boiling water over it, taking care not to scald yourself. This step helps to tighten the skin and slightly render the fat. After this, pat the chicken dry again and let it air dry for about 30 minutes to an hour.

Cooking Method

When it comes to cooking your chicken legs, there are a few methods you can use. Grilling, baking in the oven, or using an air fryer will all yield delicious results.

• If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C). Add your chicken legs and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until the skin is browned and crispy. Then, lower the heat to about 300°F and cook for an additional 25 minutes, turning the chicken once or twice during this time.
• For oven-baked chicken legs, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the chicken on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet. Cook for 40-45 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through.
• If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the chicken legs inside, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Regardless of the cooking method, always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).

Basting and Saucing

If you want a thick, sticky BBQ glaze on your chicken legs, baste them with your favourite BBQ sauce during the cooking process. For oven-baked chicken, it's best to baste the chicken a few times during cooking to build up a thick layer of sauce. After removing the chicken from the oven, you can also coat it with a generous amount of sauce and return it to the oven for a few minutes to let the sauce caramelize.

If crispy skin is your main goal, be mindful that adding too much sauce can make the skin less crispy. It's best to serve saucier chicken on the side, so people can add as much or as little as they like without sacrificing crispiness.

Final Tips

• Avoid touching, poking, or flipping the chicken too much during cooking, as this can cause the skin to wrinkle or tear, trapping moisture and preventing crispiness.
• When resting the chicken after cooking, avoid tenting it with foil, as this can cause condensation and make the skin soggy. Instead, let the chicken rest uncovered or only very loosely tented.
• If your chicken skin still isn't as crispy as you'd like, try broiling it for a few minutes at the end of the cooking process. This will help crisp it up further.

Now you're ready to impress your family and friends with delicious, crispy BBQ chicken legs!

How to store leftover BBQ chicken legs

BBQ chicken legs are a delicious meal, but what should you do with any leftovers? Here's a guide to storing your leftover BBQ chicken legs.

Leftover BBQ chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days if placed in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This prevents the chicken from drying out and protects it from other contaminants in the fridge.

Freezing Leftovers

If you don't plan on eating the leftovers within three to four days, you can freeze them to avoid waste. Place the chicken in a freezer bag and label it with the date. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Leftovers

Leftover BBQ chicken legs can be reheated in the oven until warmed through, or you can even eat them cold! Just ensure you only reheat the chicken once, and that it's piping hot before consuming.

Recipe Ideas for Leftovers

There are plenty of tasty ways to use up leftover BBQ chicken legs. Why not try making BBQ chicken quesadillas, enchiladas, or even a BBQ chicken salad with sweet potato fries? You could also get creative and make your own BBQ chicken sandwiches, casseroles, or one-pot dinners.

So, there you have it! A simple guide to storing and using up your leftover BBQ chicken legs. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions