Easy Oven-Baked Bbq Chicken Legs

how to make simple bbq chicken legs in the oven

BBQ chicken legs are a simple dish to make in the oven that your family will love. They are tender and juicy with a deliciously crispy skin. This recipe is perfect for when you don't want to grill but still want that BBQ flavour. You can use either shop-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, and there are several ways to prepare the chicken before cooking, such as marinating or coating in a dry rub. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken legs and your preferred level of crispiness, but on average, they should take around 40-60 minutes in the oven.

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Chicken leg prep

Ingredients

You will need:

  • Chicken legs (drumsticks)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Paprika
  • Cumin (optional)
  • BBQ sauce

Marinating

Place the chicken legs in a large zip-top plastic bag or bowl. In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also add cumin if you like. Pour the mixture over the chicken and seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Move the chicken around in the bag to ensure all pieces are well coated. Place the chicken on a small, rimmed baking sheet or inside a casserole dish and leave in the refrigerator to marinate for at least one hour or overnight.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 350-400 degrees F. Place the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet or a skillet coated with a bit of olive oil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check.

Adding BBQ Sauce

Remove the chicken from the oven and coat generously with BBQ sauce. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. Return the chicken to the oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This should take around 15-20 minutes.

Serving

Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for about 3 minutes before serving. You can serve it with extra BBQ sauce on the side, and sides such as mashed potatoes, seasoned rice, or corn on the cob.

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Oven temperature

Preheating the Oven:

Preheat your oven to the desired temperature before placing the chicken inside. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 400°F (200°C). This initial high temperature will help sear the chicken and give it a crispy exterior.

Baking at High Temperature:

During the initial baking stage, maintain a high oven temperature of around 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the chicken through while also achieving a crispy skin.

Reducing the Temperature:

After the initial high-temperature sear, reduce the oven temperature to around 350°F (177°C). This lower temperature will allow the chicken to continue cooking through without burning the exterior.

Finishing at High Temperature:

For a final touch of crispness, you can finish the chicken legs under the broiler/grill function of your oven. This intense, direct heat will help caramelize the BBQ sauce and give the chicken a charred, crispy exterior.

Oven Rack Placement:

  • Adjust your oven rack to the middle position for most of the cooking process. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents the chicken from cooking too quickly or burning.
  • When using the broiler/grill function, move the oven rack closer to the heat source to maximize the browning effect.

Cooking Time:

  • The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken legs and your oven's temperature accuracy. Most recipes recommend a total cooking time of around 40-60 minutes, including the initial high-temperature sear and subsequent lower-temperature cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Remember that the chicken will continue to cook for a brief period after being removed from the oven due to residual heat, so take this into account when checking for doneness.

Adjusting for Oven Variations:

  • All ovens are slightly different, so you may need to adjust temperatures and cooking times accordingly. If your oven tends to run hot or cold, adjust the temperature setting to compensate.
  • Keep a close eye on the chicken during the broiling/grilling stage, as the direct heat can quickly burn the exterior if left unattended.

By carefully controlling your oven temperature and following these instructions, you'll be able to produce delicious, tender, and crispy BBQ chicken legs every time!

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Marinating

Firstly, place your chicken legs in a large zip-top plastic bag or bowl. If you're using a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap. In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, mix together your olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion. Pour this mixture over the chicken and seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. If using a bowl, simply cover with plastic wrap.

Now, move the chicken around in the bag or bowl to ensure all pieces are well coated. Place the chicken on a small, rimmed baking sheet or inside a casserole dish and put it in the refrigerator to marinate. The length of time you leave it to marinate varies depending on the recipe and your preference. Some recipes suggest a minimum of 30 minutes, while others recommend leaving it for up to 8 hours or even overnight.

If you're short on time, you can omit the marinating time and simply coat the chicken with the olive oil and spice mixture before baking.

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BBQ sauce application

The application of BBQ sauce is a key step in achieving the signature flavour and appearance of BBQ chicken legs or drumsticks. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply BBQ sauce like a pro:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Before applying the BBQ sauce, ensure that the chicken is properly prepared. This includes cleaning and patting the chicken dry with paper towels. It is also recommended to season the chicken generously with a mixture of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes, or even overnight, to enhance the flavour and tenderness.

Step 2: Initial Baking

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil or a wire rack. Bake the chicken for 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. This initial baking step will cook the chicken partially and give it a nice sear.

Step 3: First Application of BBQ Sauce

Remove the chicken from the oven and brush on a generous amount of your favourite BBQ sauce. Use a basting brush to evenly coat the chicken legs or drumsticks. This first application of sauce will add flavour and help the chicken develop a nice caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Return to Oven and Flip

Return the sauced chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes. Then, remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully flip the chicken legs or drumsticks. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.

Step 5: Second Application of BBQ Sauce

After flipping the chicken, apply another coat of BBQ sauce. Be generous and ensure that all sides of the chicken are well-coated. This second application adds to the flavour and helps build up a nice, thick layer of sauce.

Step 6: Final Baking

Return the chicken to the oven for the final time and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The total baking time, including the initial baking and subsequent applications of sauce, should be around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

To ensure that your chicken is cooked properly, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier meat. Serve your delicious BBQ chicken legs or drumsticks with your favourite sides, such as coleslaw, macaroni salad, or corn on the cob. Enjoy!

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Cooking time

The cooking time for your BBQ chicken legs will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and whether or not you choose to marinate them beforehand.

If you're using a marinade, you should leave the chicken to soak up the flavours for at least 30 minutes, or even as long as eight hours.

When it comes to cooking, most recipes suggest baking the chicken legs in the oven for around 40–45 minutes. However, this will depend on the size of your drumsticks, and you should always check that the juices are running clear before serving. One recipe suggests baking for an hour, turning the chicken halfway through.

To get a good char on your chicken legs, you can finish them off under the grill/broiler for a few minutes.

Baking Time: BBQ Chicken Legs Perfection

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Frequently asked questions

You will need chicken legs/drumsticks, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and barbecue sauce.

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken legs and your oven's temperature. On average, the chicken should be cooked for around 30-40 minutes in an oven preheated to between 350-400°F.

Marinating the chicken is not necessary, but it can enhance the flavor and improve the tenderness of the meat. If you wish to marinate, coat the chicken in olive oil, spices, garlic, and onion, and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

You can use any variety of thick, tomato-based, or mustard-based barbecue sauce. You can also make your own homemade barbecue sauce or use a store-bought option like Sweet Baby Ray's.

The chicken is fully cooked when the juices run clear and its internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

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