Easy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs: Crispy, Juicy, and Family-Friendly Dinner Recipe

The Ultimate Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner option that’s easy to make yet packed with flavor? These oven baked BBQ chicken legs are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With crispy skin, tender meat, and that irresistible barbecue flavor, these drumsticks deliver all the satisfaction of grilled chicken without needing to fire up the grill!

Why You’ll Love These Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• Budget-friendly: Chicken legs are one of the most economical cuts of meat
• Kid-approved: The sweet and tangy BBQ coating is a hit with picky eaters
• Minimal prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time
• Versatile: Pair with any of your favorite side dishes
• Year-round cooking: Enjoy BBQ flavor regardless of weather or access to a grill

Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Chicken Legs

• 1.5 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 6-8 legs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey for extra sweetness
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Wire rack (optional, but helps create crispier skin)
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes crispy skin.
3. In a large bowl, toss the chicken legs with olive oil until evenly coated.
4. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the chicken legs, making sure they’re evenly coated on all sides.
5. Place the seasoned chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. If using a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet and arrange the chicken on top for crispier results.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with barbecue sauce, turning to coat all sides.
8. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has caramelized.
9. For extra saucy chicken, brush with additional barbecue sauce during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
10. Allow the chicken legs to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the juices redistribute.

Pro Tips for the Best Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs

• Don’t skip the dry rub: The seasoning underneath the BBQ sauce adds depth of flavor
• Line your baking sheet: BBQ sauce can caramelize and burn, making cleanup difficult without foil or parchment
• Apply sauce in stages: Adding BBQ sauce too early can cause it to burn before the chicken is fully cooked
• Use a meat thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is safely cooked to 165°F
• Let them rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking keeps it juicier

Delicious Variations to Try

• Spicy BBQ Legs: Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to your barbecue sauce
• Honey BBQ Legs: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey into your barbecue sauce for extra sweetness
• Smoky BBQ Legs: Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to your sauce for that authentic grilled flavor
• Garlic Parmesan BBQ: Mix 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan and an extra teaspoon of garlic powder into your sauce
• Asian-Inspired: Replace half the BBQ sauce with hoisin sauce and add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger

Perfect Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Legs

• Creamy coleslaw
• Classic potato salad
• Cornbread muffins
• Baked beans
• Mac and cheese
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Garden salad

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: These BBQ chicken legs freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the skin won’t stay as crisp.

Nutritional Information

FAQs About Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs

Why are my BBQ chicken legs not crispy?

To achieve crispy chicken legs in the oven, make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning, cook at a high temperature (400°F), and consider using a wire rack to allow air circulation around the entire drumstick.

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of legs?

Yes! This recipe works wonderfully with bone-in chicken thighs as well. The cooking time may vary slightly, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally.

Can I make these BBQ chicken legs ahead of time?

Yes, you can season the chicken and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. You can also fully cook them and reheat when ready to serve, though they’re best fresh from the oven.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

Use whatever BBQ sauce your family enjoys! Sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy – all work wonderfully. This recipe is a great opportunity to use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade creation.

How do I know when the chicken legs are fully cooked?

The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, not touching the bone.

Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or hosting a casual weekend gathering, these oven baked BBQ chicken legs deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of a savory spice rub and sticky-sweet barbecue sauce creates an irresistible dish that everyone will love!

Recipe adapted from: AllRecipes Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks