Easy BBQ Chicken Legs in Oven: Crispy, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

Crispy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Legs with Homemade Sauce

Looking for a foolproof way to make bbq chicken legs in the oven that turn out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside? This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort! Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these baked drumsticks feature a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love These Oven BBQ Chicken Legs

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking chicken legs with barbecue sauce in the oven. The meat becomes tender and juicy while the skin crisps up beautifully. Plus, you’ll avoid the hassle of outdoor grilling while still enjoying that classic BBQ flavor!

This recipe uses a two-stage cooking method that ensures:

• Perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time
• Crispy, caramelized skin with that BBQ sauce glaze
• Easy cleanup with a foil-lined baking sheet
• A foolproof dinner option that even cooking beginners can master

Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Chicken Legs in Oven

• 1.5 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 6-8 drumsticks)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup high-quality BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra caramelization)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Rimmed baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer
• Small mixing bowl
• Basting brush

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking BBQ Chicken Legs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes crispy skin.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to create a seasoning paste.
4. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the drumsticks, ensuring they’re evenly coated on all sides.
5. Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
7. While the chicken is baking, if using, mix the BBQ sauce with honey and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
8. After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the BBQ sauce mixture, coating all sides.
9. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has caramelized.
10. For extra saucy chicken legs, brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
11. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Pro Tips for the Best Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Legs

• Pat dry before seasoning: Removing excess moisture helps achieve crispier skin.
• Don’t rush the cooking: The two-stage baking process allows the chicken to cook through before adding sauce, preventing burnt BBQ sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken every time, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Line your baking sheet: BBQ sauce can be sticky and hard to clean – aluminum foil makes cleanup a breeze.
• Adjust the heat: If you like spicier chicken, add more cayenne pepper to your BBQ sauce mixture.
• Try different sauces: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors like honey BBQ, spicy, or smoky varieties.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Legs

These oven-baked barbecue chicken legs pair beautifully with classic BBQ sides:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Baked beans
• Cornbread muffins
• Mac and cheese
• Potato salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garden salad
• Corn on the cob

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover baked BBQ chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat:

• Oven method: Place on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave method: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Nutrition Information

FAQ About BBQ Chicken Legs in Oven

How long does it take to cook chicken legs in the oven at 400°F?

Chicken legs typically take 35-45 minutes to cook at 400°F. For this BBQ chicken recipe, we bake for 25 minutes first, then add sauce and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Should I cover chicken legs when baking in the oven?

No, it’s best to leave them uncovered to allow the skin to crisp up. If they’re browning too quickly, you can loosely tent with foil.

How do I know when the chicken legs are done?

The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). The meat should also pull away from the bone easily, and the juices should run clear.

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

Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs work great with this recipe. The cooking time will be similar, but always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer.

Can I prepare these BBQ chicken legs ahead of time?

You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add the BBQ sauce as directed during cooking.

These bbq chicken legs in the oven are a game-changer for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. With minimal prep and mostly hands-off cooking time, you’ll have deliciously sticky, perfectly cooked chicken that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try next time you’re craving that classic BBQ flavor but want to stay indoors!

Recipe inspired by AllRecipes’ Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks