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–+ servings

Crispy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Legs with Homemade Sauce

Delicious, juicy BBQ chicken legs baked in the oven to crispy perfection with a sticky, caramelized BBQ sauce coating. Easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 725
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  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.

Nutrition

Calories: 725kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 44gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 184mgSodium: 2236mgFiber: 1g
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