BBQ chicken legs are a backyard favorite for good reason-they’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. If you’ve ever wondered, how do I BBQ chicken legs to get that perfect crispy skin and tender meat, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything from prepping your chicken to grilling it just right, with tips on seasoning, cooking times, and sauces. Let’s get grilling!
Why BBQ Chicken Legs?
Chicken legs (or drumsticks) are ideal for BBQ because they stay juicy and tender even with high heat. The dark meat has more fat than chicken breast, which means it’s less likely to dry out. Plus, the skin crisps up beautifully on the grill, giving you that irresistible texture and smoky flavor everyone loves.
What You’ll Need
– Chicken legs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
– Olive oil or another neutral oil
– Salt and pepper
– Your favorite BBQ rub or spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, etc.)
– BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Grill (charcoal or gas)
– Meat thermometer (highly recommended for perfect doneness)
Step-by-Step Guide to BBQ Chicken Legs
1. Prep Your Chicken Legs
Start by patting the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up when grilled. Next, drizzle olive oil over the legs and rub it in to coat evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper, then add your favorite BBQ rub or spice mix. A simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a bit of brown sugar works wonders for flavor and caramelization.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken legs in the rub for at least 2 hours in the fridge, or even overnight. This step is optional but highly recommended.
2. Preheat Your Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high (around 350-450°F). If you’re using charcoal, set it up for indirect heat by piling coals on one side. For gas grills, turn on one side of the burners and leave the other side off. This setup lets you sear the chicken over direct heat and then finish cooking it slowly over indirect heat.
3. Sear Over Direct Heat
Place the chicken legs directly over the hot side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step locks in the juices and gets you those beautiful grill marks.
4. Move to Indirect Heat
Once the legs are nicely seared, move them to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and cook for another 20-25 minutes. This slower cooking helps the chicken cook through without burning the skin.
5. Add BBQ Sauce
Brush your favorite BBQ sauce on the chicken legs. Close the lid and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping and basting with more sauce halfway through. This allows the sauce to caramelize and form a sticky, flavorful glaze.
6. Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken legs are best cooked to about 170°F for juicy, tender meat. This is slightly higher than the 165°F safe minimum but ensures the dark meat is perfectly tender without drying out.
7. Rest Before Serving
Remove the chicken legs from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Legs
– Use wood chips for extra smoky flavor: Adding soaked wood chips like apple, cherry, or pecan to your charcoal can infuse a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with chicken.
– Don’t rush the cooking: Cooking over indirect heat after searing prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
– Keep the lid closed: This traps heat and smoke, cooking the chicken evenly and enhancing flavor.
– Experiment with sauces: Try sweet, tangy, or spicy BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile.
– Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid undercooking or drying out your chicken.
Alternative Cooking Method: Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Legs
If you don’t have a grill, you can still enjoy delicious BBQ chicken legs by baking them in the oven:
– Preheat your oven to 425°F.
– Arrange seasoned chicken legs on a baking sheet.
– Bake for 25 minutes, then brush with BBQ sauce.
– Flip and brush the other side with sauce.
– Bake another 10-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
– For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your BBQ chicken legs with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a fresh green salad. Don’t forget extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!
Mastering how to BBQ chicken legs is easier than you think. With simple prep, the right heat, and a little patience, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Fire up the grill and enjoy!