Tender Grilled Chicken Legs

Juicy grilled chicken legs are a perfect go to for a flavorful and satisfying meal that is as affordable as it is delicious. This recipe balances smokiness with the sweet tang of caramelized BBQ sauce, making each bite a treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you are feeding a family or prepping for the week ahead, these chicken legs are a crowd pleaser that play nicely with a variety of side dishes.

I remember the first time I grilled these legs during a warm summer evening. The smell had neighbors stopping by to ask for the recipe and ever since, this has become my go to when I want something easy but impressive for dinner.

Ingredients

• Light brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness and helps with caramelization Choose a soft packed variety for best results
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Garlic powder and onion powder give a savory depth to the seasoning blend Go for fresh and aroma rich powders
• Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika lends a subtle smoky note Opt for Spanish smoked paprika for authenticity
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning Always use kosher or sea salt for balanced flavor
• Ground mustard: Ground mustard adds a gentle tang and warmth Pick a quality dry mustard with bold flavor
• Chicken legs: Chicken legs should be fresh and thawed thoroughly Soaking up the marinade better when completely dry before cooking
• BBQ sauce: BBQ sauce brings that sticky, sweet, and smoky finish Use your favorite storebought brand or homemade for a personalized touch
• Water: Water helps thin out the BBQ sauce, making it easier to baste evenly

Instructions

Spoon and mix the spice blend:

In a small bowl combine the light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard until well mixed ensuring the flavors marry well for that perfect rub

Coat and marinate the chicken legs:

Transfer the chicken legs to a large bowl then sprinkle the spice blend over all the pieces making sure each leg is thoroughly coated Use your hands or tongs to mix everything together cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours This step is optional but highly recommended for a deeper flavor

Prepare the BBQ basting sauce:

In a separate bowl stir together the BBQ sauce and water until fully combined The water will thin the sauce helping it spread evenly over the chicken during grilling Allow this to sit while you prepare the grill

Heat the grill and clean the grates:

Preheat your grill to medium heat approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking This step is crucial for beautiful grill marks and clean release of the chicken legs

Grill the chicken legs initially:

Place the chicken legs directly on the hot grill close the lid and cook turning every few minutes until they reach an internal temperature of about 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit This should take around 15 to 20 minutes but monitor your grill temperature carefully to avoid flare ups

Baste with BBQ sauce and finish cooking:

Use a basting brush to coat the chicken legs liberally on both sides with the thinned BBQ sauce Continue grilling and turn frequently basting every minute or so to build up a caramelized glaze Cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit For extra tenderness cook until 180 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit for falloffthebone results

Rest and serve:

Once your chicken legs reach the desired temperature remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes This helps redistribute the juices ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful Enjoy hot off the grill with your favorite sides

All my family notices this subtle flavor and often asks what gives it that special touch.

Storage Tips

Store leftover grilled chicken legs in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and flavor For freezing wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer safe container to prevent freezer burn When reheating use a foil packet with a splash of water in the oven to keep the chicken moist

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have smoked paprika plain paprika works but the smoky hint will be missing adding a drop of liquid smoke can help Use any favorite BBQ sauce if you want to customize the flavor profile from sweet to spicy or tangy For a gluten free option ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten free as many store bought brands contain additives with gluten

Serving Suggestions

Serve grilled chicken legs alongside fresh summer salads grilled corn on the cob or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal Shred leftover chicken to use as a protein topping for green salads or in tortillas with fresh salsa and avocado for casual wraps Pair with a crisp cold beer or a refreshing iced tea for an ideal summer cookout vibe

Enjoy these grilled chicken legs hot off the grill with your favorite sides. They’re great for weeknight meals or summer cookouts.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Do grilled chicken legs dry out easily?

Dark meat in chicken legs retains moisture better than white meat, so they stay juicy even with longer cooking times.

→ Is marinating necessary before grilling?

Marinating enhances flavor but isn’t required. A dry rub applied just before grilling works well too.

→ Can chicken breasts or thighs be used instead?

Yes, though cooking times should be adjusted to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How to prevent chicken from cooking too fast on the grill?

Use one side of the grill as a cooler zone by turning off the heat there, allowing you to move chicken if it cooks too quickly.

→ Is it safe to add BBQ sauce while grilling?

Add sauce carefully to avoid flare-ups from sugars. Move chicken to cooler grill areas if flare-ups occur.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What’s the best way to reheat grilled chicken legs?

Wrap legs in foil with a splash of water and warm in the oven to retain moisture without drying out.