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Barbecue Chicken Legs Recipe
Barbecue Chicken Legs are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a family weekend dinner. This recipe focuses on baking the chicken legs in the oven, slathered with a rich, homemade barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, giving you that perfect sticky, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor. Here’s how to make them:
Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken Legs
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Homemade Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 tablespoons honey or molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Rub each leg with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Barbecue Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all the sauce ingredients. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Coat the Chicken:
- Brush the chicken legs with a generous amount of barbecue sauce, covering all sides. Reserve some sauce for basting during cooking and for serving.
5. Bake:
- Arrange the chicken legs on the prepared wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven, baste with more barbecue sauce, then return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is caramelized and sticky. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the barbecue chicken legs with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delicious barbecue chicken legs with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or potato salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Tips for Perfect Barbecue Chicken Legs:
- Marinating: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken legs in some of the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Broiling for Extra Caramelization: If you prefer a more charred exterior, broil the chicken legs for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
Enjoy your oven-baked barbecue chicken legs, a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any barbecue craving!