Easy BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill

Easy BBQ Chicken Legs the Whole Family Will Love

There’s something about the sizzle of chicken legs on a grill that instantly makes you think of summer. As someone who loves grilling, I’ve found that BBQ chicken legs are a surefire way to please a crowd. They’re juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just craving some delicious grilled food, this recipe will guide you through the process of making the perfect BBQ chicken legs on the grill.

Why Chicken Legs?

Chicken legs are a great choice for grilling because they’re naturally moist and flavorful. The dark meat stays tender even when cooked over high heat, and the skin crisps up beautifully, adding a delicious texture. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Equipment Used:

• Grill
• Charcoal Chimney- lighting charcoal without fluid
• Meat Thermometer
• Charcoal
• Mixing Bowl
• Grilling Tray for Transport
• Tongs

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering BBQ chicken legs:

• 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: Start by making a simple marinade that will infuse the chicken with flavor. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken legs to the bowl, making sure they’re fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you have the time, let it marinate overnight to really allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat the Grill: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of around 375°F to 400°F. This will give you the perfect balance of cooking the chicken through while achieving a nice char on the outside.
4. Grill the Chicken Legs: Place the marinated chicken legs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, turning occasionally to avoid burning. You want to get a nice sear on all sides.
5. Baste with BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken legs are almost done, start basting them with your favorite BBQ sauce. Brush the sauce generously over each leg, then continue grilling for another 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and stick to the chicken, giving it that signature BBQ flavor.
6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If the chicken isn’t quite there yet, move it to a cooler part of the grill and cover it, letting it cook through without burning the sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken legs are perfectly cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more flavorful. Serve them hot off the grill with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Legs

• Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked through without being dry.
• Don’t Rush the Marinating: The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor. If possible, marinate overnight.
• Keep the Grill Lid Closed: This helps maintain a consistent temperature and cooks the chicken more evenly.
• Higher Temp is Better: Cooking at a higher temp than just smoking will ensure your skin doesn’t get too rubbery, and crisps up instead. So even if you decide to smoke the legs first, finish them at a higher temperature for a better texture.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Legs?

These BBQ chicken legs are fantastic on their own, but if you’re looking to make it a full meal, consider pairing them with some classic sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, a vegetable skewer, or potato salad. For a refreshing beverage, try serving iced tea or a cold beer.

This recipe has become a staple at my summer cookouts, and I’m sure it will be at yours too. The combination of juicy chicken, smoky char, and sweet BBQ sauce is unbeatable. Happy grilling!

Print Pin

Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs

Chicken legs on the grill for any occasion, sauced with a bbq sauce.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword bbq, chicken, grill

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 400kcal

Equipment

• 1 Grill
• 1 Tongs
• 1 Serving Tray
• 1 Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

• – **8 chicken legs** drumsticks
• – **1/4 cup olive oil**
• – **2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar**
• – **3 cloves garlic minced**
• – **1 tablespoon smoked paprika**
• – **1 teaspoon onion powder**
• – **1 teaspoon garlic powder**
• – **1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper** optional, for a bit of heat
• – **Salt and black pepper to taste**
• – **1 cup BBQ sauce** your favorite brand or homemade

Instructions

• **Prepare the Marinade:** Start by making a simple marinade that will infuse the chicken with flavor. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
• **Marinate the Chicken:** Add the chicken legs to the bowl, making sure they’re fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you have the time, let it marinate overnight to really allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
• **Preheat the Grill:** When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of around 375°F to 400°F. This will give you the perfect balance of cooking the chicken through while achieving a nice char on the outside.
• **Grill the Chicken Legs:** Place the marinated chicken legs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, turning occasionally to avoid burning. You want to get a nice sear on all sides.
• **Baste with BBQ Sauce:** Once the chicken legs are almost done, start basting them with your favorite BBQ sauce. Brush the sauce generously over each leg, then continue grilling for another 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and stick to the chicken, giving it that signature BBQ flavor.
• **Check for Doneness:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If the chicken isn’t quite there yet, move it to a cooler part of the grill and cover it, letting it cook through without burning the sauce.
• **Serve and Enjoy:** Once the chicken legs are perfectly cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more flavorful. Serve them hot off the grill with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Legs

– **Use a Meat Thermometer:** It’s the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked through without being dry.
– **Don’t Rush the Marinating:** The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor. If possible, marinate overnight.
– **Keep the Grill Lid Closed:** This helps maintain a consistent temperature and cooks the chicken more evenly.