Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs

Nothing says summer like a plate of Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs hot off the grill. These juicy drumsticks are coated in a homemade BBQ sauce that’s the perfect blend of sweet and smoky, thanks to the mix of honey, brown sugar, and a touch of liquid smoke. Grilled to perfection, they come out irresistibly tender with a deliciously caramelized exterior.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, planning a casual family dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, these barbecue chicken legs are a crowd-pleaser. Pair them with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled veggies for a complete summer feast. Get ready to fire up the grill and enjoy a finger-licking, flavor-packed meal!

Full Recipe:

For the Sweet Barbecue Sauce:

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup honey
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp liquid smoke (hickory flavor)
  • ½ tsp coarse sea salt
  • ¼ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
  • (Optional) ½ tbsp white sugar

For the Chicken & Spice Rub:

  • 4-5 lbs chicken legs
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt
  • ½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
  • Juice from ½ a lemon (about 1 ½ tbsp)
  • ¾ cup Sweet Barbecue Sauce
  • Additional Sweet Barbecue Sauce for serving

Directions:

  1. Make the BBQ Sauce: In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke, sea salt, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry. In a bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken legs evenly with the spice mix.
  3. Marinate: Squeeze lemon juice over the seasoned chicken and mix well. Let sit for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to 400-425°F.
  5. Grill the Chicken:
    • Place the chicken legs directly over the flame. Grill for 5 minutes per side (total 10 minutes).
    • Flip to the third side and baste with barbecue sauce. Grill for another 5 minutes.
    • Flip to the fourth side, baste again, and grill for 5 more minutes.
  6. Rest & Serve: Remove from the grill and cover with foil for 5 minutes. Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Resting Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6-8 servings

Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs – A Summer Grilling Essential

Barbecue season is here, and there’s nothing quite like the smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor of Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs straight from the grill. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, preparing a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or simply craving classic barbecue flavors, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly caramelized glaze.

Grilling chicken legs is one of the easiest ways to create a delicious meal with minimal effort. Thanks to the combination of a homemade sweet barbecue sauce and a simple spice rub, these chicken legs come out flavorful and succulent every time. The homemade sauce combines the deep richness of brown sugar and honey with a hint of smoky depth from liquid smoke and smoked paprika, ensuring every bite is packed with mouthwatering flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

There are countless ways to make barbecue chicken, but this recipe stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and savory. The combination of the spice rub and the homemade sauce creates layers of flavor that build throughout the grilling process. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

  • Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The homemade sauce incorporates natural sweeteners like honey and brown sugar, which complement the tanginess of apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. This creates a full-bodied flavor without being overwhelmingly sweet.
  • Smoky Depth: The addition of liquid smoke and smoked paprika enhances the grilled taste, making the chicken even more flavorful.
  • Caramelized Glaze: As the barbecue sauce is applied during grilling, it caramelizes beautifully, giving the chicken legs a glossy, slightly sticky exterior that’s packed with flavor.
  • Tender and Juicy Texture: The combination of the spice rub, lemon juice, and slow grilling process ensures the meat remains moist and tender inside while achieving a crispy, slightly charred crust on the outside.
  • Versatile Cooking Method: While this recipe is designed for grilling, the chicken legs can also be baked in the oven or cooked in an air fryer for an alternative approach.

The Secret to Flavorful Barbecue Chicken

One of the key components of this recipe is the spice rub. Before the chicken even hits the grill, it is coated with a mixture of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This not only seasons the meat but also forms a flavorful base that enhances the barbecue sauce later in the cooking process.

Another crucial step is allowing the chicken to sit with the spice rub and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This brief marination helps the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned and juicy.

Tips for Grilling Perfect Chicken Legs

Achieving the perfect barbecue chicken legs requires a few key techniques. Follow these grilling tips to ensure your chicken turns out just right every time:

  • Preheat Your Grill Properly: Before placing the chicken on the grill, make sure it has reached a temperature of 400-425°F. This allows for a nice sear while preventing the meat from drying out.
  • Cook in Rotations: Since chicken legs are rounded, turning them four times ensures even cooking and proper caramelization of the barbecue sauce.
  • Baste Gradually: Rather than adding all the sauce at once, baste in layers while flipping the chicken. This helps build up a rich glaze without burning the sugars in the sauce.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing it from the grill.
  • Let the Chicken Rest: Covering the grilled chicken with foil for about 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

These Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs pair wonderfully with a variety of classic barbecue sides. Here are some delicious accompaniments to round out your meal:

  • Grilled Corn on the Cob: The natural sweetness of corn complements the smoky barbecue flavors beautifully.
  • Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, caramelized chicken.
  • Baked Beans: The deep, savory sweetness of baked beans enhances the barbecue experience.
  • Garlic Butter Cornbread: A slice of moist, slightly sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up extra barbecue sauce.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Grilled or roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add a light, nutritious touch.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Although grilling is the preferred method for this recipe, you can still enjoy these barbecue chicken legs without a grill.

  • Oven-Baked: Preheat the oven to 400°F, place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil, and bake for about 35-40 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce in the last 15 minutes.
  • Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through and adding the barbecue sauce in the last 10 minutes.
  • Slow Cooker: For extra tender barbecue chicken, place the legs in a slow cooker with a bit of barbecue sauce and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Finish under the broiler for a caramelized exterior.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, these Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs store well and taste just as delicious the next day.

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Place cooked chicken legs in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Add extra barbecue sauce before reheating for the best flavor.

Conclusion

These Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs are an easy and flavorful addition to any summer meal. The balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, combined with a simple grilling technique, makes them a go-to dish for any barbecue enthusiast. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard cookout, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

Try pairing them with your favorite sides, experiment with different spice blends, or even try baking them if grilling isn’t an option. No matter how you prepare them, these barbecue chicken legs will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

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