Introduction
Grilled barbecue chicken legs are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer cookouts and gatherings. The combination of smoky grilled chicken and tangy barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a tasty meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
To make grilled barbecue chicken legs, you will need the following ingredients:
– Chicken legs: 8 pieces
– Barbecue sauce: 1 cup
– Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
– Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
– Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
– Paprika: 1 teaspoon
– Salt: 1 teaspoon
– Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Steps
Follow these steps to prepare and grill your barbecue chicken legs:
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken legs in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 3: Preheat the grill
Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice char on the outside.
Step 4: Grill the chicken
Remove the chicken legs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken legs and the heat of your grill, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 5: Baste with barbecue sauce
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken legs with additional barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor and create a sticky glaze. Flip the chicken and baste the other side as well.
Variations
While the classic grilled barbecue chicken legs are delicious on their own, you can also experiment with different flavors and variations to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
Spicy Barbecue Chicken Legs
If you like some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade. This will give your chicken legs a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the smoky barbecue flavors.
Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Legs
For a tangy and sweet twist, mix together equal parts honey and Dijon mustard. Brush this glaze over the chicken legs during the last few minutes of grilling for a sticky and flavorful coating.
Asian-Inspired Barbecue Chicken Legs
Add some Asian flair to your barbecue chicken legs by incorporating ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil into the marinade. This will give your chicken a savory and umami-packed taste.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure that your grilled barbecue chicken legs turn out perfectly:
Use indirect heat
To prevent the chicken from burning, it’s best to use indirect heat on the grill. This means placing the chicken legs away from the direct flames or heat source. This allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly without charring too quickly.
Let the chicken rest
After grilling, allow the chicken legs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
Monitor the grill temperature
Keep an eye on the temperature of your grill throughout the cooking process. If the grill gets too hot, the chicken legs may burn on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
Conclusion
Grilled barbecue chicken legs are a classic and crowd-pleasing dish that never fails to impress. With their smoky flavor and juicy meat, they are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or gathering. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different variations, these chicken legs are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a finger-licking good meal!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken legs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken legs if you prefer. However, keep in mind that bone-in chicken legs tend to be more flavorful and juicy.
Can I grill the chicken legs in the oven instead?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still enjoy delicious barbecue chicken legs by baking them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the chicken legs for about 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I use barbecue rub instead of marinade?
Yes, you can use a barbecue rub instead of a marinade if you prefer. Simply coat the chicken legs with the dry rub and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse the meat with the flavors of the rub and create a delicious crust.
Grilled Barbecue Chicken Legs
Delicious and flavorful grilled barbecue chicken legs that are perfect for summer cookouts and gatherings. The combination of smoky grilled chicken and tangy barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken legs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
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In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
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Place chicken legs in a large ziplock bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coat each piece thoroughly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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Remove chicken legs from marinade, place on the grill, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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During the last few minutes of grilling, brush chicken legs with additional barbecue sauce to create a sticky glaze.
