I'll show you exactly how to make BBQ Chicken Legs in the oven with an easy homemade smokey barbecue sauce. These oven-baked drumsticks are irresistible!
This recipe will show you how to make baked chicken legs in the oven, slathered in a super quick homemade bbq sauce. Make them even quicker with a store bought barbecue sauce.
Chicken legs are an easy protein to work with and can be made in a variety of ways. However, one of the simplest (and tastiest) ways to prepare them is by baking them in the oven. This method is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavor of BBQ chicken without having to stand over a grill.
This recipe is made with a homemade BBQ sauce that is easy to assemble and contains ingredients you may already have on hand!
Season the chicken drumsticks and add them to a baking dish. Pour the barbeque sauce on top and let the chicken bake until it's tender and cooked through on the inside.
The result is perfectly good barbeque drumsticks that you can serve with any side dish! Serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal!
Try these chicken legs in the oven alongside KFC Macaroni Salad, Easy Roasted Beets, or Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice (copycat).
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Why Make This Recipe
Chicken drumsticks are an inexpensive cut of chicken making this dish budget-friendly.
The BBQ sauce is easy to make and gives the chicken a sweet and smoky flavor. Feel free to use store bought barbecue sauce instead!
Cooking the chicken legs in the oven with a cover results in a juicy tender meat that isn't dry.
The bbq drumsticks can be served as a main course with any side, or as a high protein snack.
Ingredients
- Chicken Legs - You can find chicken legs fresh or frozen in the meat or frozen section of the grocery store. They are fairly inexpensive compared to other cuts of chicken.
- Salt and Pepper - Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Butter - Cubed butter gets added on top of the chicken to keep the meat tender, moist, and buttery.
For the homemade BBQ sauce:
- Ketchup - Gives the sauce a naturally sweet flavor and savory tomato taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Adds a tangy kick to the sauce giving it some sour notes.
- Brown Sugar - Adds a sweet molasses flavor to the sauce and helps thicken it up.
- Worcestershire Sauce - Adds salty umami flavor to this homemade BBQ sauce.
- Smoked paprika - for that great smokey flavor.
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.
Instructions
Wondering how to make this BBQ Chicken Legs In The Oven recipe? It's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375F. Get out a rimmed baking dish and set it aside.
Make the BBQ sauce: Add the sauce ingredients to a small pot. Turn the heat to medium and whisk together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then back down to a simmer for 5 minutes making sure to stir regularly. Turn the heat off after 5 minutes.
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper on all sides, then place the chicken in the baking dish. Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the top, then add the cubed butter to the top the chicken.
Bake the chicken legs: Cover the baking dish with foil, so no air escapes. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is lightly browned and golden. Enjoy!
Cook's Tips
To keep the chicken and the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the baking dish, add a layer of parchment paper or cooking spray.
You can use any type of BBQ sauce you like for this recipe, whether it's store-bought or homemade. However, I highly recommend making the sauce from scratch! It's so easy to do and takes this dish to the next level.
If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the sauce and chicken up to a day in advance. Store them both in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
If you want extra crispy skin on your chicken, broil on high for a minute or two at the end of cooking. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn!
The safe internal temperature for chicken legs is 165F. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through before removing from the oven.
Chicken safety: Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after handling raw chicken. Before serving, ensure the chicken is piping hot and thoroughly cooked, juices run clear and no pink color remains.
How long to cook chicken legs in oven
It takes about 30-35 minutes to bake chicken drumsticks at 375F. This also depends on how thick they are.
The safe internal temperature for chicken legs is 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through.
Variations
For a spicier sauce, add in cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the sauce while it's simmering.
For a sweeter sauce, add in more brown sugar or honey.
You can also use this recipe with chicken thighs! Just adjust the cook time accordingly since they are a bit thicker than chicken legs.
Try seasoning the chicken with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder.
If you don't have butter on hand, you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
Storage & Freezing
Cooled BBQ chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
You can also freeze the chicken legs for up to three months. I recommend freezing them without the sauce so you can thaw and choose your own sauce when you're ready to eat them. Simply place the chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 30 minutes. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and bake at 375F until heated through. Or, reheat from frozen using the microwave or stovetop.
FAQs
You can reheat chicken legs in the oven, microwave, or stovetop. I prefer the oven because it helps crisp the skin and keep the meat juicy. However, the microwave is faster if you're short on time.
It takes about 30-35 minutes to bake chicken drumsticks at 375F. This also depends on how thick they are.
Yes, you can! Just cook at 400F for 20 minutes, flipping once. Then, brush on the sauce and cook for another minute or two.
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📖 Recipe
BBQ Chicken Legs In Oven
Equipment
- Bowl
- Baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
For the homemade BBQ sauce
- 5 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the chicken
- 2 ½ pounds chicken legs (approx 8)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Add the BBQ sauce ingredients to a small pot over a medium heat. Stir and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Place the chicken legs into a baking dish and season with the salt and pepper.Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken drumsticks, then add the cubes of butter.
- Cover the dish with foil or a lid and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil or lid and bake for a further 10-15 minutes or until golden and lightly browned.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Rosemary
What a simple and delicious way to make drumsticks. I usually bake them in the oven as well, though I do like your idea of using apple cider and brown sugar. Thanks for that twist to my standard salt, pepper, and paprika seasoning. Cheers!
Claudette
I love easy recipes and this is a new favorite! Soooo easy.