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Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs

Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs
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This Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken legs coated in a sticky-sweet, smoky glaze. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and flexible cooking methods—grill, oven, or smoker—this dish features a balanced marinade blending sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that caramelize beautifully on the outside while keeping the meat moist and flavorful inside. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 fresh chicken legs, skin-on
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Barbecue Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Optionally, brine them in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes to enhance juiciness. Rinse and dry again before seasoning.
  2. Make the Barbecue Sauce: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth. Set half the sauce aside for basting during cooking.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Thoroughly coat the chicken legs with half of the barbecue sauce, making sure every part is covered. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best flavor.
  4. Cook the Chicken Legs: Preheat your grill or oven to medium heat (about 375°F/190°C). Place the chicken legs on the grill or a baking tray and cook for 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste with the reserved sauce every 10 minutes to build layers of caramelized glaze.
  5. Finish with a Glaze: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, apply a generous final coat of sauce and increase the heat slightly to achieve a sticky, glossy finish. Remove the chicken, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
  • Rest chicken after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
  • Keep the lid closed on the grill to retain heat and smoke for better flavor.
  • Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs, BBQ Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Barbecue Sauce, Juicy Chicken Legs

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/sweet-barbecue-chicken-legs/