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Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs

Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs
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Sweet Barbecue Chicken Legs feature juicy, tender chicken legs coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and smoky barbecue glaze. This easy-to-make recipe combines brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and spices to create a sticky, caramelized crust, ideal for family dinners or backyard cookouts. The slow marination and careful cooking ensure moist, flavorful meat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 to 6 fresh skin-on chicken legs

Marinade & Glaze

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended. This mixture will provide the sweet and smoky flavor base for the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken Legs: Place the chicken legs into a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
  3. Preheat the Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat to medium heat (about 350°F to 375°F). If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F. Cooking at these temperatures allows for a caramelized crust without drying out the chicken.
  4. Cook the Chicken Legs: Arrange the marinated chicken legs on the grill or oven tray with the skin side down first. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, turning every 7 minutes. While cooking, brush with extra marinade or barbecue sauce to keep the chicken juicy and build a sticky glaze. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken legs from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting redistributes the juices, locking in moisture and enhancing flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Use skin-on chicken legs to lock in moisture and achieve a crispy skin.
  • Marinate for at least 4 hours, with overnight marination being best for deep flavor.
  • Brush extra barbecue sauce during cooking to develop a luscious glaze.
  • When grilling, use indirect heat to avoid flare-ups and prevent charring.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly to 165°F.

Nutrition

Keywords: barbecue chicken legs, sweet barbecue chicken, grilled chicken, sticky chicken legs, BBQ chicken recipe

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