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5 from 1 vote

The Best Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Legs

The Best Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Legs are juicy, tender, and full of smoky-sweet flavor. They’re baked to perfection with a sticky BBQ glaze. Easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or cookout!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy Baked BBQ Chicken, Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Legs
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 465kcal
Author: George - U Keep Cooking

Equipment

  • Large Baking Sheet Pan
  • Wire Rack
  • Sauce Brush
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • 5 lbs Chicken Legs (chicken leg family pack 10-12 drumsticks)
  • 3 tablespoons Avocado Oil (rub all over the chicken legs)

Chicken Rub Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Thyme
  • Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce ( I used Sweet Baby Rays)

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top if you want crispier skin.
  • Prep the Chicken: Pat the 5 lbs. of chicken legs dry with paper towels to help the skin get crispy. Place them in a large bowl or on a tray.
  • Rub with Oil: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of avocado oil over the chicken legs and rub it all over to coat them evenly.
  • Mix the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together-- 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp dried thyme, Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mix all over the oiled chicken legs. Rub it in with your hands to make sure every piece is coated well.
    **Pro Tip: I like to pour the spices into an empty spice shaker. This way no spices are wasted and can be used another day if anything is left over.
  • Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F inside and the skin is crisp.
  • Add BBQ Sauce: Take the chicken out of the oven and brush each piece with Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (or your favorite kind). Be generous—it should be nice and saucy!
  • Return to the Oven: Pop the chicken back in the oven for 10 more minutes, or until the BBQ sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
  • Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Grab some napkins and dig in—these are sticky, juicy, and packed with flavor!

Nutrition

Calories: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 522mg | Potassium: 478mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1212IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg