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A plate of Grilled Chicken Legs with some ears of corn on the cob.
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Grilled Chicken Legs

Juicy, tender Grilled Chicken Legs have the perfect amount of flavor and smokiness. The caramelized bbq sauce takes the flavor over the top!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 348kcal
Author Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ teaspoons light brown sugar packed
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
  • 2 pounds chicken legs
  • ½ cup bbq sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons water

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add 1 1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and ¼ teaspoon ground mustard and stir together well.
    A small mixing bowl with light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and ground mustard.
  • In a large bowl, add 2 pounds chicken legs then sprinkle on the spices and stir to coat all the chicken legs in the spices.
    Seasoned chicken legs in a glass bowl.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to marinate (note: if you are in a time crunch, you can certainly cook them right away without marinating).
  • In a separate bowl, stir together 1/2 cup bbq sauce and 2 Tablespoons water until combined. Set aside.
    Water and bbq mixed together in a mixing bowl.
  • Clean and oil the grates on your grill then preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350F degrees).
  • Place the chicken legs on to the grill, close the lid and allow them cook, turning every few minutes until an internal temperature reaches about 130-140°F. Time will vary depending on the size of the chicken legs, but this should take about 15-20 minutes. Note: keep an eye on the temperature of your grill. If it starts getting too hot, open the grill lid and turn down the heat.
    Seasoned chicken on a grill.
  • Take the BBQ sauce and baste the legs on both sides and continue to cook until an internal temperature reaches at least 165°F about another 10 minutes or until your desired doneness (180-190°F results in fall-off-the-bone meat). I like to rotate the legs every minute or so and baste with the bbq sauce each time so the sauce will caramelize.
    A brush brushing bbq sauce on chicken legs on the grill.
  • Once they reach an internal temperature of 165F degrees, they are done. I look to cook mine a little past 165F since I like them super tender and I like the skin to get darker and a bit crispier.
    A hand holding a Grilled Chicken Leg above the rest.

Notes

  • Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.

Nutrition

Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 21g | Sodium: 769mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g
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