Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs

Easy to make BBQ chicken in the oven! These Baked BBQ Chicken Legs are fully cooked in the oven but taste just like you spent time cooking on a grill.

Perfect for dinner any time of the year!

BBQ Chicken Legs in Oven

Baked BBQ Chicken Legs are an easy and delicious meal that my family loves. I bake the chicken first to ensure it's perfectly cooked through and juicy, and then I add the BBQ sauce for that irresistible tangy glaze. It’s a simple process that results in flavorful, tender chicken with a crispy finish.

My top tips for perfectly baked BBQ chicken legs:

• Pat the chicken dry. Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken legs dry to help the skin get crispy in the oven.
• Bake on a rack. For the best results, bake the chicken legs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, making it crispy on all sides.
• Bake the chicken first. Bake the chicken until it’s fully cooked before adding the BBQ sauce to prevent burning the sauce and to get crispy skin.
• Generously coat with sauce. Once the chicken is baked, brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce on each leg, then bake for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.

This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal. The chicken is juicy on the inside and beautifully glazed on the outside.

Baked BBQ Chicken Legs Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks - you could also use chicken thighs, but the baking time will increase
• BBQ sauce - make your own BBQ sauce or purchase from the store
• Salt and pepper

How to make BBQ Drumsticks in Oven

1. Sprinkle drumsticks with salt and pepper
2. Place on a greased baking rack over a baking sheet
3. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 35-45 minutes or until 185°F and the skin is crispy

4. Brush all sides of each drumstick with BBQ sauce and return to oven for 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened and just beginning to brown
5. Rest chicken for 5-10 minutes before serving

Tips for BBQ Chicken Drumsticks in Oven

• Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This is optional but does help make cleanup a bit easier.
• Be certain to lightly spray the baking rack with a nonstick spray
• If a baking rack isn't available, just cook directly on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be certain to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Flip halfway through cooking time once the BBQ sauce is added. You want the top to be crisp and avoid the bottom from burning.
• Chicken drumsticks vary in size. This affects the cooking time. For best results use an instant-read thermometer to determine if the chicken is cooked through.
• Cook chicken to 185-195°F. Chicken legs benefit from a higher temperature than chicken breasts. The higher temperature helps break down the connective tissue resulting in more tender chicken.
• Packages of chicken drumsticks are often sold partially frozen. Be certain to fully thaw before baking.

How to store Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs

• Caesar salad
• Couscous salad
• Baked beans
• Homemade dinner rolls
• Easy Pasta Salad

You'll also want to check out What to Serve With BBQ Chicken for more delicious side dishes.

How to store Baked BBQ Chicken Legs

Store leftover legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To use, eat cold or heat in a microwave for 1 minute.

Can I freeze baked chicken legs?

Yes, these BBQ chicken legs can be frozen. Store in a freezer-safe container. They are best used within 3 months.

Thaw and then reheat. Additional BBQ sauce may be needed before reheating the drumsticks.

More delicious chicken dishes

• Baked apricot chicken
• Oven baked chicken thighs
• Pesto chicken sandwich
• Cast iron chicken thighs
• Green chile chicken and rice
• Creamy chicken orzo
• Chicken salad
• Chicken sheet pan dinner

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Be certain to check out all my delicious main dish recipes!