Ingredients
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1 cup organic ketchup
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1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
For the Chicken Legs
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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2 pounds chicken legs
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Additional BBQ sauce for basting, if desired
Instructions
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Prepare the BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and paprika.
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Simmer until thickened. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Cool the sauce. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the BBQ sauce to cool. Transfer to an airtight container if preparing ahead.
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Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 375°F.
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Season the chicken. Place the chicken legs in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt.
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Coat and marinate. Add 1/2 cup of the cooled BBQ sauce and toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a baking rack on top.
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Arrange the chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange the legs on the rack in a single layer. Discard any marinade that has touched raw chicken.
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Bake. Roast for approximately 45 minutes, basting with fresh BBQ sauce if desired. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken legs.
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Check for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the thickest part of each chicken leg reaches 165°F, avoiding contact with the bone. If needed, continue baking until fully cooked.
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Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest briefly before serving with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
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Marinate for flavor: The 30-minute marinade helps the BBQ sauce season the chicken before baking.
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Use a baking rack: Elevating the chicken allows hot air to circulate around the legs for more even roasting.
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Keep sauce separate: Set aside fresh BBQ sauce for basting and serving before adding any sauce to raw chicken.
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Avoid burning: The brown sugar in the sauce can caramelize quickly. If the chicken browns too much before it is cooked through, loosely cover it with foil.
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Check each piece: Chicken legs can vary in size, so check the temperature of several pieces rather than relying only on cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American