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Baked BBQ chicken legs on a cooling rack and on plates with corn on the cob and roasted carrots

Baked BBQ Chicken Legs

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These oven-baked chicken legs are coated in a homemade sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, making a delicious, family-friendly meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 pounds chicken legs)

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup organic ketchup

  • 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Chicken Legs

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 2 pounds chicken legs

  • Additional BBQ sauce for basting, if desired

Instructions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Cool the sauce. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the BBQ sauce to cool. Transfer to an airtight container if preparing ahead.

  4. Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 375°F.

  5. Season the chicken. Place the chicken legs in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt.

  6. 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.

  7. Prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a baking rack on top.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest briefly before serving with additional BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Marinate for flavor: The 30-minute marinade helps the BBQ sauce season the chicken before baking.

  • Use a baking rack: Elevating the chicken allows hot air to circulate around the legs for more even roasting.

  • Keep sauce separate: Set aside fresh BBQ sauce for basting and serving before adding any sauce to raw chicken.

  • 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.

  • Check each piece: Chicken legs can vary in size, so check the temperature of several pieces rather than relying only on cooking time.

  • Author: Miks
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Marinate: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American

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One Potato is a community and newsletter written by real people who are parents, having real conversations about our families, cooking traditions, and cultures. We are passionate about raising healthy and happy kids while navigating the challenges of picky eaters, dietary restrictions, busy schedules, and daily life.