12 Delicious BBQ Chicken Leg Recipes: Sweet, Spicy, and Smoky Flavors

12 Delicious BBQ Chicken Leg Recipes: Sweet, Spicy, and Smoky Flavors – these finger-licking good dishes will transform your next cookout into an unforgettable feast. There’s something magical about perfectly grilled chicken legs – that crispy, caramelized skin giving way to juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat infused with bold barbecue flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, planning a casual family dinner, or just craving that perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and smoky, we’ve got you covered with these mouthwatering recipes.

From classic sticky-sweet barbecue glazes to fiery chili-rubbed versions and everything in between, each recipe brings its own unique twist to this crowd-pleasing favorite. Imagine sinking your teeth into honey-glazed drumsticks with a hint of garlic, or spicy jerk-style legs with a Caribbean kick. Maybe you’ll go for the deep, rich flavors of coffee-rubbed chicken or the tangy zip of a mustard-based barbecue sauce.

We’ve included foolproof techniques for grilling, baking, and even smoking chicken legs to perfection, plus pro tips for getting that ideal crispy skin every time. These recipes work whether you’re using a charcoal grill, gas grill, oven, or smoker – so you can enjoy amazing BBQ chicken legs no matter what equipment you have. Get ready to fire up the grill and discover your new favorite way to prepare this budget-friendly, always-delicious cut of meat. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Leg Drumsticks

Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Leg Drumsticks bring a delightful twist to your grilling game. The rich, smoky flavor of bourbon combined with the sweetness of BBQ sauce creates a perfect balance that’s sure to please any crowd. Plus, these drumsticks are simple to make, making them ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.

The marinade is where the magic happens, infusing the chicken with a deep, flavorful kick. With just a few ingredients and some grilling time, you can serve up a plateful of these juicy, tender drumsticks that are sure to impress!

Cayenne Pepper and Brown Sugar Chicken Legs

Get ready for a flavor-packed dish with these cayenne pepper and brown sugar chicken legs! The combination of spicy cayenne and sweet brown sugar creates a delicious balance that will satisfy your taste buds. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.

Smoky and sweet, these chicken legs are not only easy to prepare but also a great crowd-pleaser. Just mix the ingredients, coat the chicken, and let the grill do the work. Enjoy the crispy skin and juicy meat at your next gathering!

Ingredients

• 4-6 chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the olive oil over the chicken legs, then coat them with the spice mixture.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juiciness.

Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Legs

Maple mustard glazed chicken legs bring together a delightful balance of sweetness and tang. The maple syrup adds a rich sweetness, while the mustard provides a zesty kick, making these chicken legs a hit for any barbecue or family dinner. Plus, they’re super simple to prepare, making them perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned grillers.

The glaze caramelizes beautifully when cooked, resulting in a sticky coating that enhances the juicy chicken. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you’ll find yourself making these chicken legs again and again!

Ingredients

• 8 chicken legs
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the chicken legs in the glaze until well-coated.
4. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Brush extra glaze on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for added flavor.
6. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Spicy Mango Chipotle Chicken Legs

These spicy mango chipotle chicken legs are a fantastic way to bring a burst of flavor to your next BBQ. The sweetness of mango combines beautifully with the smokiness of chipotle, creating a sauce that’s both tangy and spicy. Simple to make, this recipe is perfect for cookouts or weeknight dinners.

Your guests will love the vibrant taste, which pairs well with a variety of sides. The chicken legs come out tender and juicy, with just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting!

Ingredients

• 8 chicken legs
• 1 cup mango puree
• 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together mango puree, chipotle chili powder, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken legs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Grill for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy your spicy mango chipotle chicken legs!

Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken Legs

Sweet chili garlic chicken legs are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors. The sticky and slightly spicy glaze perfectly coats each drumstick, making them irresistible. This recipe is not only full of flavor but also simple to whip up, making it great for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends.

With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of sweet chili sauce and garlic creates a mouthwatering experience that is both comforting and exciting. Get ready to savor each bite!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken legs
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes for better flavor.
4. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
5. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.

Sweet and Tangy Pineapple BBQ Legs

Get ready for a flavor explosion with sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ chicken legs! This recipe combines juicy chicken with a delightful pineapple-infused barbecue sauce, balancing sweetness and a bit of tang that everyone will love. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, these legs are simple to prepare and cook up beautifully on the grill or in the oven.

The pineapple adds a refreshing twist that complements the savory chicken, making each bite a treat. Best of all, you can whip this up without breaking a sweat. Grab your ingredients and let’s dive into how to make these delicious BBQ legs!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Pineapple slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken legs and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor.
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. If cooking in the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C).
3. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Grill for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. If using the oven, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes.
4. Glaze and Serve: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush some additional BBQ sauce over the chicken for a glossy finish. Serve with pineapple slices and enjoy your sweet and tangy BBQ chicken legs!

Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Legs

Honey garlic BBQ chicken legs are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. This dish brings together the rich taste of grilled chicken with the sticky sweetness of honey and the punch of garlic, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues.

The marinade is quick to whip up, and once the chicken legs are coated, they just need time to soak up all that tasty goodness before hitting the grill. The result is juicy, flavorful legs that are beautifully caramelized on the outside. Serve with a side of your favorite veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Ingredients

• 8 chicken legs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken legs in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
3. Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
5. Garnish: Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

Chipotle Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Get ready for a flavor-packed treat with these Chipotle Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks! The combination of sweet honey, smoky chipotle, and a tangy BBQ sauce makes for a deliciously sticky glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.

These drumsticks are marinated to perfection, allowing the flavors to seep deep into the meat. Once grilled or baked, they develop a beautiful caramelized exterior while remaining juicy on the inside. Perfect for serving with your favorite sides!

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine honey, BBQ sauce, minced chipotle peppers, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken drumsticks and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
2. Preheat the Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Cook the Drumsticks: Grill the drumsticks for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through, or bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, basting with extra marinade halfway through.
4. Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with additional BBQ sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!

Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Leg Thighs

Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Leg Thighs are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. This recipe is simple to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The combination of teriyaki sauce and traditional BBQ flavors creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these chicken thighs are a hit. The succulent meat, enhanced by the rich teriyaki sauce, offers a unique twist on classic BBQ chicken. Get ready to savor every bite!

Ingredients

• 8 chicken leg thighs
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. If using charcoal, let the coals turn gray and ash over.
3. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess sauce drip off. Place the thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy your flavorful Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Leg Thighs!

Lemon Pepper Smoky Chicken Legs

Lemon Pepper Smoky Chicken Legs bring a delightful burst of citrus and smoky flavors to your plate. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a BBQ or enjoying a quiet family dinner.

The combination of zesty lemon and cracked black pepper creates a mouthwatering taste that pairs beautifully with the grilled chicken. With a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a dish that’s both delicious and impressively easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Add the chicken legs and coat them evenly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are glowing red and covered with gray ash.
3. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken legs on the grill. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
4. Serve: Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Brown Sugar and Soy Sauce Marinade Chicken Legs

This brown sugar and soy sauce marinade is a game-changer for chicken legs. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a deliciously sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. It’s a simple recipe that packs a punch in taste, making it perfect for any backyard BBQ or family dinner.

The marinade is easy to whip up, requiring just a few pantry staples. Letting the chicken legs soak in the marinade for a couple of hours (or even overnight) will infuse them with flavor, ensuring every bite is juicy and satisfying. Get your grill ready for a finger-licking experience!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken legs in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
4. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is caramelized and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these tasty chicken legs hot off the grill!

Garlic Herb BBQ Chicken Legs

These Garlic Herb BBQ Chicken Legs are a delightful blend of savory and aromatic flavors, making them a favorite at any cookout. The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and a smoky BBQ sauce creates a tantalizing marinade that infuses the chicken with a mouthwatering taste. You’ll love how simple and quick this recipe is, perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned grillers alike.

Cooking these chicken legs is straightforward. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want an easy weeknight dinner, these chicken legs will surely impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken legs in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
2. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using charcoal, let the coals burn down until they are covered with ash.
3. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken legs on the grill. Cook for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Add BBQ Sauce: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken legs with BBQ sauce to caramelize the glaze.
5. Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Garlic Herb BBQ Chicken Legs with your favorite sides!

Final Thoughts

BBQ chicken legs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser – affordable, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Whether you prefer them sticky-sweet, mouth-numbingly spicy, or richly smoky, there’s a perfect recipe here for every palate and occasion. The beauty of these dishes lies in their versatility; they’re equally at home at a casual weeknight dinner as they are at your biggest summer cookout.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different rubs, sauces, and cooking methods to find your personal favorite. And remember – the best BBQ chicken legs are the ones shared with good company. So grab some napkins (you’ll need them!), fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy some of the most delicious chicken you’ve ever tasted. Happy grilling!