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The Ultimate Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs - Juicy Charred Drumsticks with Perfect Grill Marks

These grilled BBQ chicken legs are the ultimate summer cookout staple, featuring juicy, tender meat with perfect smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks. The recipe uses a simple marinade and proper grilling technique to ensure moist, flavorful chicken with a crispy, charred exterior.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together barbecue sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using in a medium bowl.
  2. Place chicken legs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, reserve ¼ cup marinade for basting, pour remaining marinade over chicken to coat thoroughly, then refrigerate for 2-8 hours.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F), arranging coals for two-zone cooking if using charcoal grill.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, place on hot grill grates, and grill for 6-8 minutes per side until grill marks appear, brushing with reserved marinade during last few minutes.
  5. Check for doneness by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear when pierced (total cooking time 25-35 minutes).
  6. Transfer chicken to clean platter and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before grilling for better browning, don't crowd the grill for even cooking, use meat thermometer for perfect doneness, and baste with sauce during last 5-10 minutes to prevent burning.