Description
Juicy, smoky, and perfectly charred chicken leg quarters slathered in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce—a backyard BBQ classic that’s sure to be a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Grill – Heat the grill to medium-high (375°F–400°F). If using an oven, preheat to 400°F.
2️⃣ Season the Chicken – In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken leg quarters.
3️⃣ Grill the Chicken – Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes.
4️⃣ Add the BBQ Sauce – Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce on both sides, then cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve – Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with extra BBQ sauce on the side!
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, grill over charcoal or add wood chips.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum juiciness.
- For oven baking, roast at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes.
- Pairs well with cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled veggies!