The Ultimate Guide to Oven-Baked, Slow-Roasted BBQ Chicken Legs

Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we’re delving into a Southern classic that’s sure to get your taste buds tingling: oven- slow-roasted BBQ Chicken Legs. If you’re a fan of comfort food, Southern-style cooking, and quick and easy meals for your family, you’re in the right place.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “How do I make BBQ chicken in the oven?” or “What’s the best ever baked chicken drumstick recipe?”, You’re going to love what we have in store. We’re not just making any BBQ chicken; we’re making succulent, fall-off-the-bone, oven-baked chicken drumsticks that are slow-roasted for maximum flavor.

Let’s get right to it!

The Recipe: Succulent Slow-Roasted BBQ Chicken Legs

Why This Recipe Works

A big part of the appeal of this chicken recipe is how simple it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up this easy-baked chicken recipe. A few everyday ingredients and your faithful oven are all you need to create a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.

Plus, this is a flexible recipe. Feel like shaking things up a bit? Try using different types of BBQ sauces or adding a touch of heat with some cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless, and I’m going to show you how to make this recipe your own.

Ingredients

For 4 servings, you will need:

• 8 chicken legs

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

• 1 tablespoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (of your choice)

Let’s not forget, chicken legs are perfect for a recipe like this. The dark meat remains juicy during slow cooking, making it the perfect canvas for our rich BBQ sauce.

Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This is a low and slow BBQ chicken in the oven recipe, hence the low temperature. Roasting at low temperatures ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out.

2. Clean the chicken legs and use a paper towel to pat them dry. This step is crucial for achieving baked crispy chicken legs as any excess moisture on the skin could prevent it from becoming crispy.

3. Next, mix the garlic salt and black pepper together in a small dish. This simple seasoning is all you need to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

4. Use a pastry brush to cover the chicken legs in melted butter, then evenly dust them with your prepared seasoning. The butter adds a delicious richness to the chicken and helps the skin brown evenly.

5. Lay the chicken legs out on a roasting rack or a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Lining your baking sheet with foil makes cleanup easier. Trust me on this one!

6. Now it’s time to slow-roast those chicken legs. Bake them in the preheated oven for 2 hours.

7. After 2 hours, take the chicken out of the oven and coat them generously with BBQ sauce. This is where the magic happens. As the chicken roasts with the sauce, it becomes beautifully caramelized and tasty.

8. Put the chicken back in the oven and let them roast for another hour, or until their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is the safe internal temperature for chicken and ensures that your chicken is not only delicious but also fully cooked and safe to eat.

9. Allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before you serve them. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

And voila! You have just made oven-baked, slow-roasted BBQ chicken legs that your family will rave about.

Pro-tip: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the garlic salt and black pepper mix. If you prefer a thicker glaze, apply an extra layer of BBQ sauce and set the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes just before it’s finished.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 400, Total Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 120mg, Sodium: 1280mg, Total Carbohydrate: 18g, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 14g, Protein: 30g

Remember, this nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

FAQs & Tips

In my quest to make your cooking experience as seamless as possible, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions and my tips for making the most out of your oven-baked BBQ chicken recipe:

Should you BBQ chicken fast or slow?

BBQ chicken, particularly chicken legs, benefits from being cooked slow and low. This approach allows the chicken to cook evenly, and the flavors to really penetrate the meat. So, when it comes to BBQ chicken legs, slow-roasting is the way to go.

How to get crispy skin on BBQ chicken legs?

To get crispy skin on BBQ chicken legs, ensure you pat the chicken dry before you begin cooking. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Also, brushing the chicken with a little butter before roasting can help achieve a lovely, crispy finish.

How long should I barbecue chicken legs?

For this recipe, we barbecue chicken legs in the oven for a total of 3 hours at 275°F. This slow-roasting method ensures the chicken is cooked thoroughly and remains juicy and tender.

What is the best temperature for BBQ chicken legs?

The best temperature to BBQ chicken legs in the oven is a slow and steady 275°F. This lower temperature prevents the chicken from drying out, allowing it to maintain its natural juices and flavors.

Pro-tip: If you’re not sure whether your chicken legs are cooked, use a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 165°F, your chicken is done.

Whether you’re craving Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ chicken legs in the oven, want to try making slow-cooked BBQ chicken legs in the oven, or you’re just in the mood for some comforting baked chicken, this recipe is a winner.

I’m sure once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your home. And if you’re like me, you’ll soon be experimenting with different BBQ sauces and seasonings to make it your own.

Ready to give it a try? Don’t forget to let us know how your chicken turns out! Share your pictures, tips, and thoughts in the comments section below. Your feedback and ideas are what make this food community so special.

Your Next Adventure

Before we say goodbye, I have a suggestion for your next cooking adventure. Have you tried our scrumptious crockpot BBQ chicken legs or our divine oven-baked chicken thighs? They’re just as simple and mouthwatering as our oven-baked BBQ chicken legs, and they’re sure to add some variety to your chicken repertoire. So why not give them a shot?

No matter what dish you decide to cook next, remember the joy is in the journey. As long as you’re in the kitchen creating something delicious for your loved ones, you’re on the right track. And remember, I’m always here to guide you along the way with easy and quick recipes to make your life simpler and tastier.

Thank you for being a part of our foodie community. I can’t wait to hear about your cooking adventures. Happy cooking, everyone!