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

These perfectly grilled BBQ chicken legs feature juicy drumsticks with beautiful grill marks and a smoky charred exterior. The recipe uses a flavorful marinade and proper grilling techniques to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a large bowl
  2. Place chicken legs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking
  4. Place chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, allowing grill marks to form without moving them too much
  5. After the first flip, brush BBQ sauce on the cooked side. Continue grilling, flipping every 5-6 minutes and applying more sauce each time
  6. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 25-30 minutes total). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving

Notes

Maintain consistent medium-high heat for perfect grill marks. Apply BBQ sauce during last 10-15 minutes to prevent burning. Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier results.