Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven or grill, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Chicken – I used chicken drumsticks for this BBQ chicken legs recipe, but chicken leg quarters or whole chicken wings also work, or you can grill chicken thighs, too. I recommend bone-in, skin-on meat for juicy, flavorful results, but technically you can use the same method for boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs as well. Olive Oil – Adds flavor and helps the seasonings stick. Avocado oil would also work. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – I kept it simple with just salt and pepper, because the BBQ sauce provides plenty of flavor. However, you can add other spices to the chicken first, such as paprika or garlic powder, if you like. BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite, because this is the star of this dish! I use my homemade sugar-free BBQ Sauce (made with tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, powdered Besti, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper). You can use any kind you like, though.
How To Make BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
This section shows how to make BBQ chicken legs in the oven or on the grill, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Prep:
Whether you’re making grilled or baked BBQ chicken legs, the simple prep is the same:
BBQ Chicken Legs In The Oven:
I’ll be honest, I make baked BBQ chicken most often, because it’s so hands-off! Use this method when it’s not too hot to turn on your oven:
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks On The Grill:
You can’t go wrong with BBQ grilled chicken in the hot summer months! This method is a little less hands-off, but still just as easy:
Storage Instructions
Store: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or wrap tightly in double layers of aluminum foil. Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or in a microwave for 1-2 minutes. You can also reheat BBQ chicken legs on the grill over indirect heat. Freeze: Place in an airtight container or zip lock freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With BBQ Chicken Legs
You can make so many side dishes with this meal! Here are a few of my favorites: Dark meat, like chicken legs or thighs, turns out more tender if you cook it to 170 degrees F instead of the safe temperature of 165 degrees F. If you make this recipe with chicken breast, go with 165 instead. Use a meat thermometer to check (I like this one, which reads quickly to avoid overcooking). Check my grilled chicken legs post for more grilling tips, too!
Salads – Serve this BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe with fresh summer salads, like cucumber tomato avocado salad or Caesar salad. You can also choose a heartier option like potato salad, (or cauliflower potato salad), a roasted cauli salad, or even take the meat off the bone to make BBQ chicken salad. Vegetables – While you have the grill on, prep grilled asparagus or grilled broccoli. If you’re making baked BBQ chicken legs, you can roast vegetables at the same time (swap the pans halfway through if they are on different racks), or make Instant Pot corn on the cob, air fryer corn on the cob, or shishito peppers while they are cooking. Potatoes – Chicken drumsticks with potatoes make the ultimate pairing! If you want them ready at the same time, make air fryer baked potatoes while you cook the chicken on the grill, or roast sweet potatoes in the oven with the chicken.
More Easy Grilled Chicken Recipes
Looking for more tasty and easy grilled chicken recipes? Try these easy ideas for no-fuss dinners: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
