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Crispy Juicy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs - Restaurant Style Perfection

This recipe reveals the secret to achieving restaurant-quality crispy baked BBQ chicken legs with crackling-crisp skin and incredibly juicy, tender meat. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these chicken legs are surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Place them in a large bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken drumsticks.
  4. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not touching. Bake for 25 minutes.
  5. While the chicken bakes, mix the BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
  6. After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the BBQ sauce mixture. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and caramelized.

Notes

Dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning for crispy skin. Don't crowd the pan - space drumsticks evenly. Use a wire rack for extra crispiness. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier results.