Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs
I've adapted this recipe from many other recipes, taking things that I've liked and things I didn't like as much out. I love this simple recipe as it brings simple BBQing to another level. It all starts off with the brine/marinade. I find that a few hours of brining is usually enough, but for this recipe longer really is better. I usually at least brine my legs for at least 12 hours (Meaning, I usually end up start the brining process at night and let it brine until lunch or dinner the next day).
I've adapted this recipe from many other recipes, taking things that I've liked and things I didn't like as much out. I love this simple recipe as it brings simple BBQing to another level. It all starts off with the brine/marinade. I find that a few hours of brining is usually enough, but for this recipe longer really is better. I usually at least brine my legs for at least 12 hours (Meaning, I usually end up start the brining process at night and let it brine until lunch or dinner the next day).
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 30 package of 30 for about $10)
- 3 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup salt (kosher salt is best) or 1/4 cup seasonin
- 1/3 cup mccormick's steak seasoning
- 2 tablespoons pepper
- 5 -6 fresh garlic cloves
- 3 -4 sprigs rosemary stripped from stem
- barbecue sauce (i love sweet baby ray's)
- Carbohydrate 0.352578346606778 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.90658269346782 g
- Fiber 0.0535096154931779 g
- Protein 0.0221105769679358 g
- Saturated Fat 0.126250846316207 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Chicken legs, 7-10 serving(s) (39g)
- Sodium 931.964848829008 mg
- Sugar 0.2990687311136 g
- Trans Fat 0.0246546923393205 g
- Calories 13 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix all brine/marinade ingredients in a large bowl and then separate into zip lock bags and add chicken.
- Chill and marinade for at least 4 hours or more (I usually brine mine for 12 hours).
- Grill chicken on a well oiled grill until browned on all sides, turning only once, about 15 to 20 mins each side. (A good indicator that legs are being cooked well in the inside is by observing blood seeping out from the top of the legs).
- Since all grills run at different temperatures, (if possible) make sure that grill is covered first and allowed to raise to 400 degrees before uncovering the grill, oiling the racks, and placing the legs onto the grill. This will help your grilling off to a great start.
- Depending on your environment, grill your chicken without the cover as the sudden increase in heat can turn your legs to charcoal.
- Towards the end of your grilling (5-10 mins) liberally spread a BBQ sauce of your choice (I like "Sweet Baby Ray's") on to one side of the chicken.
- Then (if possible) place chicken legs on a top rack for indirect heat with the BBQ side of the leg down and the none BBQ'd side up.
- Spread the other side with BBQ now and let the BBQ really caramelize onto the legs for 5-10 mins on indirect heat. (If you don't have a top rack, just reduce this time to 3 to 5 mins).
- Now take the legs off the grill and Wah-Lah! You've just made some amazing BBQ'd legs. Bon Appetite!
- All grills have hot spots so be mindful of these spots and switch your chicken around the grill as not to completely char them.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy housewife, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's incredibly flavorful, requires minimal hands-on time, and always impresses my family. The secret? A long and luxurious marinade that transforms ordinary chicken legs into something truly special. I've perfected this recipe over time, borrowing bits and pieces from various sources and discarding the elements I didn’t enjoy. The result is a simple method that elevates backyard BBQing to a new level of deliciousness.
The marinade, or brine as I like to call it, is the star of the show. I’ve found that a longer marinating time yields the best results. While a few hours will do, I highly recommend brining the chicken legs for at least 12 hours. This often means starting the process the night before, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. Believe me, the extra time is worth it! The resulting chicken is unbelievably juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. You’ll be amazed at how easily this simple technique elevates the taste of your BBQ chicken.
The grilling process itself is straightforward. I recommend using a well-oiled grill to prevent sticking. Turning the chicken legs only once ensures even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, and remember that all grills are different. If you have a gas grill, preheating it to 400 degrees is essential for a nice sear. For charcoal grills, achieving that same intense heat is critical. Regardless of your grill type, be aware of hot spots on the grill surface to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and doesn't burn. My personal touch involves applying a generous amount of BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, creating a delicious caramelized glaze.
This recipe is a true testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. The combination of sweet and savory flavors from the marinade and BBQ sauce creates a taste sensation that is sure to be a hit with everyone. It's a recipe that I make often, and it consistently delivers outstanding results. Whether it's a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, these Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, give it a try and experience the magic of this simple yet remarkable recipe. The next time you find yourself wondering what to make for dinner, remember this one; it's a winner every time!
Beyond the Basics: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to customize the flavor profile. Spicy, smoky, or tangy – the possibilities are endless! You can also add other herbs and spices to the marinade to create your own unique signature blend. For instance, a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder can add a wonderful smoky depth. I encourage you to make this recipe your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun creating a dish that perfectly suits your tastes. That’s part of the fun of cooking!
Serving Suggestions: These Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs are fantastic on their own, but they're also wonderful served with a variety of sides. A simple green salad, corn on the cob, potato salad, or even some baked beans complement the dish perfectly. I often serve them with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. No matter how you choose to serve them, these chicken legs will be the star of the show!
I hope you enjoy this simple, yet incredibly flavorful Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs recipe as much as I do. It's a staple in my household, and I know it will quickly become a favorite in yours. Happy grilling!
