BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill

Published: May 26, 2026

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: The marinade comes together in minutes, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Flavorful and Delicious: The combination of BBQ sauce and grape jelly creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner, these chicken legs fit right in.
Versatile Marinade: Feel free to customize the marinade with your favorite spices or sauces for a personal touch.
Great for Leftovers: These chicken legs taste amazing the next day, making them ideal for meal prep or lunchboxes.

Tools and Preparation

To make BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure everything goes smoothly from preparation to grilling.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grilling tongs
Large mixing bowl
Gallon resealable plastic bag
Grill thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

Grilling tongs: These help you safely handle hot chicken legs on the grill without losing any of the delicious glaze.
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for mixing and marinating ingredients evenly, ensuring full flavor absorption.
Gallon resealable plastic bag: Keeps the chicken legs well-coated in marinade while saving space in your fridge.
Grill thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature for safety and juiciness.

Ingredients

These grilled chicken legs are marinated in a simple BBQ marinade. Grill them to achieve the perfect sweet, sticky drumsticks.

For the Chicken Legs

2 pounds chicken legs

For the Marinade

½ cup bbq sauce
¼ cup grape jelly
2 garlic cloves (minced)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the bbq sauce, grape jelly, minced garlic, and black pepper. This simple mixture creates a flavorful base for your chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Legs

Place the chicken legs into a gallon resealable plastic bag.
Pour half of the prepared BBQ marinade over the chicken legs, ensuring they are well coated.
Remove excess air from the bag and seal it tightly.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Legs

Place marinated chicken legs on the grill.
Baste with some of the reserved BBQ marinade every time you turn them.
Grill for about 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 185-190 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now you’re ready to serve these mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill! Enjoy them fresh off the grill with your favorite sides.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill

Serving BBQ chicken legs is all about enhancing their flavor and presentation. Here are some creative ways to serve your deliciously grilled drumsticks.

On a Platter

Arrange the chicken legs on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs for a vibrant look.

With Dipping Sauces

Offer additional sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or hot sauce on the side for extra flavor.

In a Sandwich

Shred the grilled chicken and serve it in a bun with coleslaw for a tasty sandwich option.

Topped with Fresh Salsa

Add a fresh tomato or mango salsa on top for a zesty twist that complements the BBQ flavor.

Accompanied by Grilled Veggies

Serve alongside grilled corn or bell peppers to create a colorful and healthy plate.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill

Grilling chicken legs can be easy and rewarding when you follow these tips. Here are some essential pointers to ensure perfect results.

Marinate well: Allow your chicken legs to marinate for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, to enhance flavor.
Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before placing the chicken on it for consistent cooking.
Baste frequently: Use reserved marinade to baste the chicken every 10 minutes while grilling, keeping them moist and flavorful.
Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 185-190 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Rotate regularly: Turn the chicken legs every 10 minutes to achieve even cooking and avoid burning.
Let them rest: After grilling, let the chicken legs rest for about five minutes before serving. This helps retain juices.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill

Pairing side dishes with BBQ chicken legs enhances your meal experience. Here’s a list of popular sides that complement these delicious drumsticks.

Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the rich flavors of BBQ chicken.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter makes a sweet and smoky side dish that’s easy to prepare.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers comfort and pairs well with grilled meats; consider adding herbs for extra flavor.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are classic BBQ fare that brings hearty satisfaction.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus provides a healthy green option that contrasts nicely with the richness of chicken.
Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad is always a hit at cookouts; it’s filling and loved by many.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread can soak up any extra sauce from your chicken while adding a comforting touch.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out richer flavors on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling BBQ chicken legs can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Skipping the Marinade: Many people underestimate the importance of marinating chicken legs. Without this step, your chicken may lack flavor and tenderness. Aim to marinate for at least one hour or up to overnight for the best taste.
Not Preheating the Grill: Failing to preheat your grill can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit before placing the chicken on it.
Basting Too Late: Some tend to forget about basting during grilling. Baste your chicken legs with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes for a flavorful, sticky glaze.
Overcooking or Undercooking: Cooking chicken legs for too long can dry them out, while undercooking can be unsafe. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 185-190 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using Low-Quality BBQ Sauce: Not all BBQ sauces are created equal. A good quality sauce enhances flavor significantly. Choose a sauce that you love and that complements the other ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover BBQ chicken legs in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill

Place cooled chicken legs in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it; heat in intervals of 1 minute until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making BBQ chicken legs on the grill, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

How long should I marinate BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill?

Marinate your chicken legs for at least one hour but ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even lamb if you prefer different flavors when grilling.

What side dishes pair well with BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill?

Consider serving corn on the cob, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables as delicious accompaniments.

How can I make my BBQ sauce healthier?

You can create a healthier version by using less sugar or opting for homemade sauces featuring fresh ingredients and spices.

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Chicken Legs on the Grill offer a deliciously sweet and sticky experience that’s perfect for any cookout or summer gathering. The easy marinade ensures they are packed with flavor, while grilling gives them that irresistible charred finish. Feel free to customize your marinade with spices or herbs that you enjoy!

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