Succulent Baked BBQ Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Legs:

• 2 1/2 to 3 lbs chicken legs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt-free lemon pepper
• 1 tsp salt (sea salt recommended)

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup (8 oz) ketchup
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (2 oz) honey
• 1 1/2 tsp reserved dry rub

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, and salt. Reserve 1 1/2 tsp of this mixture for later use in the BBQ sauce.
3. Season the Chicken Legs: Thoroughly coat the chicken legs with the remaining dry rub mixture, ensuring every inch is seasoned to perfection.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
5. Bake the Chicken Legs: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken legs for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through.
6. Prepare the BBQ Sauce: While the chicken is baking, it’s time to whip up the barbecue sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and the reserved 1 1/2 tsp of dry rub. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Glaze the Chicken Legs: Once the chicken legs have baked for 25 minutes, brush them generously with the prepared BBQ sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
8. Final Bake: Return the sauced chicken legs to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sauce caramelizes beautifully.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baked BBQ chicken legs from the oven, garnish with optional fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

With this recipe, you’re guaranteed to create a memorable dining experience that’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Dive into the savory goodness of these succulent baked BBQ chicken legs and savor every mouthful.