Description
This grilled chicken leg quarters recipe delivers juicy, flavorful poultry with a smoky barbecue finish. Perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, this dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 5 chicken leg quarters
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Finish
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Use a paper towel to pat dry the chicken leg quarters thoroughly. This step removes excess moisture and helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispier exterior when grilled.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle the oil evenly over the chicken legs. Rub it all around to coat each piece completely. Then, season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, making sure to cover all surfaces for balanced flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to 400ºF (about medium-high heat). Proper preheating ensures even cooking and a nice sear on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken legs on the grill with the smooth side down directly over the heat. Grill for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Keep the lid closed between flips to maintain heat and ensure thorough cooking.
- Apply BBQ Sauce and Finish Grilling: Brush the chicken legs with BBQ sauce, then flip them so the brushed side faces down. Grill for 2 minutes, then brush the other side and flip again, grilling for an additional 2 minutes. This step caramelizes the BBQ sauce and adds a delicious glaze.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Notes
- For crispier skin, ensure the chicken is completely dry before applying oil and seasonings.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce amount to your preference or substitute with your favorite glaze or marinade.
- If using a charcoal grill, ensure even heat by spreading coals evenly and managing flare-ups by moving chicken if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165ºF.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on a grill or stovetop for best texture.