Mastering Juicy Grilled Chicken Legs with Sweet & Spicy Asian BBQ Sauce
Summer is synonymous with outdoor dining, and there’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of food sizzling on the grill. When it comes to easy, delicious, and budget-friendly barbecue, grilled chicken legs truly shine. These humble drumsticks transform into a succulent feast with minimal effort, making them a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or impressive backyard gatherings. They’re often on sale, allowing you to stock up your freezer and have a quick, flavorful meal ready whenever the craving strikes.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Leg Recipe
This particular recipe elevates the classic grilled chicken leg experience with a vibrant, sticky, and utterly delicious Asian-style barbecue sauce. The balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and a hint of spice creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The best part? You can prepare this incredible sauce ahead of time, storing it in the fridge for convenience, or whip it up while your chicken cooks. The versatility doesn’t stop there; while our Asian BBQ sauce is a standout, the core grilling technique and initial spice rub can be adapted to any flavor profile you desire. Imagine them seasoned with your favorite dry rub and slathered in a classic smoky barbecue sauce for a completely different yet equally fantastic meal!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Grilled Chicken Legs
Crafting these perfectly grilled chicken legs involves two key components: a flavorful spice rub for the chicken and a homemade Asian barbecue sauce that truly makes the dish unforgettable.
For the Chicken Legs
You’ll need approximately 4 pounds of chicken drumsticks. Look for fresh, plump drumsticks with the skin on and bone in, as these yield the juiciest results and the skin crisps up beautifully on the grill.
The Flavorful Spice Rub
The spice rub is designed to provide a foundational layer of flavor, offering a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat without being overly smoky, allowing the Asian barbecue sauce to shine. If you have a preferred, non-smoky dry rub, feel free to use it!
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in caramelization, creating a beautiful crust.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- Chili Powder: Contributes a warm, earthy depth and a mild kick.
- Celery Salt: Offers a unique, savory, and slightly tangy note.
- Paprika: Provides vibrant color and a mild, sweet peppery flavor.
- Black Pepper: For a classic peppery punch.
- Onion Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic depth.
- Garlic Powder: A versatile flavor enhancer that complements almost any dish.
- Cayenne Pepper: For an extra layer of heat; adjust to your preference.
The Sticky & Sweet Asian Barbecue Sauce
This homemade sauce is the star of the show, bringing together a symphony of Asian-inspired flavors that perfectly coat the chicken.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds a pungent, spicy, and incredibly fresh aroma.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides a robust, savory base.
- Honey: The primary sweetener, creating that desirable sticky glaze.
- Sriracha: For heat and a distinctive chili-garlic flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides salty, umami depth without excessive sodium.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a crucial tanginess to balance the sweetness and richness.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, zesty kick.
- Orange Juice: Contributes a subtle citrusy sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: An optional addition for a visual pop and an extra layer of spice.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grill Chicken Legs to Perfection
Achieving perfectly cooked, juicy grilled chicken legs with a caramelized sauce is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for barbecue success:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by thoroughly patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture from the skin, which allows the spice rub to adhere better and promotes a crispier skin texture when grilled.
- Season Generously: In a large bowl or a sturdy plastic bag, combine all the ingredients for the spice rub. Add the dried chicken legs and toss them thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated. Allow the seasoned chicken to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat and brings the chicken closer to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
- Preheat Your Grill: While the chicken rests, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for a consistent temperature of approximately 375º F (around 190°C). A properly preheated grill ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken legs directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the lid to allow the heat to circulate and cook the chicken evenly. Flip the drumsticks every 7-8 minutes. This consistent rotation ensures all sides cook thoroughly and develop a beautiful, even char without burning. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165º F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. This typically takes about 30-35 minutes.
- Prepare the Asian BBQ Sauce: While the chicken is on the grill, you can prepare your sticky Asian barbecue sauce. In a saucepan, sauté the grated ginger and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and softened.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add all the remaining sauce ingredients (honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, orange juice) to the saucepan, reserving the red pepper flakes for later. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. Once it’s reached your desired thickness, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes to taste for a final touch of spice.
- Sauce and Caramelize: Once the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165º F, reduce the grill heat to medium-low. Generously brush the chicken legs with the prepared Asian BBQ sauce. Close the lid and continue to grill for another 5-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a beautiful, glossy glaze on the chicken. The internal temperature should now be around 170º F (77°C), indicating perfectly cooked, tender chicken.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the chicken legs from the grill. For an extra touch, garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Achieving the Perfect Doneness: How Long to Grill Chicken Legs
For juicy and safe-to-eat grilled chicken legs, they generally require about 30-35 minutes of cooking over medium-high heat. This initial period gets them to an internal temperature of 165º F (74°C). After this, you’ll reduce the heat and brush them with sauce, continuing to grill for an additional 5-10 minutes. This final step allows the sauce to caramelize beautifully while pushing the chicken’s internal temperature to around 170º F (77°C). At this temperature, the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and you’ll find no pinkness even at the bone, ensuring both deliciousness and food safety. Always use a reliable meat thermometer to check for doneness, inserting it into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching the bone.
Serving Suggestions: What Pairs Well with Grilled Chicken Legs
These flavorful grilled chicken legs are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a truly cohesive meal, serve them alongside some fluffy Jasmine Rice, allowing you to spoon extra Asian barbecue sauce over the rice and chicken. Beyond that, classic summer sides are always a hit!
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Crispy and savory, a perfect counterpoint to the sweet and spicy chicken.
- Classic Potato Salad: The creamy, comforting texture and tangy flavor provide a delightful contrast.
- Simple Tossed Salad: A fresh, crisp salad offers a light and refreshing balance to the rich chicken.
- Grilled Zucchini: Simple, healthy, and captures that smoky summer flavor perfectly.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn is a quintessential summer BBQ side.
- Steamed Green Beans with Garlic: A quick and healthy vegetable option that complements the flavors well.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Grilling Success
- Choose Quality Drumsticks: Opt for fresh, plump chicken drumsticks. Frozen chicken can be used, but ensure it’s fully thawed before seasoning and grilling for even cooking.
- Don’t Skip Patting Dry: This step is critical for crispier skin and better adhesion of the spice rub.
- Rest the Chicken: Allowing the seasoned chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling helps it cook more evenly.
- Maintain Grill Temperature: A consistent medium-high heat (around 375°F) is key. Use your grill’s thermometer or an infrared thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Prevent Flare-Ups: Chicken skin can cause fat to drip, leading to flare-ups. Keep a spray bottle with water nearby to tame any flames quickly. Alternatively, move chicken to a cooler part of the grill momentarily.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The only way to truly guarantee perfectly cooked chicken is by checking its internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C) before saucing, and 170°F (77°C) after the final saucing and caramelization step.
- Rest the Cooked Chicken: After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy bite.
- Make Sauce Ahead: The Asian BBQ sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, saving you time on grilling day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about grilling chicken legs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are also a fantastic option for grilling. They have a similar bone-in, skin-on structure and fat content, making them equally forgiving and flavorful on the grill. The cooking time might vary slightly, so always check the internal temperature. - What if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
You can still achieve delicious results! These chicken legs can be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until cooked through, then broiled for a few minutes to crisp the skin and caramelize the sauce. An air fryer is also an option for crispier results. - How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
The key is to apply the sauce towards the end of the cooking process, and reduce the grill heat to medium-low. The sugars in the sauce will caramelize quickly, so keeping the heat lower and flipping frequently during the final 5-10 minutes will prevent burning while achieving that perfect sticky glaze. - Can I prepare the spice rub and sauce in advance?
Yes, both the spice rub and the Asian BBQ sauce can be prepared ahead of time. Mix the spice rub and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. The sauce can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before brushing on the chicken.
More Summer Grilling Recipes to Enjoy
If you love firing up the grill, be sure to check out these other fantastic summer recipes:
- Grilled Pork Chops
- Grilled Baked Potatoes
- Smoked Baby Back Ribs
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Margarita Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Turkey Tenderloin
- Chicken Souvlaki
Grilled Chicken Legs
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Ingredients
- 4 pound chicken drumsticks
Spice Rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons kosher salt
- 3 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon celery salt
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Asian Barbecue Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 Tablespoons sriracha
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Sesame Seeds
- Cilantro
Instructions
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Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with a paper towel to make sure the spices stick well.
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Mix together all of the spices for the spice rub and add to a large plastic bag or bowl to toss with the chicken until everything is evenly coated. Let stand for 15 minutes before grilling.
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Preheat grill to medium high heat (about 375º F).
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Arrange chicken on the grill and cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping every 7-8 minutes until the chicken reaches 165º F.
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While the chicken is cooking prepare the sauce by sautéing the ginger and the garlic in the olive oil for 2-3 minutes until it is soft and fragrant.
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Mix in all of the remaining ingredients (except the red pepper flakes) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until it starts to thicken. Once it is cooked, stir in the red pepper flakes to taste.
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After chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium low and generously brush with sauce. Let cook for 5-10 more minutes.
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Remove from the grill and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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