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Budget-Friendly Crispy BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe Under 2 Dollars Each

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A simple, affordable recipe for crispy, smoky BBQ chicken legs that are perfect for weeknight dinners or casual cookouts. Ready in under 45 minutes with pantry staples and minimal equipment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 chicken legs (about 2.5 pounds / 1.1 kg), skin-on and bone-in
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (about 120 ml), slightly sweet and tangy variety
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken legs with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the chicken legs on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, spacing them out so they aren’t touching.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then carefully flip the legs over with tongs.
  6. Bake for another 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl to make the glaze.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven, brush generously with the BBQ glaze, then return to the oven for 5-7 minutes. Broil on high for extra caramelization if desired, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices locked in.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispy skin. Use a wire rack for best air circulation and crispiness. Flip chicken halfway through baking for even cooking. Brush BBQ glaze near the end to avoid soggy skin. Let chicken rest before serving. If no wire rack, place chicken on foil-lined baking sheet but skin may be less crispy. Broil glaze briefly for caramelization but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken legs, crispy chicken, budget-friendly chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meal, backyard barbecue, affordable chicken recipe

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/budget-friendly-crispy-bbq-chicken-legs-recipe-under-2-dollars-each/