Description
Juicy, tender, and full of smoky-sweet flavor, these oven-baked BBQ chicken leg quarters are caramelized to perfection—no grill or smoker required! This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, summer parties, and feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Barbecue Seasoning Blend
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2 tablespoons Smokehouse Maple Seasoning
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2 tablespoons garlic powder
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2 tablespoons onion powder
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1 tablespoon hot chili powder blend (I used Straight Fire from T-Pain with Spicewalla)
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon kosher salt
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1 tablespoon black pepper
Reserve 1 tablespoon of the seasoning blend for your BBQ glaze.
BBQ Slather
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1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite)
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1 tablespoon reserved BBQ seasoning blend
Chicken
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10 pounds chicken leg quarters (thawed if frozen)
Instructions
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Mix the seasoning blend. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons Smokehouse Maple Seasoning, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 1 tablespoon hot chili powder blend, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon black pepper. Reserve 1 tablespoon of this blend for the BBQ glaze later.
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Prep the chicken. Pat 10 pounds chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. Gently lift the skin and season underneath, then season all over with the remaining spice blend, coating each piece generously. Place in a large baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight to marinate.
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Bring to room temperature. One hour before baking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to take the chill off. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
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Arrange for baking. Lay the chicken quarters on the sheet pan in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Bake for 1 hour.
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Make the BBQ glaze. In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup barbecue sauce with the 1 tablespoon reserved seasoning blend.
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First glaze. After 1 hour of baking, brush the top side of each chicken quarter generously with the BBQ glaze. Flip the pieces over and brush the underside as well. Return to the oven for 10 minutes.
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Second glaze. Flip the chicken back to the top side, brush with glaze again, and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky.
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Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
Notes
- At the 45-minute mark, carefully tip the pan to pour off the juices into a heatproof measuring cup — they’re incredible for soups, greens, or pot likker.
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For a milder version, swap the hot chili powder for smoked paprika.
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Leftovers can be kept in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat at 300°F until warmed through.