Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Legs

Step 1

Set the oven to 425°F and wait until the indicator light or beep signals it has finished heating, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels by pressing firmly on all sides, which helps them brown better.

Step 3

Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up on a large rimmed baking sheet, spacing them so they do not touch.

Step 4

Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over all sides of each chicken piece.

Step 5

Pour the barbecue sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder into a small bowl.

Step 6

Stir the mixture with a spoon until the brown sugar dissolves and everything is evenly combined, about 30 seconds.

Step 7

Bake the seasoned chicken legs at 425°F for 20 minutes without any sauce, until the skin begins to look golden.

Step 8

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the sauce generously over the top and sides of each chicken piece.

Step 9

Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the sauce looks glossy and caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer.

Step 10

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving.