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BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters are super quick and easy and don’t require a marinade. The skin is perfectly crisp and they turn out delicious every time! On the grill is one of our favorite ways to cook them and is always a crowd pleaser.
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Check out my McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets and my Lobster Alfredo for more delicious dinner ideas.
Just wait until you sink your teeth into these BBQ chicken leg quarters. They are crispy on the outside and so juicy on the inside. Making perfectly barbecued chicken is much easier than you might think.
They are perfect for summer barbecues and backyard cookouts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Backyard barbecues are a great way to gather friends and family.
- BBQ chicken leg quarters are a great grilling option, especially if you’re feeding a crowd!
- Minimal amount of prep time and less than one hour of grilling time.
- A simple and easy recipe to make on the grill this summer.
- Leg quarters are a great source of protein and a cheaper cut of meat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Leg Quarters: Use your favorite brand of chicken.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite, store-bought or homemade.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Place the charcoal in the grill, below the grates. Use lighter fluid to light the charcoal. Let sit until the coals have started to get white.
Step 2:
Wash the chicken. Place the leg quarters on the grill and sauce them well. Flip chicken every 5 minutes to keep it from burning. Repeat adding the sauce at every turn.
Step 3:
Cook until the chicken reaches a temperature of 175-180 degrees F. This is best for dark meat as it renders the fat at this stage.
Step 4:
Remove the chicken from the grill and serve with your favorite BBQ side dish.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Start with a clean grill to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill.
- Rub your grill grates with oil prior to cooking. This helps keep the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Preheat your grill! Putting the chicken on the grill after it's been preheated will also help prevent any sticking to the grill.
- To be sure that the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken leg quarters should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before serving.
- Always start off with meat that is not frozen. Frozen chicken will take too much time to come to temperature.
Variations
- Spicy BBQ chicken: Add some heat to your BBQ sauce by mixing in some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Brush the sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a spicy kick.
- Citrus BBQ chicken: Mix some orange or lemon juice into your BBQ sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor. Brush the sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a tangy twist.
- Herb BBQ chicken: Mix chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into your BBQ sauce for a flavorful herb-infused sauce. Brush the sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a fragrant and flavorful finish.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes you can! The cook times may need to be adjusted for gas. Cook until they reach at least 175 degrees F.
No, we never parbroil chicken before grilling it. You lose some flavor when you boil it and the skin doesn't get the perfectly crisp texture.
Chicken leg quarters are dark meat. They are made of the drumstick and thigh, which are both dark meat.
Cook time will vary based on the size of the chicken and the temperature of the grill. The best way to tell when the chicken is done is to grill until the internal temperature reads 175-180 degrees F.
No! The skin is what gives the chicken more flavor, plus it locks in the moisture.
More Dinner Recipes You'll Love
BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters
Ingredients
- 6 chicken leg quarters
- 1 jar BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Place the charcoal in the grill, below the grates. Use lighter fluid to light the charcoal. Let sit until the coals have started to get white.
- Wash the chicken. Place the leg quarters on the grill and sauce them well. Flip chicken every 5 minutes to keep it from burning. Repeat adding the sauce at every turn.
- Cook until the chicken reaches a temperature of 175-180°F. This is best for dark meat as it renders the fat at this stage.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and serve with your favorite BBQ side dish.
Notes
- Start with a clean grill to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill.
- Rub your grill grates with oil prior to cooking. This helps keep the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Preheat your grill! Putting the chicken on the grill after it's been preheated will also help prevent any sticking to the grill.
- To be sure that the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken leg quarters should reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F before serving.
- Always start off with meat that is not frozen. Frozen chicken will take too much time to come to temperature.
- Storing: Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Enjoy!
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