Sweet Smoky Chicken Legs
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with these irresistible Sweet Smoky Chicken Legs! This easy recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, thanks to a homemade spice rub featuring brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, and just a hint of cayenne pepper for subtle heat. A drizzle of honey creates a caramelized, golden-brown skin that’s irresistibly crispy yet succulent. With only 15 minutes of prep time and a quick bake in the oven, these chicken legs are an effortless crowd-pleaser fit for any occasion. Pair them with roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Ideal for family dinners, BBQs, or meal prep, this dish is destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken legs
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel and set aside. This helps the rub stick and ensures crispier skin.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
Rub the chicken legs with olive oil to coat them evenly. This helps the seasoning adhere and locks in moisture during cooking.
Generously apply the sweet smoky rub to the chicken legs, ensuring all sides are coated well.
Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out for even cooking.
Drizzle the honey lightly over the chicken legs for an extra layer of sweetness and caramelization.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Halfway through the baking time, flip the chicken legs to ensure even browning and cooking.
Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve warm with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2109 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 133.5 g | 171% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.8 g | 169% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 907 mg | 302% | |
| Sodium | 3263 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.7 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.0 g | ||
| Protein | 169.2 g | 338% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 138 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 2021 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
