Bake BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters in Oven (Recipe)

If you love that smoky BBQ flavor but don’t want to fire up the grill, this oven-baked BBQ chicken leg quarters recipe is your best friend.

It’s easy, mess-free, and gives you juicy chicken with a sticky glaze that’ll make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

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🍗 What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken leg quarters (about 3–4 lbs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)

• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Equipment:

• Baking sheet with a wire rack

• Meat thermometer (the Easy Function Meat Temp Guide helps you hit that perfect doneness every time)

• Aluminum foil or parchment paper

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🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Chicken

Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels.

Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven.

If you need extra help getting started, check out this detailed guide from Behind the Grill — How to Make BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters in the Oven (Juicy, Sticky & Delicious).

It walks you through every step with pro tips for perfect flavor and tenderness.

Season It Up

In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder.

Rub the seasoning evenly all over the chicken with olive oil. Make sure to get under the skin a bit too — that’s where the flavor magic happens!

Bake for Perfect Crispiness

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top.

Arrange the chicken skin-side up.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

(Here’s where that Easy Function Meat Temp Guide really comes in handy — no more guessing if it’s done!)

For more details on oven settings and how to avoid dry chicken, you can also visit What Temperature to Cook BBQ Chicken in Oven (Easy Guide) — it shares the ideal baking temp and flavor tips for perfectly juicy results.

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Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon USA

Brush with BBQ Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and brush a thick layer of BBQ sauce on each piece.

Return it to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce gets bubbly and caramelized.

For an extra sticky finish, broil on high for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Rest Before Serving

Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before digging in.

This helps the juices settle, giving you that tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.

🍴 Serving Ideas

Pair your BBQ chicken leg quarters with:

• Creamy coleslaw or potato salad

• Roasted corn on the cob

• Garlic bread or baked beans

• Grilled veggies (scrape your grill clean with the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper for safe and easy cleanup if you’re cooking outside next time!)

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

• Crispy skin secret: Always bake skin-side up and don’t overcrowd the pan. Airflow = crispiness.

• Add smoke flavor: Mix a teaspoon of liquid smoke into your BBQ sauce or use smoked paprika for that outdoor taste.

• Make it your own: Try honey BBQ for sweetness, chipotle for spice, or a vinegar-based sauce for a tangy twist.

• Avoid soggy chicken: Brush BBQ sauce only in the last 10–15 minutes — adding it too early can make the skin soft.

🧑‍🍳 Why Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Works

Baking chicken leg quarters in the oven gives you the best of both worlds — crispy skin and tender meat without babysitting the grill.

Plus, you can prep everything in advance and let the oven do the work while you relax.

For next time, if you want to take this dish outdoors, the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper keeps your grates clean without metal bristles, and the Meat Temp Guide ensures your BBQ is cooked perfectly every time.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

This BBQ chicken leg quarters recipe is simple, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.

With a smoky, sticky glaze and juicy meat, it’s proof you don’t need a grill to make great barbecue.

So preheat that oven, grab your favorite BBQ sauce, and enjoy a plate full of finger-licking goodness tonight.