How to Make BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters in the Oven (Juicy, Sticky & Delicious)

If you love BBQ flavor but don’t want to fire up the grill, oven-baked BBQ chicken leg quarters are the perfect choice. 

They’re easy to make, flavorful, and deliver that smoky, caramelized taste everyone loves, right from your kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make BBQ chicken leg quarters in the oven, from prepping and seasoning to baking and saucing, so you can enjoy tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken every time.

Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel :)

Understanding Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken leg quarters are made up of both the drumstick and the thigh.

Because this cut contains dark meat, it’s naturally juicy and flavorful.

The key is cooking them long enough for the fat to render and the skin to get that crispy, golden texture we all crave.

When done right, the meat stays moist while the outside develops a sticky BBQ glaze that tastes like it just came off the grill.

If you ever decide to take your BBQ outdoors, you can also check out Discover How Long to BBQ Chicken Legs on Gas Grill for perfect timing and technique tips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make BBQ chicken leg quarters in your oven:

• 4 chicken leg quarters

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Your favorite BBQ sauce (about 1 cup)

You can adjust the spices to your taste, add cayenne for heat or brown sugar for sweetness.

Prep and Pat Dry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Before seasoning, pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels.

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

Season Generously

Brush each piece with olive oil, then rub in the salt, pepper, and seasonings.

Make sure you get under the skin when possible, that’s where the flavor really sticks.

Lay the chicken skin-side up on a wire rack placed over a foil-lined baking sheet.

The rack allows heat to circulate, giving you even cooking and crispier skin.

Bake the Chicken

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat.

To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer, it’s the most accurate way to make sure your chicken is fully cooked while staying juicy.

A great kitchen helper for this is the Easy Function Meat Temperature Magnet Chart.

 This handy fridge magnet lists the safe cooking temperatures for all types of meat, so you’ll never second-guess when your BBQ chicken is ready.

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon USA

Add the BBQ Sauce

Once your chicken reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven and brush on a generous layer of BBQ sauce.

Return it to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce becomes thick and sticky.

You can also broil for 2–3 minutes for an extra caramelized finish, just watch carefully to avoid burning.

If you like experimenting with different chicken cuts, take a look at How Long to BBQ Chicken Thighs Without Grill for another delicious way to enjoy smoky, saucy chicken indoors.

Let It Rest

After baking, let your chicken rest for 5–10 minutes.

This step allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, keeping every bite tender.

Tips for the Best Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

• Line your pan: BBQ sauce can drip and burn. Using foil makes cleanup a breeze.

• Use a rack: It prevents soggy skin and ensures even heat.

• Don’t rush the sauce: Let it caramelize for that true BBQ flavor.

• Optional smoke flavor: Add a small amount of liquid smoke to your sauce for a backyard-grill aroma.

Bonus: Make Cleanup Easier

If you grill or bake often, keeping your tools and grill surfaces clean is key to great flavor.

After any outdoor BBQ session, a tool like the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper helps safely clean grates without the risk of metal bristles.

It’s perfect for prepping your grill before your next chicken cookout.

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon USA

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon Canada

Serving Ideas

Pair your oven-baked BBQ chicken leg quarters with:

• Roasted corn on the cob

• Baked beans

• Creamy coleslaw

• Potato salad or cornbread

These classic sides make the perfect match for the smoky-sweet chicken flavor.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to make BBQ chicken leg quarters in the oven, crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sticky BBQ glaze that tastes like it came straight off the grill.

If you love easy, flavorful BBQ meals, explore more recipes and cooking tips at Behind The Grill, and don’t forget to check out our range of Easy Function BBQ tools designed to make grilling and cleanup effortless.

Click the image below to explore our BBQ products and make every cookout a success!