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Crispy Grilled Honey BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe with Tangy Carolina Sauce

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A quick and easy grilled chicken legs recipe featuring a crispy honey BBQ glaze paired with a tangy Carolina sauce, perfect for summer gatherings and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken legs, skin-on and bone-in
  • 1/4 cup honey (raw or wildflower preferred)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade, optional)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup water (for brining)
  • Optional: hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra spice in the Carolina sauce

Instructions

  1. Brine the chicken legs by dissolving 2 tablespoons of salt in 1 cup of water. Add chicken legs and soak for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare the honey BBQ glaze by whisking together honey, BBQ sauce (if using), Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. Make the tangy Carolina sauce by combining apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove chicken from brine, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels, then brush lightly with olive oil to help skin crisp up.
  6. Place chicken legs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs. Watch for flare-ups and move chicken to cooler spots if needed.
  7. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush generous coats of the honey BBQ glaze on each side. Flip and glaze multiple times to build sticky layers without burning.
  8. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be caramelized and crispy.
  9. Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with a drizzle of the chilled tangy Carolina sauce on the side or spooned over the top.

Notes

Brining the chicken legs for 30 minutes helps keep the meat juicy. Pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure crispy skin. Apply the honey BBQ glaze during the last 5 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to indirect heat. Let chicken rest after grilling to redistribute juices. If no grill is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 35-40 minutes, glazing in the last 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken legs, honey BBQ chicken, Carolina sauce, summer BBQ, crispy chicken, easy grilled chicken, backyard cookout

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/crispy-grilled-honey-bbq-chicken-legs-recipe-with-tangy-carolina-sauce-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/