If you're looking for a quick and easy way to turn an ordinary chicken dinner into something extraordinary, then these oven-baked chicken legs, paired with with a chili garlic BBQ sauce, are just the thing. The combination of sweet and spicy chili garlic BBQ sauce with juicy, tender chicken is absolutely irresistible.

The chili garlic BBQ sauce is the star of the show here, offering just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the chicken. The sauce is a combination of sweet and spicy, making it the perfect accompaniment to the juicy chicken.

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for summer cookouts. It’s also a great option for a weeknight meal. Simply marinate the chicken overnight and then pop it in the oven the next day, and you’ll have a delicious dinner that the whole family will love.

So if you're looking for an easy, delicious meal that's sure to please the whole family, give this oven-baked chicken legs with chili garlic BBQ sauce a try. Read on for an ingredient checklist, pairing suggestions, and a printable recipe card.

Ingredient Checklist

Chicken Legs: The meat of the recipe, though thighs or white meat will also work, as would pork.
Scallions: Purely for garnish, bringing a nice bright green color to the finished product.
Honey: Your preferred honey is all we’re looking for here. It adds a sweetness and balance to the chili garlic BBQ sauce.
Fish Sauce: This adds a salty, umami flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce instead.
Chili Paste / Chili Garlic Sauce: This spicy sauce adds a kick of flavor to the dish. If you don’t have chili garlic sauce, you can substitute with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
Sugar: A little sugar helps to balance out the flavors of the sauce. You can substitute with coconut sugar if desired.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy note to the sauce. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar instead.
Salt: Don’t forget the salt! A pinch of salt helps to bring out the flavors of the sauce.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds an earthy and nutty flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with olive oil if desired.
Black Pepper: Pre-ground is fine, but I do recommend using freshly ground for best results.
Sesame Seeds: Mostly for garnish, though they do add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.

Delicious Pairings

Light Red Wine. A light-bodied red such as a Pinot Noir or Grenache would pair nicely with this recipe. The bright fruit flavors and subtle tannins of the wine can help to balance out the sweetness and heat of the chili garlic BBQ sauce. A glass of white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling would also pair nicely, as the crisp acidity of the wine can help to cut through the richness of the sauce.
Broccoli and Rice Salad. This Broccoli and Rice Salad with Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette is the perfect way to celebrate the season – it’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed full of flavor and texture. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with almost any main dish. Whether you’re making a meat, poultry, or vegetarian main course, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe & Peppers with Breadcrumbs. Broccoli rabe has been one of my favorite vegetables since forever. It makes for a delicious pasta, as well as a great ‘traditional’ topper for an Italian bread sandwich, while also pairing deliciously with homemade flatbreads and crostini. It’s complex and ‘domineering’ enough to be the star of the show in pasta recipes, while holding its own more than well enough to serve as a side to steaks or roasts, especially where ‘Italian themed’ flavors are being put front and center.