Chicken legs are a versatile and budget-friendly cut, perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. These recipes showcase a variety of cooking techniques and flavors, from crispy air fryer options to smoky grilled delights. Whether you love bold spices, tangy sauces, or classic comfort food, there’s something here for every palate.
For smoky flavors, try Traeger-grilled recipes like buffalo chicken legs or honey balsamic drumsticks. If you’re craving crispy textures, the air fryer and oven-baked methods deliver satisfying crunch with minimal effort. Adventurous cooks will enjoy fun presentations like Traeger chicken lollipops or the sweet and spicy twist of chili-glazed leg quarters.
Explore these creative recipes and find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken legs. From brined and fried indulgence to healthy roasted options, these dishes will inspire your next meal and make cooking chicken legs a breeze!
Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken
Juicy chicken brined, smoked, and fried for a flavorful, crispy coating. This recipe combines three techniques to create tender, crunchy perfection that’s perfect for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken
Traeger Butterflied Chicken Legs
Butterflied chicken legs smoked on a Traeger for rich flavor and a tender bite. An easy yet impressive dish for casual dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Butterflied Chicken Legs
Grilled Butterflied Chicken Legs with Spicy Chili Garlic Glaze
Smoky grilled chicken legs with a spicy chili garlic glaze for a bold flavor boost. A perfect main dish with a balance of heat, char, and tender juiciness.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Butterflied Chicken Legs with Spicy Chili Garlic Glaze
Oven Baked Leg Quarters
Crispy-skinned chicken leg quarters baked to juicy perfection. This simple recipe transforms an affordable cut into a flavorful meal better than rotisserie chicken.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Leg Quarters
Baked Chicken Legs
A straightforward recipe for oven-baked chicken legs with tender meat and crispy skin. Perfect for quick and satisfying family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Legs
Traeger Chicken Paprikash Recipe
A smoky take on Hungarian Chicken Paprikash, made with the Traeger grill. This twist adds depth to the creamy, paprika-spiced dish for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters – Crispy BBQ Glazed
Juicy chicken leg quarters grilled to perfection and coated in a tangy BBQ glaze. Perfect for cookouts or simple weeknight dinners, with irresistible crispy skin and bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters – Crispy BBQ Glazed
Pan Fried Chicken Legs
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these pan-fried chicken legs are seasoned with herbs and spices for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Chicken Legs
Grilled Barbecue Chicken Legs and Thighs
Chicken legs and thighs grilled and coated in a three-ingredient BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor. A simple recipe that’s perfect for summer grilling or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Barbecue Chicken Legs and Thighs
Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters coated in a sweet chili sauce for the perfect mix of sweetness and heat. A flavorful option for those who enjoy bold and spicy dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters
Traeger Chicken Lollipop
Chicken legs trimmed into lollipops, smoked for tender, smoky meat with a fun presentation. Great as an appetizer or unique main course.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Chicken Lollipop
Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
Smoky and flavorful, these Traeger-grilled chicken leg quarters are easy to prepare and make a satisfying, no-fuss dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs
Juicy chicken legs grilled and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. The smoky flavor from the Traeger grill pairs perfectly with the spicy kick for a game day favorite.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs
Honey Balsamic Traeger Grilled Chicken Legs
Sweet and tangy chicken legs marinated in honey and balsamic vinegar, then grilled to smoky perfection. An easy yet flavorful meal for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Honey Balsamic Traeger Grilled Chicken Legs
Instant Pot Chicken Soup
A quick and comforting chicken noodle soup made in the Instant Pot. This cozy classic is perfect for soothing cold days or quick family meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Soup
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Leg Quarters
Tender chicken leg quarters cooked in an Instant Pot and coated in buffalo sauce for a spicy, flavorful dinner. A simple and budget-friendly recipe.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Leg Quarters
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Crispy, juicy chicken leg quarters made in the air fryer in under 25 minutes. With a mouthwatering spice rub, this recipe is an easy and delicious dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters