Tropical Grilled Chicken Legs
This delightful recipe for Tropical Grilled Chicken Legs is a flavorful twist on a classic dish, inspired by the culinary traditions of Miami. Adapted from an old recipe in 'Great American Recipes', these marinated chicken legs are tender, juicy, and perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. With a balanced blend of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, served with warm rolls, fresh salad, or grilled tomatoes for a complete meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken legs
2 lbs (Washed and dried)
Ketchup
1/2 cup (None)
Cider vinegar
1/4 cup (None)
Oil
3 tablespoons (None)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (None)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (None)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Salt & pepper
1 dash (To taste)
Garlic cloves
2 cloves (Minced)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the chicken legs with paper towels to ensure a crisp skin.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, cider vinegar, oil, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dried basil, a dash of salt and pepper, and minced garlic to create the marinade-basting sauce.
3
Place the chicken in a large bowl, pour the marinade over the top, and mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4
Preheat a grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
5
After marinating, remove the chicken from the sauce, reserving the marinade for basting.
6
Place the chicken legs on the preheated grill or broiler. Cook them for about 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes while basting with the reserved marinade. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
7
Serve the chicken hot, accompanied by warm rolls, a fresh green salad, or grilled tomatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Grilled Chicken Legs?
Tropical Grilled Chicken Legs are a flavorful twist on a classic dish, featuring marinated chicken legs with a blend of sweet, tart, and savory flavors inspired by Miami traditions.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from an old entry in the 'Great American Recipes' collection.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How much chicken is required for this dish?
You will need 2 lbs of chicken legs, washed and dried.
What ingredients are in the marinade sauce?
The sauce contains ketchup, cider vinegar, oil, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dried basil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even coating.
Should I wash the chicken legs before cooking?
Yes, the instructions suggest washing and then thoroughly drying the chicken legs with paper towels to ensure a crisp skin.
What is the recommended heat setting for the grill?
The grill or broiler should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How long does it take to cook the chicken legs?
The total cooking time is approximately 30 minutes on the grill or broiler.
How often should I turn the chicken while grilling?
You should turn the chicken legs every 10 minutes while basting them with the reserved marinade.
Do I throw away the marinade after the chicken is done soaking?
No, you should reserve the marinade to use as a basting sauce while the chicken is cooking.
How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a fork.
What sides go well with Tropical Grilled Chicken Legs?
Recommended sides include warm rolls, a fresh green salad, or grilled tomatoes.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of cider vinegar.
How much ketchup is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of ketchup as a base for the basting sauce.
What kind of mustard should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
Is the basil used fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of crushed dried basil.
What type of sugar is in the marinade?
Two tablespoons of brown sugar are used to provide a sweet balance to the sauce.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Is this a good recipe for a BBQ?
Yes, it is tagged as a BBQ and summer recipe, making it perfect for outdoor grilling.
How much oil is required for the sauce?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of oil.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the flavor profile is described as a balanced blend of sweet, tart, and savory rather than spicy.
What category does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Chicken Thigh and Leg.
Should the chicken be served hot or cold?
The instructions recommend serving the chicken hot immediately after cooking.
Can I use a broiler instead of a grill?
Yes, the recipe provides instructions for both grilling and using a broiler.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include chicken, grilled, miami, tropical, bbq, and family dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the chicken and various marinade components.
Why do I need to dry the chicken legs with paper towels?
Drying the chicken helps ensure that the skin becomes crisp during the grilling process.
Can this recipe be prepared for a dinner party?
Yes, the recipe description mentions it is perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.