Crispy BBQ Broiled Duck Legs
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat30gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Duck legs with skin (fresh or thawed)2 pieces
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)4 tbsp
- Olive oil1 tbsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
- Garlic powder (optional)0.5 tsp
This Crispy BBQ Broiled Duck Legs recipe shows you how to get flavorful, tender duck legs with perfectly crispy skin using your broiler and a simple BBQ marinade. Ideal for beginner cooks, this recipe requires minimal ingredients that are common and affordable. Total ingredient cost is approximately $12 / €11 / £9 / ₹900, making it a budget-friendly treat. Each serving has about 450 kcal, with a good amount of protein and fats — great for moderate diets. The recipe is rated easy, with a total cooking and prep time of 50 minutes (15 minutes prep + 35 minutes broiling). Safety is key: ensure your duck legs reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to be safe. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and washing hands after handling raw poultry. This method provides a foolproof approach to make your duck legs BBQ-ready right at home!
Preparation instructions
Prep the duck legs
1Pat duck legs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin during broiling. Mix salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then rub this seasoning mix all over the duck legs to add flavor.
Marinate the duck legs
2Brush the duck legs with olive oil, then coat them evenly with BBQ sauce. Let them marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb flavors, but no longer than 30 minutes to keep them safe.
Preheat the broiler
3Set your oven broiler to high and position the oven rack about 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) below the broiler element. Allow the broiler to preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Broil the duck legs
4Place the duck legs skin side up on a broiler pan or wire rack over a baking sheet to catch drippings. Broil the legs for about 15 minutes on the first side, checking occasionally to avoid burning. Then flip the duck legs and broil for another 15 minutes. Total broiling time is approximately 30 minutes.
Check internal temperature and crisp skin
5Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the leg. It should reach at least 74°C (165°F) to be safe. If not reached, broil in increments of 3 minutes until done. The skin should be golden and crispy.
Rest and serve
6Remove the duck legs from the broiler and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for moist and tender meat. Serve with your favorite sides and extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Cooking Tips
1If you don't have a broiler pan, use a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow fat to drip off and help crisp the skin.
2Always avoid cross-contamination: use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw duck and wash hands well after handling.
3To add smoky flavor, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika in the seasoning mix before rubbing on duck legs.
4Leftover duck legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in an oven or skillet to preserve crispness.
Equipment
- Broiler pan or wire rack and baking sheet
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Brush for applying BBQ sauce
- Tongs or spatula for flipping
- Paper towels
- Bowl for mixing seasoning
Shopping List
- [ ] Duck legs with skin (2 pieces) — Approx. $8.50. Choose legs with plump, firm skin and a fresh smell from the refrigerated meat section.
- [ ] BBQ sauce (4 tbsp) — Approx. $1.50. Pick a BBQ sauce you like, smoky or sweet, available in most supermarkets.
- [ ] Olive oil (1 tbsp) — Approx. $0.20. Extra virgin olive oil from a reputable brand ensures good flavor.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper — Approx. $0.30 combined. Opt for coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper for best taste.
- [ ] Garlic powder (optional, 0.5 tsp) — Approx. $0.10. Check the spice aisle for fresh, fragrant garlic powder.
Total estimated cost: $10.60 — a tasty and affordable meal option!
FAQ
How do I know when the duck legs are fully cooked and safe to eat?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the duck leg reaches at least 74°C (165°F). The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink inside.
Can I marinate the duck legs longer than 30 minutes?
You can marinate longer in the refrigerator, up to 4 hours, but for safety and best flavor without breaking down the meat too much, 15-30 minutes at room temperature before broiling is ideal.
What if I don’t have a broiler?
You can roast the duck legs in an oven preheated to 200°C (400°F) for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and cooked safely.
How can I make the duck skin extra crispy?
Patting the duck legs dry before applying seasoning and oil helps remove moisture, which is key for crispiness. Using a wire rack lets air circulate and fat drip off during broiling.