Succulent Slow-Cooked BBQ Duck Legs
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs0gram
Fat35gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Duck legs (choose fresh with firm skin)2 pieces
- BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)100 ml
- Salt (preferably kosher salt)1 tsp
- Ground black pepper0.5 tsp
- Garlic powder0.5 tsp
- Onion powder0.5 tsp
- Olive oil or vegetable oil2 tbsp
Enjoy tender, juicy duck legs with crispy skin and smoky BBQ flavor, slow cooked to perfection. This recipe is simple enough for home cooks with basic kitchen tools and ingredients. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 USD, €14 EUR, £12 GBP, and ₹1200 INR. Each serving contains around 450 kcal, suitable for a gluten-free diet. The recipe is easy in difficulty and takes about 3 hours in total including prep and cooking time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Duck Legs
1Pat the duck legs dry using paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Sear the Duck Legs
2Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the duck legs skin-side down and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is nicely browned and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
Slow Cook with BBQ Sauce
3Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Transfer skillet with duck legs to the oven or place the duck legs in a baking dish. Pour the BBQ sauce over the duck legs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake Slowly
4Cook in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is very tender and internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F) — this ensures poultry safety. The slow cooking tenderizes the duck and infuses it with smoky BBQ flavors.
Rest and Serve
5Remove the duck legs from the oven and let them rest covered for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Cooking Tips
1To avoid cross-contamination, always use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw poultry and other foods.
2If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared duck legs to a baking dish before adding BBQ sauce and covering.
3For extra crispy skin, uncover the duck legs for the last 10 minutes of cooking if the skin needs more crisping.
4Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the duck leg to check internal temperature for safety.
Equipment Needed
- Oven or slow cooker
- Oven-safe skillet or frying pan
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Tongs or spatula
- Oven mitts
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Duck legs, fresh ($7 each) — Choose legs with smooth skin and no discoloration.
- [ ] BBQ sauce, 100 ml ($3) — Pick your favorite flavor; look for low sugar options for a healthier choice.
- [ ] Salt, preferably kosher salt ($1 for small pack) — Coarser salt works best for seasoning.
- [ ] Ground black pepper ($1 for small jar) — Freshly ground preferred.
- [ ] Garlic powder ($1 for small jar)
- [ ] Onion powder ($1 for small jar)
- [ ] Olive oil or vegetable oil, 2 tbsp ($1 approximate cost for small quantity)
Total approximate cost: $15
Prices vary by location and store.
FAQ
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes, you can brown the duck legs on the stove and then transfer them with BBQ sauce to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours until tender and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
How do I know when the duck legs are safely cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It must reach at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure all harmful bacteria are killed and the meat is safe.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can season the duck legs and refrigerate them overnight. Cook as directed the next day for convenience.
What if I don't have BBQ sauce?
You can substitute BBQ sauce with a mixture of tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika for a homemade BBQ flavor.