Smoky Chipotle Grilled Chicken Legs with Potatoes and Green Beans

Fire up the grill for a bold and satisfying dinner that goes beyond the usual burgers. These chicken legs are rubbed with spices, grilled until the skin is crisp, then brushed with a tangy chipotle barbecue sauce that brings the heat. Served alongside smoky foil-packet potatoes and bright green beans, this meal is a complete crowd-pleaser.

If your grill is still in winter storage, no worries—the whole dish can be roasted in the oven with equally delicious results. Either way, you’ll have a flavorful, fuss-free dinner on the table in under an hour.

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Ingredients

0.25 cup BBQ SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon White Wine VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Dijon MustardView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chipotle PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

16 ounce Chicken LegsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

16 ounce Yukon Gold PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Southwest Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ShallotView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Green BeansView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Heat a grill for medium heat (or preheat oven to 450°F if cooking indoors). In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon mustard, and ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder. Set aside.
2. Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels. Rub each leg with 1 teaspoon olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place on the grill, cover, and cook until no longer pink throughout, 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway. If using the oven, roast on a baking sheet for about 25 minutes.
3. While chicken cooks, cut potatoes into ¾-inch cubes. Tear two 12-inch sheets of aluminum foil. Divide potatoes between the sheets, then sprinkle each with half the Southwest spice blend, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss to coat, then seal the foil tightly to form two packets.
4. Place potato packets on the grill and cook until tender, 25–35 minutes (or roast in the oven for about 35 minutes). Keep sealed until ready to serve. Meanwhile, halve and peel the shallot; mince one half (save the rest for another use). Thinly slice the garlic. Roughly chop the cilantro.
5. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add green beans and a pinch of salt; cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Add a drizzle of vegetable oil to the same pan, then toss in garlic and minced shallot. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar and the remaining mustard; cook 30 seconds more. Remove from heat, add 1 tablespoon butter and half the cilantro, and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Once chicken is cooked, increase grill heat to medium-high. Brush chicken all over with half the barbecue sauce mixture. Cover and grill 2 minutes more, flipping once. (If roasting in the oven, brush after 25 minutes, then roast 10 minutes more.) Remove chicken from heat and brush with remaining sauce. Serve chicken alongside potatoes and green beans, garnished with remaining cilantro.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Grill (or oven)

Fire + Wine Backyard Pizza: Perfect Pizza for Any Outdoor Oven or Grill, with Inspired Wine Pairings (Fire + Wine Cookbook Series)View on AmazonStainless Steel Oven Thermometer 50-300°C/100-600°F, Analog Instant Read, Battery-Free Kitchen Cooking Thermometer, Hook & Stand Design Food Thermometer for Oven, Grill, Smoker, FryerView on AmazonNuwave Brio 15.5Qt Air Fryer Oven with Plug-In Grill, XL Family Size, 10-in-1, Air Fry, Grill, Rotisserie, Even & Crisp Cooking, 50°–425°F, 1800WView on Amazon

Small bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on Amazon

Paper towels

Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)View on AmazonAmazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, Packaging May VaryView on AmazonBounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, White, 8 Family Triple Rolls = 27 Regular RollsView on Amazon

Aluminum foil

Reynolds Wrap Everyday Strength Aluminum Foil Roll, Freezer Safe and Grill Safe, Great for Foil Packets and Home Cooking, 12 Inches Wide, 200 Total Sq. Ft.View on AmazonReynolds Wrap Everyday Strength Aluminum Foil Roll, Freezer Safe and Grill Safe, Great for Foil Packets and Home Cooking, 12 Inches Wide, 30 Total Sq. Ft.View on AmazonReynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil Roll, Thick Heavy Duty Foil for Added Strength and Durability, Secure Easy Open and Close Tab, 12 Inches Wide, 50 Sq. Ft.View on Amazon

Large pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of legs?

Yes, but cooking times will vary. Bone-in thighs may need similar time, while boneless breasts cook faster. Always check for doneness (internal temp 165°F).

What can I substitute for Southwest spice blend?

Mix equal parts chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a similar flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, omit the butter or use a dairy-free alternative. The green beans will still be delicious.