Last Updated on June 17, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh

There’s something undeniably delicious about a perfectly roasted chicken, especially when it’s infused with zesty flavors of citrus. This Citrus Glazed Chicken Legs is sweet, sticky and always a family-favorite. Tender, juicy chicken legs are seasoned with a savory blend of spices, then finished with a sticky-sweet glaze made from fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. The result? A mouthwatering combination of sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.

Why We Love This Recipe

I love making these chicken legs during the summer months. The citrus flavor is perfect when it’s warmer outside. They’re a little charred, but sweet and sticky. Chicken legs are also so easy to eat when you’re serving a crowd. Everyone will get a little messy, but there are no forks required. Just pick up a chicken leg and go for it. It’s super casual, but kids love it just as much as I do!

I love making chicken legs because they always turn out moist. If you’re looking for more variations, try my Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs where you can forget about them. Or skip the sugar and try my Low Carb Keto Chicken Legs. Both of those variations are delicious, too.

Citrus Glazed Chicken Legs Ingredient List:

• Chicken Legs: Purchase skin-on chicken legs
• Vegetable Oil: This helps seasoning adhere to the chicken
• Garlic: To add an earthy depth of flavor
• Garlic Salt
• Paprika: Add both color and flavor
• Onion Powder: Adds a tangy flavor
• Black Pepper
• Honey: Helps make it sweet and sticky
• Soy Sauce: Also helps with stickiness and it provides some sodium for tender chicken
• Dijon Mustard
• Fresh Oranges: You’ll use both the zest and juice of the oranges

How To Store Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight food storage container. For the best freshness, enjoy the chicken legs within 4-5 days of roasting them. If there’s any extra sticky sauce, I pour it over the top of the chicken legs before placing them in the refrigerator.

The chicken legs can also be frozen. Place the chicken legs in freezer bags and store the chicken in the back of the freezer, where temperatures are more stable. Freeze the chicken legs for up to three months. Let the legs thaw for 24 hours, in the refrigerator, before reheating.

I like to reheat the chicken legs, on high, in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until cooked all the way through.

How To Grill The Chicken Legs Instead of Roasting

These are perfect for grilling, if you’d rather cook outside than heating up your kitchen. Follow the recipe instruction, except for cooking. Once the chicken has been brushed with the glaze, transfer the sheet pan to your grill.

The ideal temperature for grilling chicken legs is 375º-400º with cooking times varying based on weight, but generally around 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Tips and Tricks For Perfect Chicken Legs

• Ask the butcher to cut chicken legs, if you can’t find them in the meat department. Keep the skin intact.
• Make sure to stir the glaze frequently so it doesn’t burn. The high sugar content can burn easily.
• You can add the glaze multiple times while the chicken is cooking to get it extra glazed and sticky.
• Serve immediately, while hot.
• Keep wet wipes or napkins nearby because they’re messy to eat.

How To Make Citrus Glazed Chicken Legs

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a large bowl, add the chicken legs, oil, garlic and seasonings. Massage the seasonings into the chicken legs and coat all over. Make sure the skin on the chicken legs are pulled up and not rolled down. 

Lay the chicken legs all over the sheet pan evenly. In a small bowl add the honey, soy sauce, Dijon, orange zest and orange juice, stir to combine. Brush on top of the chicken legs all over. Save the rest of the juice.

Place the chicken legs in the preheated oven and cook for 40-45 minutes. While that’s in the oven take a small saucepan and add the leftover juice. Cook on a medium to low heat and stir until it becomes thick. Mine took about 5-8 minutes to become thick.

Once the chicken is done, take out the oven and brush the glaze all over the chicken once more. Top with scallions or parsley (optional) and serve and enjoy!