Grilled Chicken Legs Time: How Long to Grill Chicken Legs for Perfect Results

 Grilling is one of the best ways to cook chicken, and grilled chicken legs time is a critical factor in getting the perfect, tender, juicy, and flavorful result. Whether you’re an experienced griller or just starting, understanding how long to grill chicken legs is essential to achieving that crispy, golden skin and juicy interior.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about grilled chicken legs time, including tips for ensuring that your chicken legs cook to perfection. From preparation and grill settings to checking the internal temperature, we’ll cover it all so you can enjoy delicious grilled chicken legs every time.

Why the Right Grilled Chicken Legs Time Matters

When it comes to grilling chicken legs, timing is everything. Too little time on the grill and your chicken legs will be undercooked, potentially leading to foodborne illness. Too much time on the grill, and you risk dry, overcooked chicken with tough skin. The perfect balance is key, and grilled chicken legs time is the main factor in determining that balance.

The reason grilled chicken legs time matters so much is because the legs consist of dark meat, which takes a bit longer to cook compared to the white meat found in chicken breasts. However, once cooked properly, the chicken legs remain moist, flavorful, and juicy.

The good news is that with the right tools, preparation, and technique, grilled chicken legs time is easy to manage. Let's dive into how you can cook your chicken legs to perfection.

Preparing Chicken Legs for Grilling

Before we even get into grilled chicken legs time, the first step is preparation. Properly preparing your chicken legs will ensure they grill evenly and absorb the flavors from your seasoning or marinade.

1. Choose High-Quality Chicken Legs

Start by selecting high-quality chicken legs. Look for fresh, organic, or free-range chicken for the best flavor. Bone-in chicken legs are typically preferred for grilling, as the bones help retain moisture and flavor, making them juicier and more tender.

2. Trim Excess Skin and Fat (Optional)

Trim any excess skin or fat from the chicken legs. While some fat can add flavor, too much fat can cause flare-ups on the grill, which can burn the chicken and make it tough. Removing excess fat ensures that your chicken legs cook evenly and helps the skin crisp up nicely.

3. Marinate or Season the Chicken Legs

Marinating or seasoning your chicken legs before grilling can significantly enhance their flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and citrus can do wonders. You can marinate your chicken legs for at least 30 minutes or, for even better flavor, up to 2-3 hours.

Alternatively, a dry rub made with your favorite spices is an excellent choice for those who prefer bold flavors. Either way, marinating or seasoning your chicken legs helps infuse them with flavor and ensures they don’t dry out during grilling.

4. Bring the Chicken to Room Temperature

Before grilling, remove the chicken legs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This step allows the chicken to cook more evenly, reducing the risk of undercooked meat on the inside while ensuring a perfectly cooked exterior.

Setting Up the Grill

Once your chicken legs are prepped and ready, it’s time to set up your grill. How you set up your grill will affect the grilled chicken legs time, so it’s important to get this step right.

1. Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C). Whether you’re using a gas grill or a charcoal grill, it’s important to get the grill to the correct temperature before adding the chicken legs. Preheating the grill helps ensure that your chicken legs cook evenly and develop a nice crispy skin.

2. Create Two Heat Zones

For the best grilling results, create two heat zones on your grill: one with direct heat and another with indirect heat. Direct heat will be used for searing the chicken, while indirect heat will allow the chicken legs to cook through without burning the outside.

  • For a gas grill: Turn on one side of the grill to medium heat, leaving the other side off.

  • For a charcoal grill: Place the charcoal on one side, creating a hot side (direct heat) and a cooler side (indirect heat).

This two-zone setup gives you better control over the grilled chicken legs time, allowing you to sear the chicken first and then cook it through without overcooking.

Grilling Chicken Legs to Perfection

Now that your grill is ready, it’s time to focus on grilled chicken legs time. The length of time it takes to cook your chicken legs depends on several factors, including the size of the legs, the temperature of the grill, and whether or not you’re using bone-in or boneless chicken.

1. Sear the Chicken Legs

Start by placing your chicken legs on the grill over the direct heat. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side to create those perfect grill marks and a crispy skin. Be sure to keep the lid closed during this process to maintain an even temperature.

2. Move to Indirect Heat

Once your chicken legs are nicely seared, move them to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and allow the chicken to cook for 25-30 minutes, turning the chicken every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking.

3. Check the Internal Temperature

The best way to determine if your chicken legs are done is by checking the internal temperature. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, avoiding the bone. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked and safe to eat.

Grilled chicken legs time varies based on the grill’s temperature, but typically, it will take about 30-35 minutes on indirect heat to reach the desired internal temperature.

4. Baste (Optional)

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, you can brush your chicken legs with a glaze or BBQ sauce of your choice. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and helps caramelize the sauce, making the chicken even more delicious.

Resting the Chicken Legs

Once your chicken legs reach the right internal temperature, it’s important to let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your chicken legs remain juicy and tender.

How Long Do You Need to Grill Chicken Legs?

As we mentioned earlier, the answer to grilled chicken legs time depends on several factors. On average, it takes about 30-35 minutes for grilled chicken legs to cook through on a medium heat grill with indirect heat. If you're cooking smaller or boneless chicken legs, they may cook a bit faster.

However, it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid any undercooking.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Legs

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the most accurate way to check doneness. You want to be sure your chicken has reached 165°F.

  • Avoid Overcrowding the Grill: Leave space between your chicken legs to ensure they cook evenly. Crowding the grill can lead to uneven cooking.

  • Rotate Regularly: Turn your chicken legs every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy skin on all sides.

Conclusion

Understanding grilled chicken legs time is essential for getting perfectly cooked chicken every time. With the right preparation, grill setup, and cooking technique, you can enjoy delicious grilled chicken legs that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Just remember to check the internal temperature, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades and seasonings to suit your taste.

For more tips, tricks, and grilling advice, be sure to visit Scrappy Geek for additional grilling recipes and insights!

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