Grilled Chicken Legs Time: How to Achieve Perfectly Grilled Drumsticks

 Grilled chicken legs are a fan-favorite at backyard barbecues and family dinners. With crispy, flavorful skin and juicy, tender meat, they are easy to prepare and full of satisfying taste. However, one of the most important questions when grilling chicken legs is: How long should I grill chicken legs?

In this post, we will dive into the essential details about grilled chicken legs time and offer tips for achieving the perfect grilled drumsticks. Whether you’re new to grilling or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you cook chicken legs to perfection, every time. From preparation to cooking time and tips for flavoring, we’ve got you covered.

Why Chicken Legs Are Great for Grilling

Chicken legs, which include both the drumstick and thigh, are often considered one of the best cuts for grilling. They are full of flavor, have a higher fat content than leaner cuts like chicken breasts, and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. The fat in the legs helps keep the meat juicy, while the skin crisps up beautifully when grilled, providing a satisfying texture.

Another reason chicken legs are a favorite grilling option is their affordability. Compared to other chicken cuts, chicken legs are often more budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for feeding a crowd.

Preparing Chicken Legs for Grilling

Before you begin grilling, proper preparation of the chicken legs ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors. Here's how to get your chicken legs ready for grilling:

1. Thaw the Chicken Legs

If you're using frozen chicken legs, it’s essential to thaw them completely before grilling. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. If you're in a rush, submerge the chicken legs in a sealed plastic bag in cold water to thaw them more quickly.

2. Pat Dry with Paper Towels

Once thawed, pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the skin become crispy when grilled, rather than steaming. The drier the skin, the better the result.

3. Season or Marinate

Seasoning or marinating your chicken legs enhances their flavor and ensures that the meat is full of taste. You can opt for a simple rub of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or create a more complex marinade using ingredients like lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, mustard, and herbs such as rosemary or thyme.

If you're using a marinade, let the chicken legs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for the best flavor, marinate them for several hours or overnight.

4. Let the Chicken Come to Room Temperature

Before grilling, allow the chicken legs to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and reduces the chances of the meat becoming tough due to a drastic temperature change when placed on the hot grill.

Setting Up the Grill

Whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, setting it up properly is key to grilling chicken legs with the right texture and flavor.

Charcoal Grill

If you’re using a charcoal grill, set it up to create a two-zone heat system. This means placing the hot coals on one side of the grill and leaving the other side free of coals. The hot side will be used for searing the chicken legs, while the cooler side will allow for indirect heat to cook the chicken through.

Light the charcoal and let it burn for 15-20 minutes until it’s covered with white ash. Then, arrange the coals to one side and leave the other side empty to create your two-zone cooking system.

Gas Grill

For a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes. Adjust the burners so that one side of the grill is set to high heat for searing, while the other side is set to medium or low heat for indirect cooking. The two-zone setup allows you to achieve a nice sear while cooking the chicken legs through without overcooking.

Grilled Chicken Legs Time: The Cooking Process

The key to perfectly cooked chicken legs lies in both time and temperature. Cooking them for the right amount of time will give you juicy, tender meat with that crispy, flavorful skin we all love.

Step 1: Searing the Chicken Legs

Start by placing the chicken legs on the hot side of the grill (direct heat). Sear the chicken legs for 3-4 minutes on each side. The goal is to get a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Don’t move the chicken legs around too much, as you want them to stay in place long enough to develop a nice sear.

This step is essential for locking in the juices and adding flavor to the skin. You can use tongs to rotate the drumsticks gently to ensure they sear evenly on all sides.

Step 2: Moving to Indirect Heat

Once the chicken legs are nicely seared, move them to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the grill lid to allow the chicken to cook through. The indirect heat will cook the meat without burning the skin, allowing it to stay moist and juicy.

Grill the chicken legs on indirect heat for 25-30 minutes, flipping them every 7-10 minutes. Be sure to check the chicken's internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Checking the Internal Temperature

The best way to ensure your chicken legs are fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick (avoiding the bone). The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C). If it’s not quite there, continue grilling for a few more minutes and check the temperature again.

Step 4: Adding BBQ Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer your chicken legs with BBQ sauce, apply the sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling. Brush the sauce onto the chicken legs and let it caramelize over the heat. Avoid applying BBQ sauce too early, as the sugars in the sauce can burn and create an unpleasant taste.

Step 5: Resting the Chicken Legs

Once the chicken legs have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender chicken.

How Long to Grill Chicken Legs: The Summary

To summarize, the total grilling time for chicken legs generally takes about 35-40 minutes:

  • Searing time (direct heat): 3-4 minutes per side (6-8 minutes total)

  • Indirect cooking time: 25-30 minutes

Remember, cooking times can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks, the heat of your grill, and other factors. The most important factor is ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: The meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure that your chicken legs are fully cooked and safe to eat.

  • Manage Your Grill’s Heat: Use a two-zone cooking method, with direct heat for searing and indirect heat for cooking the chicken through. This method will give you the best results.

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave enough space between the chicken legs for the heat to circulate evenly. Overcrowding the grill can lead to uneven cooking.

  • Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute. This will result in more tender and juicy chicken legs.

  • Experiment with Flavors: Try different rubs, marinades, or sauces to create unique flavors. From spicy to sweet, the possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts on Grilled Chicken Legs Time

Grilled chicken legs time are easy to make and incredibly flavorful when done right. By following these steps and paying attention to cooking times, you’ll be able to grill chicken legs that are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Don’t forget to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and experiment with different seasonings to make the dish your own.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and expert advice, visit Scrappy Geek, your ultimate source for all things grilling.

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