Grilling Chicken Legs: A Complete Guide to Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs Every Time

 

Grilling chicken legs is one of the most satisfying and flavorful ways to prepare this popular cut of poultry. The combination of smoky char, crispy skin, and juicy meat makes chicken legs a favorite among grill enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Whether you're grilling for a casual family meal or hosting a barbecue, mastering the art of grilling chicken legs will elevate your cooking game.

In this detailed guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about grilling chicken legs, from preparing the chicken to grilling it to perfection. With the right technique and a few simple tips, you’ll be able to cook chicken legs that are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Let’s get started!

1. Choosing the Right Chicken Legs

Before you even think about firing up your grill, it’s essential to start with high-quality chicken legs. The type of chicken legs you choose will affect the flavor and texture of the final dish. Here are some considerations when selecting chicken legs for grilling:

Bone-In vs. Boneless Chicken Legs

While boneless chicken legs can be grilled, bone-in legs are the traditional choice. The bone helps retain moisture and adds flavor during the grilling process. Bone-in chicken legs tend to have more flavor, making them the preferred option for grilling.

Skin-On vs. Skinless Chicken Legs

For the best results, choose skin-on chicken legs. The skin adds flavor, helps keep the meat juicy, and gives the legs that delicious crispy texture when grilled. Skinless chicken legs, while still tasty, may not offer the same crispy and flavorful exterior.

Organic vs. Conventional Chicken

If possible, consider opting for organic chicken legs. Organic chickens are often raised without antibiotics or hormones, and they tend to have a richer, more natural flavor. Conventional chicken is still a good option and will yield tasty results when grilled properly, but the flavor may be slightly different.

2. Preparing the Chicken Legs

Proper preparation is key to achieving perfectly grilled chicken legs. Before you begin grilling, make sure your chicken is well-seasoned and ready for the heat. Here’s how you can prepare chicken legs for grilling:

Marinating Chicken Legs

Marinating your chicken legs before grilling can significantly enhance the flavor. A marinade typically consists of oil, acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), and seasoning. The acid in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken, while the oil adds moisture and flavor. Marinate the chicken legs for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.

Here’s a simple marinade recipe:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

For extra flavor, you can also add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Dry Rub for Chicken Legs

If you prefer a dry seasoning, you can apply a dry rub instead of a marinade. Dry rubs are a blend of spices and herbs that create a flavorful crust on the chicken when grilled. Common dry rub ingredients for chicken legs include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and chili powder.

To apply the rub:

1. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.

2. Generously coat the chicken legs with the rub, making sure to cover all sides evenly.

3. Let the chicken legs rest for about 15 minutes to allow the rub to adhere to the meat before grilling.

3. Setting Up the Grill

Before grilling chicken legs, it’s important to set up your grill correctly. The key to perfectly grilled chicken legs is cooking them over indirect heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning. Here’s how to set up your grill:

Gas Grill Setup

1. Preheat your gas grill to medium heat (about 350°F to 375°F).

2. Create two zones on the grill: one for direct heat (high heat) and one for indirect heat (low heat). You’ll want to sear the chicken legs over direct heat for a few minutes and then move them to the cooler side to finish cooking over indirect heat.

Charcoal Grill Setup

1. Light your charcoal and let it burn down until it turns white and ashy.

2. Once the coals are ready, push them to one side of the grill, creating a two-zone fire (direct and indirect heat).

3. If you want to add a smoky flavor to the chicken legs, you can add wood chips to the coals.

4. Grilling Chicken Legs

Now that your grill is preheated and your chicken is seasoned, it’s time to start grilling. Here’s how you can grill chicken legs to perfection:

Searing the Chicken Legs

Place the chicken legs over the direct heat side of the grill. This will allow them to sear and develop a crispy, golden-brown skin. Grill the chicken legs for 3-5 minutes per side, turning them occasionally to ensure they get an even sear.

Moving to Indirect Heat

After searing, move the chicken legs to the cooler, indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and let the chicken legs cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through. This will allow the chicken to cook through without burning the exterior. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure that your chicken legs are cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. Once the temperature reaches 165°F, your chicken legs are ready to come off the grill.

5. Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs

• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: It’s important not to overcrowd the grill with chicken legs. Leave enough space between each leg to ensure even cooking and air circulation. If the chicken is too crowded, the heat won’t be able to reach each piece, resulting in uneven cooking.
  
  

• Keep the Lid Closed: Closing the lid on the grill helps create an oven-like environment, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and retains its moisture. Avoid opening the lid frequently, as this lets the heat escape.
  
  

• Baste the Chicken Legs: For added flavor and moisture, you can baste the chicken legs with barbecue sauce, honey, or a glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling. Be sure to wait until the chicken is nearly done cooking to avoid burning the sauce.
  
  

• Let the Chicken Rest: After removing the chicken legs from the grill, let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
  
  

6. Serving Your Grilled Chicken Legs

Once your chicken legs are perfectly grilled, it’s time to serve them. Grilled chicken legs can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, or a refreshing salad. For a complete meal, pair your chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or barbecue sauce.

You can also slice the chicken off the bone to use in tacos, wraps, or salads for a fun twist on your grilled chicken legs.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. By following these steps—choosing the right chicken legs, seasoning them with care, setting up your grill properly, and using the right grilling techniques—you can ensure perfectly grilled chicken legs every time. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or hosting a summer barbecue, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and helpful cooking advice, visit Scrappy Geek. Scrappy Geek offers a wealth of resources to help you become a better griller, cook, and home chef.

Happy grilling, and enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken legs!