How Long Do You Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill? A Complete Guide to Grilling Perfection

Grilling chicken legs is one of the easiest ways to create a delicious, smoky, and flavorful meal. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, enjoying a weeknight dinner, or cooking for a special occasion, knowing how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill is essential to ensuring they turn out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. While grilling chicken legs seems simple, achieving the perfect balance between crispy skin and tender meat requires a little knowledge and care.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill, from preparation and grilling times to tips for achieving the best results. Whether you are a grilling pro or a beginner, this article will help you cook chicken legs to perfection every time.

Why Chicken Legs Are Perfect for Grilling

Before diving into the details of how long to cook chicken legs on the grill, it’s important to understand why chicken legs are such a great choice for grilling in the first place.

  • Flavor: Chicken legs are known for their rich, flavorful dark meat. The combination of tender thigh meat and crispy skin makes them a crowd favorite. The natural fats in chicken legs help keep the meat moist, which is especially beneficial when grilling.

  • Affordability: Compared to other cuts of chicken like breasts, chicken legs are relatively inexpensive, making them a great choice for feeding a large group on a budget.

  • Versatility: Chicken legs can be paired with a variety of seasonings, rubs, marinades, and sauces. Whether you prefer a spicy rub, a tangy marinade, or a sticky glaze, chicken legs can handle all kinds of flavors.

How Long Do You Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill?

The cooking time for chicken legs depends on several factors, including the heat of your grill, the size of the chicken legs, and whether you're using direct or indirect heat. That said, the general rule is to cook chicken legs over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Here is a more detailed breakdown:

1. Preheat Your Grill

Before starting to cook your chicken legs, make sure your grill is preheated to the correct temperature. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and prevents sticking.

  • Gas Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F or 190°C to 200°C).

  • Charcoal Grill: Light the charcoal and wait until the coals are covered in white ash. Spread them evenly across the bottom of the grill, allowing for a two-zone cooking setup.

2. Indirect Heat Cooking (Total Cooking Time: 30-40 Minutes)

The best way to cook chicken legs on the grill is by using indirect heat. This means you will place the chicken legs on the cooler side of the grill (away from the direct flames), allowing the meat to cook through without burning the skin.

For most chicken legs, you’ll want to cook them for about 30-40 minutes over indirect heat, turning them occasionally. The goal is to allow the chicken legs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without burning the skin.

Steps for Indirect Heat Cooking:

  1. Place the chicken legs on the cooler side of the grill.

  2. Close the grill lid and cook for 20-25 minutes.

  3. Flip the chicken legs and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

  4. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C).

3. Direct Heat Cooking (Total Cooking Time: 20-25 Minutes)

If you prefer a quicker cooking time or want to get a crispier skin, you can use direct heat. Direct heat means placing the chicken legs directly over the flames or hot coals. However, this method requires careful attention to avoid burning the chicken skin while ensuring the meat is fully cooked.

For direct heat cooking, the total time will be shorter, around 20-25 minutes. The key here is to cook the chicken on both sides, flipping it every 5-7 minutes to avoid burning.

Steps for Direct Heat Cooking:

  1. Place the chicken legs directly over the heat source (flames or hot coals).

  2. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping the chicken to avoid overcooking one side.

  3. Keep an eye on the internal temperature by using a thermometer. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), your chicken legs are done.

4. Crisping the Skin

After cooking the chicken legs with indirect heat, you can move them over to the direct heat side of the grill for 2-3 minutes per side to crisp up the skin. This step is optional but gives the chicken an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Check If Chicken Legs Are Fully Cooked

Knowing when your chicken legs are fully cooked is crucial to ensuring a safe and delicious meal. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, avoiding the bone. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), the chicken is fully cooked.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also check for doneness by piercing the chicken with a fork or knife. The juices should run clear, not pink or red, which indicates that the chicken is properly cooked.

Tips for Grilling Chicken Legs

Here are some additional tips to ensure your chicken legs are cooked to perfection:

1. Season Your Chicken Well

Before grilling, season your chicken legs with a dry rub, marinade, or just salt and pepper. You can marinate your chicken legs for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, let them sit in the marinade for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

2. Create a Two-Zone Grill Setup

Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, a two-zone setup is ideal for grilling chicken legs. This allows you to sear the chicken over direct heat, then move it to the cooler side for indirect cooking. The two-zone setup ensures the chicken cooks evenly without burning.

3. Avoid Overcrowding the Grill

To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the grill. Leave space between each chicken leg to allow for proper air circulation and even heat distribution.

4. Baste with Sauce (Optional)

If you like saucy chicken legs, you can baste them with your favorite BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or glaze during the last few minutes of grilling. Be careful not to add the sauce too early, as it can burn over direct heat.

5. Rest the Chicken Legs Before Serving

Once the chicken legs are cooked, let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Legs

Grilled chicken legs pair wonderfully with a wide variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complement your meal:

  • Grilled Vegetables: Serve your chicken legs with a side of grilled vegetables such as corn on the cob, bell peppers, or zucchini.

  • Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy flavor of coleslaw is a perfect contrast to the smoky grilled chicken.

  • Potato Salad: A classic side dish that pairs well with grilled chicken, offering a hearty and flavorful complement.

  • Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy rice pilaf is a great accompaniment to chicken legs and helps balance out the richness of the meat.

Conclusion

Knowing how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. Whether you’re cooking with indirect or direct heat, the key to success is monitoring the cooking time and internal temperature. By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy delicious grilled chicken legs every time.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and expert advice, check out Scrappy Geek, where you'll find everything you need to become a master griller.

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