How Long Do You Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill? A Comprehensive Guide

 Grilling chicken legs is a popular and delicious way to prepare this versatile cut of meat, whether you're hosting a barbecue, preparing a family dinner, or just craving a tasty meal. One of the most common questions people ask when grilling chicken legs is, how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill? This is an important question because grilling the chicken legs properly ensures they are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and cooked to the perfect internal temperature.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about grilling chicken legs, including tips for achieving the perfect texture, how long to cook them, and how to ensure they are safe to eat. Whether you're a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, this post will give you all the tips and tricks you need for making the best grilled chicken legs.

Why Grilled Chicken Legs Are So Popular

Chicken legs, which consist of both the drumstick and the thigh, are an excellent choice for grilling because they are flavorful, juicy, and inexpensive. They offer a rich, satisfying taste compared to chicken breasts, and their higher fat content helps to keep them tender during grilling. Plus, they are a hit at cookouts, family gatherings, and parties.

The skin of the chicken leg crisps up nicely on the grill, while the meat stays moist. With the right techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken legs that are both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. But achieving this balance requires some attention to detail, particularly when it comes to cooking time.

How Long Do You Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill?

The answer to the question, how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill? can vary based on several factors, including the temperature of your grill, the size of your chicken legs, and the method you're using to cook them. Here's an approximate guide:

  • Direct Heat Grilling: When grilling chicken legs over direct heat, it will take around 25-30 minutes in total. You will need to turn the chicken legs every 5-7 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides and develop a crispy skin without burning.

  • Indirect Heat Grilling: For thicker chicken legs or if you want to cook them more slowly, you can use indirect heat. With this method, it will take about 35-40 minutes for the chicken legs to cook through fully. Indirect heat allows the chicken to cook more slowly and evenly, preventing the outside from burning before the inside is cooked.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grill Chicken Legs Perfectly

Grilling chicken legs is simple once you know the basics. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you grill chicken legs to perfection.

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken Legs

Before you start grilling, you'll want to prepare your chicken legs. Here’s how:

  • Pat the chicken dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken legs dry. This will help the skin crisp up nicely during grilling.

  • Season or marinate the chicken: Season the chicken legs with your favorite spices, or marinate them for a few hours for extra flavor. A simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs works wonders, or you can use BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

Preheating the grill is crucial for even cooking. Here’s how to do it:

  • For charcoal grills, allow the coals to burn until they are covered in white ash, which should take about 15-20 minutes. The grill temperature should be around 375°F to 400°F.

  • For gas grills, set the temperature to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F) and allow the grill to preheat for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Grill Over Direct Heat (First)

To get a crispy, golden brown exterior, start grilling your chicken legs over direct heat:

  1. Place the chicken legs on the grill: Arrange the chicken legs directly over the heat.

  2. Sear the chicken: Grill the chicken legs for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. This will help them develop a crispy skin and rich color.

  3. Check for grill marks: As you turn the chicken, look for grill marks to appear. This indicates that the skin is crisping up nicely.

Step 4: Move to Indirect Heat (If Needed)

Once the chicken legs have been seared and have a golden-brown exterior, it’s time to move them to the indirect heat side of the grill to finish cooking more slowly.

  1. Move the chicken legs to the cooler side of the grill: For charcoal grills, move the chicken to the side with no coals. For gas grills, turn off one or two burners and move the chicken legs to the unlit side.

  2. Cover the grill: Close the lid to create an oven-like environment. This helps cook the chicken legs evenly and allows the heat to circulate around them.

  3. Cook the chicken legs: Continue cooking for 30-35 minutes, turning the chicken every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

  4. Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken legs using a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg, avoiding the bone.

Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest

Once the chicken legs have reached the right temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute, ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender when you bite into it.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your perfectly grilled chicken legs are now ready to serve! Enjoy them as they are, or pair them with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or potato salad. For an extra burst of flavor, you can brush the chicken legs with additional BBQ sauce or a glaze of your choice just before serving.

Additional Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Legs

  • Use a meat thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked through. The ideal internal temperature for chicken legs is 165°F (74°C).

  • Avoid overcooking: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Always check the internal temperature to avoid this.

  • Consider using a marinade: Marinating your chicken legs not only adds flavor but also helps keep the meat tender and moist.

  • Use a two-zone grill setup: This setup allows you to sear the chicken over direct heat and then finish cooking it over indirect heat, ensuring the perfect texture without burning.

  • Don’t overcrowd the grill: Leave enough space between each chicken leg to allow heat to circulate evenly, which helps with even cooking.

  • Experiment with wood chips: If you’re using a charcoal grill, adding wood chips can infuse a smoky flavor into the chicken legs, giving them an extra layer of deliciousness.

Conclusion

When you’re wondering how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill, the answer is around 25-30 minutes for direct heat grilling or 35-40 minutes for indirect heat grilling, depending on the size of your chicken legs and grill temperature. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using a meat thermometer to check for doneness, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful chicken legs every time.

Grilled chicken legs are a simple yet satisfying meal, whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just making a quick dinner. With the right techniques and a little patience, you can create a meal that will impress family and friends alike.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and kitchen advice, check out Scrappy Geek. Scrappy Geek offers valuable insights on all things cooking, from grilling to baking, and everything in between. Happy grilling!

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