How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs? A Complete Guide for Perfect Grilled Chicken Every Time

 

Grilled chicken legs are a delicious and popular choice for a barbecue, family dinner, or any time you want a flavorful, juicy meal. However, knowing exactly how long to grill chicken legs to achieve the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with grilling. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about grilling chicken legs, including how long to grill them for the best results.

Whether you’re new to grilling or an experienced cook, this post will give you the tips, tricks, and insights you need to master grilling chicken legs every time. Let’s dive in and answer the burning question: How long do you grill chicken legs?

1. Understanding Chicken Legs: Bone-In vs. Boneless

Before you start grilling, it’s important to understand the type of chicken legs you’re grilling. Chicken legs can come in two main forms: bone-in and boneless.

Bone-In Chicken Legs

Bone-in chicken legs are the most traditional choice for grilling. These chicken legs include both the drumstick and the thigh, with the bone in place. Bone-in chicken legs have a lot of flavor because the bone helps lock in moisture during grilling. They also tend to be juicier and more flavorful than boneless chicken legs.

Boneless Chicken Legs

Boneless chicken legs, also called chicken thigh fillets, are simply chicken legs with the bone removed. While boneless chicken legs cook more quickly and are often more convenient for certain dishes, they may not have the same richness of flavor as bone-in chicken legs. Boneless chicken legs are often used in recipes that call for smaller pieces of chicken, like stir-fries or wraps.

For this guide, we’ll primarily focus on bone-in chicken legs since they are the most commonly grilled type and offer the best flavor and texture.

2. Preparing Chicken Legs for the Grill

Grilling chicken legs requires some preparation to ensure they cook evenly and have maximum flavor. Here are the steps to take before placing your chicken legs on the grill:

1. Seasoning the Chicken Legs

One of the key factors in grilling great chicken legs is seasoning. Chicken legs can be seasoned simply with salt and pepper, or you can use marinades or dry rubs for added flavor.

• Marinades: If you want to infuse your chicken legs with flavor, marinate them for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours before grilling. A simple marinade might include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs or spices.

• Dry Rubs: For a more intense flavor, try a dry rub made with a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin.

After seasoning, allow the chicken legs to rest for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

2. Preparing the Grill

It’s crucial to set up your grill correctly to achieve even cooking. Here’s how to prepare your grill:

• Gas Grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (about 350°F to 400°F). If your grill has multiple burners, set up two zones: a hot side for searing and a cooler side for indirect cooking.
  
  

• Charcoal Grill: If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn down to a medium heat level (white ash). Push the coals to one side to create a two-zone fire, with direct heat on one side and indirect heat on the other.
  
  

Now that your chicken legs are seasoned and your grill is preheated, it’s time to grill!

3. How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs?

The length of time it takes to grill chicken legs depends on several factors, including the heat of the grill, the size of the chicken legs, and the desired doneness. Here’s a general guideline for how long to grill chicken legs:

Grilling Time for Bone-In Chicken Legs

For bone-in chicken legs, the typical grilling time is 35 to 45 minutes, but this can vary depending on the size of the chicken legs and the temperature of your grill. Chicken legs should be grilled over indirect heat for the majority of the cooking time to ensure they cook through without burning.

Here’s the process for grilling bone-in chicken legs:

1. Sear the Chicken Legs: Start by placing the chicken legs over direct heat (the hot side of the grill) for 3-5 minutes per side. This will help develop a crispy, golden-brown skin. Be sure to rotate the chicken legs to ensure an even sear on all sides.
   
   

2. Move to Indirect Heat: Once the chicken legs are seared, move them to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking. Close the lid and let the chicken legs cook for 25-35 minutes over indirect heat. This will allow the chicken to cook through without drying out or burning.
   
   

3. Check for Doneness: To ensure your chicken legs are fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken legs should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the leg. If the temperature is too low, continue grilling the chicken legs for a few more minutes and check again.
   
   

Grilling Time for Boneless Chicken Legs

Boneless chicken legs cook much faster than bone-in legs because they have less density. Boneless chicken legs typically take about 15-20 minutes to cook, depending on the grill temperature.

Here’s how to grill boneless chicken legs:

1. Sear Over Direct Heat: For boneless chicken legs, sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side on the direct heat portion of the grill.
   
   

2. Finish Over Indirect Heat: After searing, move the boneless chicken legs to the cooler side of the grill for about 10-15 minutes, checking the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F.
   
   

4. Tips for Grilling Perfect Chicken Legs

• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Make sure there’s enough space between each chicken leg for even heat circulation. Overcrowding the grill can result in uneven cooking.
  
  

• Baste for Extra Flavor: If you want to add extra flavor and moisture to your chicken legs, baste them with barbecue sauce or a marinade during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling. Be careful not to add the sauce too early, as the sugars in the sauce can burn.
  
  

• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure that your chicken legs are perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Inserting it into the thickest part of the chicken leg will help you avoid undercooking or overcooking the meat.
  
  

• Let the Chicken Rest: Once your chicken legs reach 165°F, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist and tender.
  
  

5. Serving Your Grilled Chicken Legs

Grilled chicken legs can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy them as-is with a side of vegetables, rice, or potatoes, or you can slice the meat off the bone and serve it in tacos, wraps, or salads. For a fun twist, top your grilled chicken legs with a drizzle of your favorite sauce, such as ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the right techniques and understanding how long do you grill chicken legs, you can achieve perfectly grilled, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time. Whether you’re grilling for a small family dinner or hosting a big barbecue, grilled chicken legs are always a crowd-pleaser.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and expert advice on how to become a better griller, visit Scrappy Geek. Scrappy Geek is a great resource for anyone looking to enhance their cooking skills and make the most out of every grilling experience.

Happy grilling, and enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken legs!