How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs? A Complete Guide to Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs

 Grilled chicken legs are a classic barbecue favorite, offering a smoky, charred flavor and juicy meat. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a simple weeknight meal, chicken legs are an easy and delicious choice. However, one common question that often arises when grilling is, how long do you grill chicken legs to get them just right?

Grilling chicken legs to perfection involves more than just throwing them on the grill and hoping for the best. The right grilling time is crucial to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, with crispy skin on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the steps for grilling chicken legs and explain the ideal grilling times based on the method, heat level, and size of the chicken legs.

Why Grilled Chicken Legs Are So Popular

Before diving into the grilling times and techniques, it’s important to understand why chicken legs are such a popular choice for grilling:

1. Flavor: The dark meat of chicken legs is more flavorful than chicken breasts, making them perfect for grilling. When cooked properly, the skin crisps up and the meat becomes tender and juicy, delivering an unforgettable taste.
   
   

2. Affordability: Chicken legs are often cheaper than other cuts like breasts or thighs, making them an economical option for large gatherings and family meals.
   
   

3. Juiciness: Thanks to the higher fat content, chicken legs retain moisture during grilling, resulting in a juicy, flavorful bite.
   
   

4. Versatility: Chicken legs can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from simple salt and pepper to complex marinades and dry rubs. The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavor combinations.
   
   

How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs?

The key to cooking chicken legs on the grill lies in knowing how long to grill them. Several factors influence grilling time, including the temperature of the grill, the size of the chicken legs, and the method you use for grilling (direct heat vs. indirect heat).

1. Preheat the Grill

Before you start grilling chicken legs, it’s important to preheat your grill. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, the right temperature is essential for achieving a good sear and ensuring the chicken cooks evenly. For chicken legs, you want to aim for medium-high heat, typically around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C).

• Gas Grill: Preheat the gas grill for 10-15 minutes on medium-high heat.

• Charcoal Grill: Allow the coals to burn down until they are covered in white ash, which indicates they are at the right temperature.

2. Grilling Chicken Legs Time

The grilled chicken legs time can vary depending on whether you are cooking over direct or indirect heat. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process:

Searing the Chicken Legs (Direct Heat)

The first step is to sear the chicken legs over direct heat. This gives the chicken a crispy, golden-brown exterior while locking in the juices.

• Sear the Chicken Legs: Place the chicken legs on the grill over direct heat (the hotter part of the grill). Grill the chicken legs for about 2-3 minutes on each side to get a nice, crispy skin.

At this point, the chicken legs will have a nice sear, but they aren’t fully cooked yet. The next step is to move them to indirect heat to cook through without burning the skin.

Cooking Over Indirect Heat

Once the chicken legs are seared, you’ll want to move them to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) to finish cooking. Indirect heat allows the chicken to cook through slowly, ensuring the inside reaches the right temperature without the risk of burning the skin.

• Grill for 25-30 Minutes: Move the chicken legs to the cooler side of the grill and cook them for 25-30 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken legs, but generally, this is the range you’ll want to stick to. Be sure to turn the chicken occasionally for even cooking.

3. Check for Doneness

The most important factor in grilling chicken legs is making sure they are fully cooked. While grilling time is a good guideline, the best way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, avoiding the bone, to check the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Rest the Chicken Legs

Once your chicken legs have reached the proper internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

How to Make Sure Your Chicken Legs Are Perfectly Grilled

While understanding how long you grill chicken legs is important, there are other factors to consider to ensure that your chicken turns out perfectly grilled every time:

Tips for Grilling Chicken Legs

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: To allow for even cooking and good airflow, avoid overcrowding the grill. If necessary, grill the chicken legs in batches to ensure they get enough heat for a perfect cook.
   
   

2. Baste with Sauce: If you're using barbecue sauce or any other glaze, wait until the last 5 minutes of grilling to baste the chicken. Adding sauce too early can cause it to burn. Use a basting brush to apply the sauce during the final moments of grilling.
   
   

3. Use Two-Zone Cooking: If you’re grilling on a charcoal grill, consider setting up a two-zone cooking method. This means having a hot side of the grill for searing and a cooler side for cooking the chicken legs through. This ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly without burning.
   
   

4. Check for Color and Texture: In addition to using a thermometer, you can check the chicken’s doneness by looking at the skin. When the chicken is done, the skin will be golden brown and slightly crispy, and the juices will run clear when pierced with a fork.
   
   

5. Avoid Constant Flipping: When grilling chicken legs, flip them only once or twice to ensure an even cook. Constant flipping can disrupt the skin from forming a crispy, golden texture.
   
   

6. Don’t Rush: While it may be tempting to speed up the grilling process by turning up the heat, this can result in overcooked or burnt skin. Slow and steady is the key to getting perfectly grilled chicken legs.
   
   

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Legs

Once your chicken legs are grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve them! Grilled chicken legs are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides:

• Grilled Vegetables: Pair your chicken legs with grilled veggies like corn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus.

• Potato Salad: A creamy, tangy potato salad complements the smoky flavor of the chicken and adds a hearty side.

• Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to round out the meal.

• Salads: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the grilled chicken legs.

Conclusion

How long do you grill chicken legs? The answer depends on various factors, but with the right technique, you can achieve delicious, juicy, and crispy chicken legs every time. By searing the chicken legs first, moving them to indirect heat, and checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, you’ll ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and advice, visit Scrappy Geek to elevate your grilling skills and impress your guests with mouth-watering dishes!