How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs: The Complete Guide for Perfect Grilled Chicken

 Grilling chicken legs is one of the most popular and rewarding ways to enjoy this flavorful and juicy cut of meat. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, cooking for your family, or just enjoying a weeknight meal, chicken legs can easily be the star of the show. However, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering how long do you grill chicken legs to get that perfect crispy skin and tender meat, you’re not alone. Grilling chicken legs can be tricky if you don’t know the right time and techniques to use. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about grilling chicken legs, from preparation and grilling tips to how long it takes to cook them to perfection.

Why Chicken Legs Are Ideal for Grilling

Before we dive into the specifics of how long do you grill chicken legs, let's first discuss why chicken legs are perfect for grilling. Chicken legs consist of both the drumsticks and the thighs, two cuts of meat that are full of flavor and have a higher fat content compared to white meat like chicken breasts. This higher fat content helps keep the meat juicy, even when exposed to high heat on the grill.

Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out easily, chicken legs are much more forgiving. As long as they are grilled correctly, chicken legs stay moist and tender, making them an excellent choice for grilling. Additionally, the skin on chicken legs crisps up beautifully when grilled, creating a delicious texture that complements the juicy interior.

Preparing Chicken Legs for Grilling

Grilling chicken legs might seem simple, but there are a few key steps to ensure they turn out perfectly. Here’s how you can prepare your chicken legs before grilling:

1. Thaw the Chicken Legs (If Frozen)

If you are using frozen chicken legs, it is crucial to thaw them completely before grilling. Grilling frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking, with the outside becoming overcooked while the inside remains raw. To thaw your chicken legs, place them in the refrigerator for 24 hours or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Always avoid thawing chicken at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth.

2. Pat the Chicken Legs Dry

Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken can cause it to steam instead of grill, resulting in soggy skin. After thawing the chicken, use paper towels to pat the drumsticks dry before seasoning them. This step will help the skin become crispier when grilled.

3. Season the Chicken Legs

Seasoning is key to making your grilled chicken legs flavorful. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or use a dry rub or marinade to enhance the flavor.

  • Dry Rub: A simple dry rub made from garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper can add a savory kick to your chicken legs. Coat the chicken legs evenly with the rub, and let them sit for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.

  • Marinade: A marinade is another great option to infuse flavor into your chicken. Marinate your chicken legs for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. This will not only enhance the flavor but also help tenderize the meat.

4. Bring the Chicken Legs to Room Temperature

Before placing the chicken on the grill, let the chicken legs sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This ensures they cook evenly and reduces the chances of the meat being undercooked or overcooked.

How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs?

Now that your chicken legs are properly prepared, the next big question is how long do you grill chicken legs? The answer depends on the temperature of your grill, the size of the chicken legs, and whether you’re using direct or indirect heat. Let’s go over the details.

1. Preheat Your Grill

Preheating your grill is a crucial step in grilling chicken legs. For the best results, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This temperature will allow the chicken legs to cook thoroughly while developing a crispy skin.

2. Grill Using Direct Heat First

The first step in grilling chicken legs is to use direct heat. Direct heat helps sear the chicken and crisp up the skin. Here’s how to do it:

  • Place your chicken legs on the grill over the direct heat (the hotter part of the grill).

  • Grill the chicken legs for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning them occasionally. You want the skin to become golden brown and crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on the chicken to avoid burning.

At this point, the chicken legs should have a nice sear on the outside, but they are not fully cooked yet. To ensure they are cooked all the way through, move the chicken legs to indirect heat.

3. Switch to Indirect Heat for Cooking Through

After searing the chicken legs over direct heat, move them to the cooler side of the grill to cook them through over indirect heat. Indirect heat allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, ensuring it reaches the correct internal temperature without burning the skin. Here’s how to do it:

  • Move the chicken legs to the cooler side of the grill, away from direct heat.

  • Continue grilling for an additional 25-30 minutes, turning the chicken every 5-7 minutes for even cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C), which is the safe cooking temperature for chicken.

4. Check for Doneness

The best way to check if your chicken legs are fully cooked is by measuring the internal temperature. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, avoiding the bone. If the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C), the chicken is ready to come off the grill.

5. Let the Chicken Legs Rest

Once your chicken legs are cooked to the right temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring the chicken remains moist and tender.

Tips for Grilling Chicken Legs

To ensure your grilled chicken legs turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

  • Oil the Grill Grates: Before placing the chicken on the grill, oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and help it cook more evenly.

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave space between the chicken legs to ensure they cook evenly. Overcrowding the grill can cause uneven cooking.

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: While cooking times are a good guideline, the best way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. This ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly every time.

  • Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades, rubs, and sauces to create unique flavor profiles for your chicken legs. Sweet, spicy, tangy, or smoky glazes can take your chicken to the next level.

Serving Ideas for Grilled Chicken Legs

Grilled chicken legs can be paired with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:

  • Grilled Vegetables: Serve your chicken legs with grilled vegetables like zucchini, corn, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthy and flavorful meal.

  • Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad is a great side dish to balance the savory flavors of grilled chicken.

  • Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

  • Rice or Quinoa: Serve your chicken legs with rice, quinoa, or couscous for a filling, nutritious side.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. The key to perfect chicken legs is knowing how long do you grill chicken legs and using the right techniques. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve crispy skin, juicy meat, and perfectly cooked chicken every time.

For more expert grilling tips, recipes, and advice, visit Scrappy Geek. You’ll find plenty of great resources to help you elevate your cooking skills.

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