How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs? The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Grilled Chicken

 Grilling chicken legs is one of the most satisfying and delicious ways to prepare chicken. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just making a quick meal, chicken legs are always a great choice. They’re flavorful, easy to grill, and versatile. But one of the most common questions people have when grilling chicken legs is: how long do you grill chicken legs?

Knowing the proper grilling time is key to ensuring your chicken legs come out perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. In this guide, we’ll explore how long to grill chicken legs, how to check for doneness, and offer some tips to help you achieve flawless results every time you grill.

Why Grilling Chicken Legs?

Before we dive into the specifics of how long do you grill chicken legs, let’s first talk about why chicken legs are such a great choice for grilling. Chicken legs, consisting of the drumstick and thigh, are naturally more flavorful and tender than other cuts of chicken. The skin crisps up beautifully on the grill, while the meat remains juicy and full of flavor.

Grilling chicken legs also offers versatility. You can season them with a variety of marinades, rubs, or sauces to suit your taste. Additionally, chicken legs are typically more affordable than chicken breasts, making them a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd.

How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs?

The amount of time needed to grill chicken legs depends on several factors, including the temperature of your grill, the size of the chicken legs, and whether you're using direct or indirect heat. However, as a general guideline, how long do you grill chicken legs usually falls within a range of 35-40 minutes.

Here’s a breakdown of the grilling process:

1. Searing the Chicken Legs

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Once the grill is hot, place your chicken legs over the direct heat and sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to brown the skin and lock in the juices, giving the chicken a delicious, crispy exterior.

2. Grilling the Chicken Legs with Indirect Heat

After searing the chicken legs, move them to the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and let the chicken cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping them every 7-10 minutes to ensure they cook evenly. During this time, the chicken will cook through while maintaining its juiciness.

This is where the question of how long do you grill chicken legs becomes important. If you’re cooking your chicken legs over indirect heat, the total grilling time should be around 35-40 minutes, but this can vary based on the size of the chicken legs and the heat of your grill.

3. Checking the Internal Temperature

To ensure your chicken legs are fully cooked, it’s essential to check their internal temperature. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. Once it reaches 165°F, the chicken legs are done.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check for doneness. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque and tender. If it’s not quite done, return the chicken to the grill and continue cooking for a few more minutes.

4. Resting the Chicken Legs

Once your chicken legs are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring that the chicken remains moist and tender.

Tips for Grilling Chicken Legs Perfectly

Now that you know how long do you grill chicken legs, here are some additional tips to help you get the best results:

• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to determine if your chicken legs are fully cooked is by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. This ensures that you won’t overcook or undercook the chicken.
  
  

• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: If you’re grilling a large batch of chicken legs, make sure to leave enough space between each leg. Overcrowding the grill can cause uneven cooking and prevent the skin from getting crispy.
  
  

• Baste with BBQ Sauce: If you like your chicken legs with a tangy or sweet glaze, consider basting them with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. Apply the sauce during the final 5-10 minutes to avoid burning the sauce.
  
  

• Indirect Heat is Key: After searing your chicken legs, it’s important to cook them with indirect heat. This will allow the chicken to cook through without burning the outside, giving you the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.
  
  

• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different marinades, rubs, and sauces. Chicken legs are very versatile, and the possibilities are endless. From spicy rubs to sweet glazes, there’s a flavor combination to suit every taste.
  
  

Conclusion

So, how long do you grill chicken legs? On average, chicken legs take around 35-40 minutes to grill to perfection. This includes 2-3 minutes of searing over direct heat, followed by 25-30 minutes of cooking over indirect heat. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before removing it from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices and maintain moisture.

Grilling chicken legs is simple, but it does require patience and attention to detail. By following these tips and understanding how long to grill chicken legs, you can consistently produce perfectly grilled chicken legs every time.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and advice, visit Scrappy Geek, where you can find more expert advice and ideas to take your grilling to the next level.