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

 Grilling chicken legs is a fantastic way to cook one of the most flavorful and versatile cuts of chicken. With the right technique, chicken legs can come out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. But the key to perfect grilled chicken legs lies in knowing how long do you grill chicken legs and how to prepare them properly.

Whether you're grilling for a family dinner or hosting a barbecue, understanding the correct grilling time and technique will help you achieve the best results. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from prep to grilling and serving. If you're interested in learning more about grilling and cooking techniques, make sure to visit Scrappy Geek for additional resources.

Why Choose Chicken Legs?

Before we dive into how long do you grill chicken legs, let's quickly discuss why chicken legs are a popular choice for grilling:

  • Flavorful and Juicy: Chicken legs are a dark meat cut, which means they are naturally more flavorful and tend to stay moist when cooked, unlike leaner cuts like chicken breasts.

  • Affordability: Chicken legs are often much cheaper than other cuts of chicken, making them perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

  • Easy to Grill: Chicken legs are relatively simple to cook, and they don't dry out as quickly as some other cuts of chicken, making them a forgiving choice for beginners and seasoned grillers alike.

Now that we know why chicken legs are such a great choice for grilling, let’s talk about how long do you grill chicken legs for the best results.

1. Preparing the Chicken Legs for Grilling

Preparation is key when grilling chicken legs. Properly prepping the chicken will help you achieve a crispy skin and juicy meat. Here's how to get your chicken legs ready for the grill:

  • Pat the Chicken Dry: Start by patting the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture, which allows the skin to become crispy during grilling.

  • Season the Chicken: The next step is to season the chicken. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can marinate the chicken for a few hours to infuse it with flavor. Some popular marinades for chicken legs include olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. A simple dry rub with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper can also work wonders.

  • Let It Sit at Room Temperature: Before grilling, allow the chicken legs to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks more evenly when placed on the grill.

For more grilling tips and techniques, be sure to check out Scrappy Geek.

2. Preheating the Grill

One of the most important steps in how long do you grill chicken legs is ensuring that your grill is preheated to the correct temperature. This helps achieve the perfect sear on the chicken while cooking it evenly.

  • Gas Grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). This temperature range is ideal for grilling chicken legs, allowing them to cook through without drying out.

  • Charcoal Grill: If you’re using a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire. Place the coals on one side for direct heat and leave the other side for indirect heat. This setup allows you to sear the chicken over direct heat and then move it to the cooler side to finish cooking.

Be sure to clean the grill grates before cooking to prevent the chicken from sticking.

3. Grilling the Chicken Legs

Now that the chicken is prepared and the grill is preheated, it's time to answer the big question: how long do you grill chicken legs? Here's the process:

  • Sear the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken legs over direct heat (the hotter side of the grill). Grill the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side to get a nice sear and crispy skin. Avoid moving the chicken around too much, as you want to develop those delicious grill marks.

  • Move to Indirect Heat: After the chicken has been seared, move it to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) to allow it to cook through. Close the grill lid to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.

  • Grilling Time: In general, how long do you grill chicken legs will depend on their size and the heat of your grill, but a good rule of thumb is around 25-30 minutes. Flip the chicken legs every 7-8 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

The key to perfectly grilled chicken legs is balancing direct and indirect heat. The direct heat gives the chicken its crispy exterior, while the indirect heat helps cook the meat thoroughly without burning the outside.

For more information on grilling chicken legs and other delicious recipes, visit Scrappy Geek.

4. Checking for Doneness

You might be wondering, "How do I know if my chicken legs are fully cooked?" The best way to check for doneness is by measuring the internal temperature of the chicken.

  • Internal Temperature: The internal temperature of the chicken legs should reach 165°F (74°C). Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, making sure not to touch the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading.

  • Visual Check: If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink, and the meat should be fully opaque.

If the chicken hasn’t reached the proper temperature yet, continue grilling and check again after a few minutes.

5. Let the Chicken Rest

Once your chicken legs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute in the meat, making the chicken more tender and juicy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

After the chicken has rested, it's ready to serve! Pair your grilled chicken legs with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is a delicious and easy way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll know exactly how long do you grill chicken legs for the best results. With proper preparation, the right grilling technique, and a little patience, you can create perfectly grilled chicken legs every time.

Remember to keep an eye on the grill temperature, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and let the chicken rest before serving. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your chicken legs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

For more helpful grilling tips, recipes, and cooking advice, make sure to visit Scrappy Geek.

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