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

 Grilling chicken legs is a favorite for many, whether for a weekend BBQ, family dinner, or outdoor gathering. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and smoky flavor make grilled chicken legs irresistible. However, one of the most common questions that arise when grilling chicken legs is, "How long do you grill chicken legs?" It’s an important question, as the cooking time can significantly affect the final result.

In this guide, we'll explore how long to grill chicken legs, the best grilling techniques, and expert tips to ensure your chicken legs come out tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked every time.

For more grilling tips and recipes, visit Scrappy Geek.

Why Grilling Chicken Legs is a Great Option

Chicken legs are an affordable and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for grilling. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out easily, chicken legs are more forgiving due to their higher fat content. When grilled correctly, chicken legs become crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.

Chicken legs can also be easily customized with marinades, rubs, or seasonings to suit various tastes. Whether you prefer a simple salt-and-pepper seasoning or a tangy barbecue glaze, grilling chicken legs allows for endless possibilities.

How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs?

The grilling time for chicken legs can vary depending on several factors, such as the heat of your grill, the size of the chicken legs, and the desired level of doneness. Typically, chicken legs require 30 to 40 minutes of grilling time. Here's a more detailed breakdown of how long you should grill your chicken legs:

1. Preheat Your Grill

Before placing your chicken legs on the grill, it’s essential to preheat the grill to the right temperature. The ideal temperature for grilling chicken legs is 350-400°F (175-200°C). A properly preheated grill ensures that the chicken legs cook evenly and get that perfect crispy skin.

2. Grill Over Indirect Heat

To cook chicken legs evenly and prevent burning, use the indirect heat method. This means placing the chicken legs on the cooler side of the grill, away from direct flames. Indirect heat allows the chicken to cook slowly and thoroughly, giving it time to cook through without charring the outside.

3. Grilling Time for Chicken Legs

When grilling chicken legs over indirect heat, you should cook them for about 30 to 40 minutes. However, the exact time can depend on the following factors:

• Size of the Chicken Legs: Larger chicken legs may require additional cooking time, while smaller legs will cook faster.

• Grill Temperature: If your grill temperature is higher, the chicken will cook faster, but be careful not to burn the skin. Conversely, if the temperature is lower, it may take longer to cook.

• Turn Every 5-7 Minutes: It’s important to turn the chicken legs regularly while grilling to ensure they cook evenly. Turning them every 5-7 minutes will prevent one side from burning while the other remains undercooked.

4. Check for Doneness

The most reliable way to ensure that your chicken legs are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken legs should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe for consumption.

To check, insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, avoiding the bone. If the temperature reads 165°F (75°C), your chicken legs are ready. If not, continue grilling for a few more minutes and check again.

5. Crispy Skin

If you prefer your chicken legs to have a crispy skin, you can finish grilling them over direct heat for the last 5 to 7 minutes. Move the chicken legs to the hotter side of the grill and let them cook for a few minutes, flipping as needed to get an even crisp on both sides.

Other Tips for Grilling Chicken Legs

While the cooking time is important, there are other factors that will make your grilled chicken legs even better. Here are some expert tips for grilling chicken legs to perfection:

1. Marinate or Season the Chicken

To add flavor and tenderness, marinate your chicken legs for 1-4 hours before grilling. A simple marinade can include ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. Alternatively, you can use a dry rub of salt, pepper, paprika, and other spices for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Oil the Grill Grates

Before placing the chicken legs on the grill, it’s a good idea to oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs to rub it over the grates. This will help achieve a clean sear and prevent the skin from tearing.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill

To ensure that each chicken leg gets an even amount of heat, avoid overcrowding the grill. Give each piece enough space to cook properly, and if needed, cook the chicken in batches.

4. Let the Chicken Rest

Once your chicken legs are done grilling, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Different Methods for Grilling Chicken Legs

While the indirect heat method is the most common and reliable way to grill chicken legs, you can also experiment with different grilling techniques to achieve different textures and flavors:

1. Direct Heat Method (For a Quick Grill)

If you're in a hurry and want a faster grilling process, you can grill chicken legs directly over medium-high heat. This method will cook the chicken in 20-25 minutes. However, you’ll need to be vigilant, turning the chicken often to avoid burning the skin. This method works best for smaller chicken legs or when you want a quicker cook with a bit less tenderness.

2. Two-Zone Cooking

A two-zone cooking method involves setting up your grill with one side hot (direct heat) and the other side cooler (indirect heat). Start grilling the chicken legs over the cooler side for about 20-30 minutes to cook through, then move them to the hot side to crisp up the skin in the final 5-10 minutes.

Serving Grilled Chicken Legs

Grilled chicken legs are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular accompaniments include:

• Grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, bell peppers, or zucchini

• Rice or potatoes, such as baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or fries

• Salads, such as a classic Caesar or Greek salad

• Sauces and dips, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a homemade dipping sauce

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is a simple yet rewarding process that requires a bit of patience and the right techniques. Generally, you should grill chicken legs for about 30-40 minutes over indirect heat, turning them every 5-7 minutes. The key to juicy and flavorful chicken legs is cooking them slowly to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and then crisping up the skin at the end over direct heat.

By following these steps and using the tips provided, you’ll be able to make perfect grilled chicken legs every time. For more grilling advice, recipes, and expert tips, visit Scrappy Geek.