How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Legs? A Complete Guide for Perfectly Cooked Drumsticks

 Grilling chicken legs is one of the most satisfying ways to prepare a delicious and juicy meal. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or simply craving a quick dinner, chicken legs are easy to cook and are a fan favorite for many. But the question on many people’s minds is: How long does it take to grill chicken legs?

In this guide, we’ll dive into the best techniques, times, and tips for grilling chicken legs to perfection. Whether you're using direct or indirect heat, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll share a few expert tricks to ensure your grilled chicken legs come out juicy, flavorful, and safe to eat.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and expert advice, visit Scrappy Geek.

How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Legs?

The time it takes to grill chicken legs depends on several factors, including the grill temperature, the size of the legs, and whether you're grilling over direct or indirect heat. In general, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to grill chicken legs, with an additional 5-10 minutes for resting after grilling.

Here’s a breakdown of the grilling times based on different grilling methods:

Grilling Over Direct Heat

Direct heat grilling means placing the chicken legs directly over the flames or heat source. This method helps to sear the chicken and gives it a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

• Grill Time: About 5-7 minutes per side.

• Total Grilling Time: Around 15-20 minutes.

This method works well for smaller or thinner chicken legs, as it ensures they cook quickly without burning. After searing each side for 5-7 minutes, you can move the chicken to the indirect heat side of the grill to finish cooking if necessary.

Grilling Over Indirect Heat

Grilling chicken legs over indirect heat is ideal for thicker cuts of chicken. This method allows the chicken to cook more slowly and evenly, ensuring that it is fully cooked without burning the outside.

• Grill Time: About 20-30 minutes over indirect heat.

• Total Grilling Time: 35-45 minutes.

To use this method, start by searing the chicken over direct heat for a few minutes to get that crispy exterior. Then, move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct heat, and let it cook through.

Grilling at Medium Heat

Grilling at medium heat is a great option if you want to cook your chicken legs at a moderate pace. It ensures the chicken gets cooked through without burning the outside or drying out.

• Grill Temperature: Aim for 350°F (175°C).

• Grill Time: About 30-40 minutes.

• Total Grilling Time: 35-45 minutes.

This method provides a balance between direct heat and indirect heat grilling, allowing the chicken to cook evenly without the risk of overcooking or undercooking.

For more tips on grilling and recipes, check out Scrappy Geek.

How to Check If Chicken Legs Are Fully Cooked

One of the most important factors when grilling chicken legs is ensuring that they are fully cooked. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat, so always check the internal temperature before serving.

The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken legs is 165°F (75°C). To measure the temperature, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg without touching the bone. If the temperature has reached 165°F, your chicken is ready to eat.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the leg and checking that the juices run clear. If the juices are still pink or reddish, the chicken needs more cooking time.

Tips for Grilling Perfect Chicken Legs

To ensure your chicken legs come out juicy, tender, and flavorful, here are some expert tips to follow:

1. Preheat the Grill
   Before placing the chicken on the grill, always preheat it for at least 10-15 minutes. A properly heated grill will sear the chicken better and prevent it from sticking to the grill grates.
   
   

2. Use a Two-Zone Fire
   Set up your grill with two zones: one for direct heat and one for indirect heat. This setup allows you to sear the chicken over high heat and then finish cooking it slowly over indirect heat.
   
   

3. Turn the Chicken Frequently
   Flip the chicken legs every 5-7 minutes to ensure that they cook evenly and don’t burn. This will also help create that perfect crispy skin.
   
   

4. Marinate the Chicken
   Marinating your chicken legs can add extra flavor and moisture. Use a simple marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and your favorite spices. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
   
   

5. Use a Meat Thermometer
   A meat thermometer is your best friend when grilling chicken. It ensures you don’t overcook or undercook your chicken, which can lead to dry or unsafe meat.
   
   

6. Let the Chicken Rest
   Once your chicken legs are done, allow them to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
   
   

7. Season Generously
   Chicken legs have a lot of surface area, making them perfect for generous seasoning. Use a dry rub, salt, pepper, or your favorite BBQ sauce to add layers of flavor to the meat.
   
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Chicken Legs

Grilling chicken legs may seem simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your meal. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Grilling Over Too High of a Heat
   While it’s tempting to cook over high heat, grilling chicken legs at too high of a temperature can result in burnt skin and undercooked meat. Always monitor the heat and adjust as necessary.
   
   

2. Not Letting the Chicken Rest
   Resting your chicken legs after grilling is crucial for keeping them juicy. Don’t skip this step, as it allows the meat to reabsorb its juices.
   
   

3. Not Checking the Internal Temperature
   Trusting the grill time alone isn’t enough. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat.
   
   

4. Overcooking the Chicken
   Overcooking chicken legs can cause them to dry out. Keep an eye on the time and temperature to prevent this. Remember, the chicken will continue to cook for a few minutes after it’s removed from the grill, so take it off when it’s slightly underdone.
   
   

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is an easy and delicious way to prepare a flavorful meal, but knowing how long it takes to grill chicken legs is key to achieving perfect results. In general, you can expect to grill chicken legs for 30-45 minutes depending on your grill’s heat, the method used, and the size of the legs. Whether you’re grilling over direct or indirect heat, the goal is to cook the chicken through while maintaining juicy, tender meat and crispy skin.

By following the tips and guidelines in this post, you’ll be able to grill chicken legs like a pro. Remember to always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, and don’t forget to let it rest before serving!

For more grilling tips, recipes, and expert advice, visit Scrappy Geek.