How to Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Grilled Drumsticks

 Cooking chicken legs on the grill is one of the best ways to achieve juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy skin. Whether you're grilling for a family dinner, hosting a weekend barbecue, or just craving a delicious meal, grilled chicken legs are always a hit. The combination of the smoky flavor from the grill, the crispiness of the skin, and the tender, juicy meat inside makes chicken legs a favorite for many. But how do you cook chicken legs on the grill to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures?

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the process of how to cook chicken legs on the grill, from preparation to grilling and even tips for making your grilled chicken legs stand out.

Why Chicken Legs?

Chicken legs, which include the drumstick and thigh, are an excellent choice for grilling. Unlike lean cuts like chicken breasts, chicken legs have more fat, which keeps them juicy and flavorful. This fat also helps the meat stay tender during the grilling process, making chicken legs one of the most forgiving cuts to cook. Plus, chicken legs are generally more affordable and easier to handle than other cuts, making them a great option for both beginners and seasoned grill masters.

If you're looking to impress your guests or just enjoy a mouth-watering meal, learning how to cook chicken legs on the grill is an essential skill to master.

Preparing the Chicken Legs

Before you start grilling, proper preparation is key to ensuring your chicken legs turn out perfectly. Follow these simple steps:

1. Thaw the Chicken Legs

If you're using frozen chicken legs, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight. Thawing the chicken ensures even cooking and helps avoid undercooked meat in the center.

2. Pat the Chicken Dry

After thawing, use paper towels to pat the chicken legs dry. This step helps remove excess moisture from the surface of the chicken, which is crucial for achieving crispy skin on the grill.

3. Season or Marinate

To infuse your chicken with flavor, season it with your favorite spices or marinade. You can go with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and olive oil or get creative with a flavorful rub or marinade. A marinade can include ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, paprika, or BBQ sauce.

If you prefer, marinate the chicken legs for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours before grilling. For a dry rub, simply coat the chicken legs evenly with your seasoning of choice.

4. Let the Chicken Rest

After seasoning or marinating, let the chicken legs sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before grilling. This allows the meat to come to an even temperature, which helps the chicken cook more evenly on the grill.

Choosing the Right Grill for Cooking Chicken Legs

You can cook chicken legs on either a gas or charcoal grill. Both methods have their advantages, so the choice comes down to personal preference.

  • Charcoal Grill: Charcoal grills add a smoky flavor to the chicken and provide excellent heat control. Charcoal also gives the chicken a slightly crispy texture that you won’t get with a gas grill. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing red before you begin grilling.

  • Gas Grill: Gas grills offer more consistent heat and are generally quicker to set up. If you prefer a straightforward grilling experience with less cleanup, a gas grill is a good choice. You can achieve similar results to a charcoal grill by controlling the heat zones.

How to Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill: The Grilling Process

Now that the chicken legs are prepped and your grill is ready, it's time to cook! Follow these steps for grilling chicken legs to perfection:

1. Preheat the Grill

Regardless of whether you're using a charcoal or gas grill, it's essential to preheat the grill before cooking. For a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down for about 15-20 minutes until they are glowing red and covered with white ash. For a gas grill, set the burners to medium heat and preheat the grill for about 10-15 minutes.

2. Set Up Direct and Indirect Heat Zones

Set up your grill with two heat zones—direct and indirect heat. Direct heat will sear the chicken and give it a crispy exterior, while indirect heat will help cook the chicken through without burning it.

  • Direct heat: This is where you’ll initially sear the chicken legs, creating a crispy skin and a deep, golden color.

  • Indirect heat: Once the chicken legs are seared, move them to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) to continue cooking through.

3. Sear the Chicken Legs

Place the chicken legs directly over the heat (direct heat) for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This step helps to create that delicious crispy skin while adding flavor through searing. Use tongs to turn the chicken and ensure an even sear on all sides.

4. Move to Indirect Heat and Cook Through

Once the chicken legs are seared, move them to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and let the chicken cook for about 30-35 minutes, turning the legs occasionally. The indirect heat will help cook the chicken evenly without burning the skin.

If you’re unsure whether the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken legs are cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the drumstick.

5. Baste with BBQ Sauce (Optional)

If you like your chicken legs with BBQ sauce, brush the sauce on the chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling. Be sure to avoid adding sauce too early, as the sugar in the sauce can burn over direct heat. Allow the sauce to caramelize slightly, giving the chicken legs a shiny, flavorful coating.

6. Rest the Chicken Legs

Once the chicken legs are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making the chicken legs more tender and juicy.

Serving Your Grilled Chicken Legs

Now that your chicken legs are grilled to perfection, it's time to serve them! Grilled chicken legs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, potato salad, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. Whether you're serving them at a family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or a weeknight meal, grilled chicken legs are sure to impress.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking your chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal temperature is 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.

  • Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken legs rest after grilling to keep the meat tender and juicy.

  • Control the Heat: Managing both direct and indirect heat is essential for evenly cooked chicken legs. Direct heat is for searing, while indirect heat is for cooking the chicken through.

  • Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different marinades or rubs to find your perfect flavor combination. Whether you prefer smoky, sweet, or spicy flavors, there’s a recipe out there for you.

Final Thoughts on How to Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill

Grilling chicken legs is a fantastic way to enjoy juicy, tender meat with crispy skin and rich flavor. By following the right steps and using the correct techniques, you can cook chicken legs on the grill with ease and confidence. Whether you're a beginner or a grilling expert, learning how to cook chicken legs on the grill is a valuable skill that will elevate your cooking.

For more tips, recipes, and expert grilling advice, be sure to visit Scrappy Geek. We have everything you need to become a grill master!

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