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

 Grilling chicken legs is one of the simplest yet most rewarding ways to cook chicken. The smoky, charred flavor from the grill combined with tender, juicy meat is a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue or family gathering. Whether you're a seasoned grilling expert or a beginner, learning how to cook chicken legs on the grill can elevate your outdoor cooking game.

In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about grilling chicken legs. From preparation to grilling techniques, we'll cover it all so you can achieve perfectly grilled chicken legs every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your grilling skills!

Why Grill Chicken Legs?

Grilled chicken legs are a great choice for several reasons:

  1. Flavorful: The high heat of the grill adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the skin of the chicken legs, while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside.

  2. Affordable: Chicken legs are often less expensive than other cuts like breasts or thighs, making them an affordable option for large gatherings or family dinners.

  3. Easy to Cook: Chicken legs are simple to prepare and cook. With the right technique, you can achieve a great result with minimal effort.

  4. Versatile: Chicken legs can be seasoned, marinated, and served in many ways, giving you plenty of options to suit your tastes.

Choosing the Right Chicken Legs

When you’re learning how to cook chicken legs on the grill, the first step is selecting the right chicken. Here are some tips for choosing chicken legs:

  • Freshness: Always choose fresh chicken legs when possible. If you’re buying frozen chicken legs, make sure to thaw them completely before grilling.

  • Skin-on or Skinless: Skin-on chicken legs are more flavorful because the skin helps retain moisture and adds a crispy texture when grilled. Skinless chicken legs tend to be leaner but may lack the same richness of flavor.

  • Free-range or Organic: If you have the option, choose free-range or organic chicken legs for a more ethical choice and better taste. These tend to be more flavorful and have a better texture than conventionally raised chicken.

Preparing Chicken Legs for the Grill

Proper preparation is key to ensuring that your grilled chicken legs are tender, flavorful, and juicy. Here’s how to get your chicken legs ready for the grill:

1. Pat Dry the Chicken Legs

Before marinating or seasoning your chicken legs, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel. This removes excess moisture from the skin, allowing it to crisp up better on the grill.

2. Marinate or Season the Chicken Legs

To enhance the flavor of your chicken legs, you can marinate them or apply a dry rub. Marinating chicken legs for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and juicy. If you're in a hurry, a 30-minute marinade will still yield great results.

Here are a few marinade ideas:

  • Classic BBQ Marinade: Combine barbecue sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a sweet and smoky marinade.

  • Lemon and Herb Marinade: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper for a fresh, tangy marinade that pairs well with chicken.

  • Spicy Marinade: Mix hot sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic, olive oil, and lime juice for a zesty, spicy marinade.

If you prefer dry seasoning, a simple rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin works wonders.

3. Bring the Chicken to Room Temperature

After marinating or seasoning, allow your chicken legs to come to room temperature before grilling. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming tough or dry during grilling.

Preheating the Grill

Before you start grilling, it’s important to preheat your grill to the right temperature. You want the grill to be at medium-high heat (around 350°F to 400°F or 175°C to 200°C) for optimal cooking. This temperature allows for a good sear on the skin while ensuring the chicken cooks through without drying out.

Gas Grill: Preheat the gas grill for about 10-15 minutes on medium-high heat.

Charcoal Grill: Light the charcoal and allow it to burn down until the coals are covered in white ash, which indicates they’re ready. You can create a two-zone heat setup by placing the coals to one side of the grill, which will allow you to cook the chicken legs over indirect heat later.

Grilling Chicken Legs: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that your chicken legs are prepped, seasoned, and your grill is preheated, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to cook chicken legs on the grill:

1. Oil the Grill Grates

To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil and tongs to rub oil on the grill grates. This helps create a non-stick surface for the chicken legs.

2. Place the Chicken Legs on the Grill

Place the chicken legs on the grill over direct heat to sear the skin. Grill the chicken legs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the skin turns golden and crispy. This step helps to lock in the juices and creates a beautiful crust on the outside.

3. Move the Chicken Legs to Indirect Heat

Once the chicken legs have a nice sear, move them to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). This allows the chicken to cook through without burning the skin. Close the lid to maintain the temperature and cook the chicken legs for about 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

4. Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To check, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.

5. Rest the Chicken Legs

Once the chicken legs are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, making the chicken even juicier.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs

  • Avoid Overcooking: Overcooking chicken legs can cause them to become dry. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to perfection.

  • Baste During the Last Few Minutes: If you're using barbecue sauce or any glaze, brush it onto the chicken legs during the last 5 minutes of grilling to prevent the sauce from burning.

  • Don’t Keep Flipping: Only flip the chicken legs once or twice during grilling to ensure they cook evenly and don’t tear the skin.

  • Two-Zone Cooking: If you're cooking thicker chicken legs, use the two-zone method to sear the skin over direct heat and then finish cooking over indirect heat. This ensures even cooking without burning the skin.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Legs

Once your chicken legs are perfectly grilled, it’s time to serve them! Here are some ideas for delicious sides and accompaniments to go with your grilled chicken legs:

  • Grilled Vegetables: Serve your chicken legs with a side of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

  • Coleslaw: The creamy, crunchy texture of coleslaw pairs well with the smoky flavor of grilled chicken legs.

  • Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob with butter and herbs makes a great side dish for chicken.

  • Potato Salad: A classic potato salad adds a hearty touch to your grilled chicken meal.

  • Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is an easy and delicious way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a smoky, flavorful crust. With the right preparation, seasoning, and grilling technique, you can create mouth-watering chicken legs that will impress your guests at your next barbecue. Whether you prefer a simple seasoning or a bold marinade, grilling chicken legs offers endless possibilities for flavor.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and inspiration, be sure to visit Scrappy Geek for everything you need to become a grilling pro!

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