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

 When it comes to grilling, chicken legs are a favorite for many due to their rich flavor and tender meat. Knowing how to cook chicken legs on the grill is essential for achieving that crispy, golden exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or hosting a BBQ with friends, cooking chicken legs on the grill is simple yet rewarding.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook chicken legs on the grill, including preparation, grilling techniques, and tips for getting the best results every time. So, let’s fire up the grill and get started!

Why Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill?

Chicken legs are an excellent choice for grilling for several reasons. They are affordable, easy to cook, and flavorful. The dark meat of chicken legs stays moist even if cooked a little longer, which is why they’re so forgiving when grilling. In fact, many people prefer grilling chicken legs because they retain a rich flavor and tenderness compared to white meat cuts like chicken breasts.

By grilling chicken legs, you also get that irresistible smoky flavor that only the grill can provide. Whether you prefer a simple seasoning or a bold marinade, grilling enhances the flavor of chicken legs, making them a hit at any gathering.

Preparing Chicken Legs for Grilling

Before learning how to cook chicken legs on the grill, it’s essential to prepare your chicken properly. Proper preparation not only ensures your chicken cooks evenly but also enhances its flavor.

1. Choose Fresh, Quality Chicken Legs

For the best results, opt for fresh, bone-in, skin-on chicken legs. The bone helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor, while the skin crisps up nicely on the grill. You can also go for organic or free-range chicken if you want a higher quality option.

2. Trim the Excess Fat (Optional)

While some fat on the chicken leg can enhance flavor and help keep the meat moist, too much fat can cause flare-ups on the grill. If necessary, trim off excess fat from the chicken legs to ensure a more even cook and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

3. Season or Marinate the Chicken Legs

The next step in how to cook chicken legs on the grill is seasoning or marinating. Seasoning is important to add flavor, and there are many ways you can do it.

  • Marinating: Marinating your chicken legs for 1-4 hours (or even overnight) will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. A simple marinade can consist of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and citrus juice.

  • Dry Rubs: If you prefer a dry seasoning, use a mix of your favorite spices. A combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper is a great choice for grilling.

Marinating or applying a dry rub is an essential part of how to cook chicken legs on the grill to ensure they have plenty of flavor.

4. Bring the Chicken Legs to Room Temperature

Before grilling, remove the chicken legs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook more evenly, preventing the inside from being undercooked while the outside becomes overcooked.

Setting Up the Grill for Chicken Legs

Knowing how to cook chicken legs on the grill also involves setting up your grill properly. Whether you are using a gas or charcoal grill, a good setup is key to cooking chicken legs to perfection.

1. Preheat the Grill

Preheating your grill is essential for cooking chicken legs properly. For gas grills, set the heat to medium-high (around 350°F or 175°C). For charcoal grills, arrange the coals for direct and indirect heat zones, which will allow for better temperature control while grilling.

2. Oil the Grill Grates

To prevent the chicken from sticking, oil the grill grates lightly before adding the chicken legs. You can use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil or use a non-stick cooking spray.

3. Create Two Heat Zones on the Grill

If you have a gas grill, you can create two heat zones by turning on one side to medium-high heat and leaving the other side off. On a charcoal grill, arrange your coals to one side to create a hotter area for direct grilling and a cooler side for indirect grilling.

This two-zone setup is important for how to cook chicken legs on the grill because it allows you to sear the chicken over direct heat and then finish cooking it over indirect heat, ensuring a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.

How to Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill

Now that your chicken legs are prepped and your grill is ready, it’s time to cook! Here’s the step-by-step process for how to cook chicken legs on the grill:

1. Sear the Chicken Legs

Start by placing the chicken legs over the direct heat side of the grill. Sear the chicken legs for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning them carefully with tongs. This helps develop a crispy, golden brown skin and locks in flavor.

2. Move the Chicken Legs to Indirect Heat

After searing, move the chicken legs to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) and close the lid. Allow the chicken to cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning the legs every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking. This slow cooking method ensures the chicken legs cook through without drying out or burning.

3. Check the Internal Temperature

The key to knowing when your chicken legs are fully cooked is to check the internal temperature. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg (avoid touching the bone). The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

4. Baste the Chicken (Optional)

For extra flavor, you can baste your chicken legs with BBQ sauce or your favorite glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling. This adds a layer of flavor and helps caramelize the sauce on the chicken.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs

Now that you know how to cook chicken legs on the grill, here are some tips to ensure that your chicken turns out perfect every time:

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your chicken legs are fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

  • Keep the Lid Closed: Once you move the chicken to indirect heat, close the lid to maintain consistent cooking temperature.

  • Avoid Overcrowding the Grill: Leave some space between the chicken legs on the grill to ensure even cooking.

  • Rest the Chicken Legs: After grilling, let the chicken legs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices and ensures that the chicken is tender and juicy.

How Long to Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill

The cooking time for how to cook chicken legs on the grill depends on the size of the chicken legs and the temperature of your grill. Generally, chicken legs will take about 30-35 minutes on indirect heat to cook fully. You should always rely on a meat thermometer to determine if the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is a straightforward and enjoyable process that yields delicious, tender, and flavorful results. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to master how to cook chicken legs on the grill and impress your guests with perfectly grilled chicken every time.

For more grilling tips and recipes, be sure to check out Scrappy Geek and discover more ways to take your grilling game to the next level!

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