How to Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill: A Simple and Flavorful Guide

 

Grilled chicken legs are a favorite for any outdoor cookout, providing juicy, tender meat with crispy, flavorful skin. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced griller, cooking chicken legs on the grill can be an easy and delicious experience with the right techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to cook chicken legs on the grill, share tips for perfect results, and link you to additional grilling resources like ScrappyGeek to enhance your grilling skills.

Why Grill Chicken Legs?

Chicken legs are one of the most popular cuts of chicken due to their flavor and juiciness. Unlike white meat, chicken legs—particularly the drumsticks—are dark meat and are more forgiving when it comes to grilling, making them ideal for beginners. They have a bit more fat, which helps keep the meat moist while grilling, and they also absorb marinades well.

Grilling chicken legs is also a great way to add a smoky flavor that can’t be replicated in the oven or on the stove. With the right techniques and seasoning, grilled chicken legs can be a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue or family meal.

Choosing the Right Chicken Legs

Before you start cooking chicken legs on the grill, you’ll want to make sure you’re selecting the right chicken. Here’s what to look for:

Fresh vs. Frozen

  • Fresh chicken legs are ideal for grilling because they don’t need to be thawed. However, if you have frozen chicken legs, you can defrost them safely in the refrigerator or using the microwave.

Skin-on vs. Skinless

  • Skin-on chicken legs are the most common and are great for grilling because the skin crisps up nicely, adding texture and flavor. If you prefer skinless chicken legs, they will still work, but you may need to focus on keeping them moist during cooking.

Preparing Your Chicken Legs for the Grill

Preparation is key to ensuring your chicken legs turn out perfectly on the grill. Follow these steps for optimal results:

Marinating the Chicken Legs

Marinating chicken legs is optional but recommended. Marinating helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor. You can marinate your chicken legs for at least 30 minutes or as long as 12 hours. Here’s a simple marinade you can try:

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • 1 tablespoon onion powder

  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • Salt to taste

Mix the ingredients in a bowl, coat the chicken legs with the marinade, and refrigerate for the recommended time. If you're looking for other marinade ideas, visit ScrappyGeek for a collection of flavorful marinades and rubs that can take your grilling to the next level.

Seasoning

If you’re short on time, seasoning the chicken legs with a dry rub is an excellent alternative to marinating. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika works wonders. You can also create your own spice mix using cumin, chili powder, and dried herbs to create a more complex flavor profile.

For an extra layer of flavor, apply a dry rub before grilling and brush the chicken legs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

Setting Up the Grill

Now that your chicken legs are prepped, it’s time to prepare the grill. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill or a gas grill, proper setup is crucial for perfectly grilled chicken legs.

Charcoal Grill Setup

  • Create Two-Zone Heat: Set up a two-zone fire by placing most of the charcoal on one side of the grill. This creates a hot zone for searing the chicken and a cooler zone for indirect cooking.

  • Let the Charcoal Burn Down: Allow the coals to burn until they’re white and glowing, ensuring a steady, even heat for cooking.

Gas Grill Setup

  • Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring both sides of the grill are heated. Like with a charcoal grill, you want a hotter zone for searing and a cooler zone for indirect cooking.

Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor, consider using wood chips to add a smoky touch to your grilled chicken legs. Soak the chips in water for about 30 minutes, then place them in a smoker box or directly on the grill.

For further tips on grill setup and maintenance, check out grilling resources on ScrappyGeek.

Grilling the Chicken Legs

With your grill prepped and your chicken legs seasoned, it’s time to start grilling. Follow these steps for the perfect grilled chicken legs:

Searing the Chicken Legs

Place the chicken legs over the direct heat (hot zone) to sear the skin and lock in the juices. Grill the chicken legs for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them to ensure an even sear. This step creates that crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Indirect Cooking

Once the chicken legs are seared, move them to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) to finish cooking. Close the lid and let the chicken cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally. This method allows the chicken to cook through without burning the outside.

The key to grilling chicken legs perfectly is to cook them slowly over indirect heat, allowing the meat to reach a safe internal temperature without drying out.

Check the Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs. For fully cooked chicken, the temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg, avoiding the bone.

Optional Basting

If you’re using barbecue sauce, brush it onto the chicken legs during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This gives the sauce time to caramelize and add an extra layer of flavor. Be careful not to apply the sauce too early, as it can burn over the high heat.

Serving Your Grilled Chicken Legs

Once your chicken legs are grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve them! Here are some ideas for serving up your delicious creation:

  • Serve with Sides: Grilled chicken legs pair wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes.

  • Make Chicken Leg Drumsticks: For an extra touch, serve the chicken legs as part of a fun drumstick platter. You can garnish them with fresh herbs or drizzle them with a bit of extra sauce.

If you’re looking for more ideas on serving and enjoying grilled chicken, visit ScrappyGeek for additional recipe suggestions and cooking inspiration.

Troubleshooting Common Grilling Issues

While grilling chicken legs is relatively straightforward, a few common issues can arise. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:

Chicken Legs are Too Dry

If your chicken legs are dry, it’s likely that they were overcooked. Always monitor the internal temperature and cook the chicken legs slowly over indirect heat to ensure they remain juicy.

Skin Sticks to the Grill

To prevent sticking, make sure to oil the grill grates before cooking and use tongs to flip the chicken legs carefully. If the skin sticks during cooking, allow the chicken to cook a little longer before attempting to move it.

Uneven Cooking

Ensure that your chicken legs are cooked evenly by flipping them every 5 minutes and rotating them on the grill to avoid hot spots. If you notice some parts are cooking faster, move the chicken around to even out the heat exposure.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken legs are an excellent choice for your next cookout or weeknight dinner. With a few simple steps, you can create flavorful, juicy, and tender chicken that everyone will love. By following the tips in this guide, you can master the art of grilling chicken legs and impress your friends and family.

For more tips, recipes, and grilling advice, visit ScrappyGeek, where you can discover a wealth of resources that will take your grilling skills to new heights.

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