How to Grill Chicken Legs: A Complete Guide for Perfectly Cooked Drumsticks

 Grilled chicken legs are a go-to favorite for family barbecues, weekend cookouts, or weeknight dinners. They're flavorful, juicy, and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for grilling enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you're new to grilling or a seasoned pro, how to grill chicken legs perfectly requires a bit of knowledge, the right technique, and a little patience. In this guide, we’ll explore the best methods for grilling chicken legs to achieve that mouth-watering, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat you crave. We’ll also share a few helpful tips to make your chicken grilling experience a breeze.

Why Choose Chicken Legs for Grilling?

Before we dive into the "how-to" details, let’s briefly talk about why chicken legs (drumsticks) are such a popular choice for grilling.

Chicken legs have a higher fat content than other cuts like chicken breasts, which contributes to their delicious flavor and tenderness. Additionally, they are usually less expensive than other cuts, making them budget-friendly for larger gatherings. The skin, when properly grilled, can turn crispy and golden, while the meat stays juicy and flavorful.

Chicken legs also cook relatively quickly compared to whole chickens or large cuts, making them a great option when you want a meal ready in no time.

Preparing Chicken Legs for Grilling

The first step in how to grill chicken legs is preparing the chicken for the grill. Proper preparation ensures that your chicken turns out perfectly cooked every time.

  1. Thaw the Chicken Legs: If you’re using frozen chicken legs, be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before grilling. This helps the chicken cook evenly and thoroughly.

  2. Pat Dry with Paper Towels: Before seasoning or marinating, gently pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better and also ensure that the skin crisps up on the grill.

  3. Season or Marinate: Seasoning or marinating your chicken legs is key to enhancing the flavor. You can use a simple rub of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a basic seasoning or create a more complex flavor profile with additional spices, herbs, garlic, lemon, or barbecue sauce. If you prefer, you can marinate the chicken legs for at least 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling to infuse them with even more flavor.

Choosing the Right Grill for Chicken Legs

When grilling chicken legs, you can use either a charcoal or gas grill. Both methods will yield great results, but they differ in the approach.

  • Charcoal Grill: A charcoal grill adds a smoky flavor to the chicken legs and gives them a slightly charred texture. You’ll need to light the charcoal and allow it to heat up for about 15-20 minutes before you begin grilling.

  • Gas Grill: A gas grill provides more consistent heat and is quicker to set up. If you prefer a simpler grilling process without the added smoky flavor of charcoal, a gas grill is a great choice.

Regardless of the grill type you choose, it’s important to have direct and indirect heat zones for cooking. Direct heat is great for searing the chicken and achieving crispy skin, while indirect heat helps cook the meat all the way through without burning it.

Steps to Grill Chicken Legs Perfectly

Now that the chicken legs are prepped and the grill is ready, follow these steps to grill chicken legs to perfection:

1. Preheat the Grill

Start by preheating your grill. If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the charcoal to burn down to a medium heat, about 350-400°F. For a gas grill, turn the burners on and let it heat up for 10-15 minutes.

Set up your grill with a two-zone cooking method: one side with direct heat (for searing) and the other side with indirect heat (for cooking the chicken through).

2. Sear the Chicken Legs

Place the chicken legs directly over the heat to sear the skin and get a crispy, golden-brown exterior. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Use tongs to turn the chicken legs so that they cook evenly on all sides. Don’t walk away during this step—searing is crucial for flavor and texture.

3. Move the Chicken to Indirect Heat

Once the chicken legs are nicely seared on all sides, 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 to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Baste with Sauce (Optional)

If you like your chicken with a glaze or BBQ sauce, brush the sauce on the chicken legs during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling. Be careful not to add sauce too early, as sugar-based sauces can burn over direct heat. Allow the sauce to caramelize slightly, but watch closely to avoid charring.

5. Rest the Chicken Legs

Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite when you dig in.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

After resting, your perfectly grilled chicken legs are ready to serve! Pair them with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, potato salad, or a fresh green salad. Whether you’re serving up family dinners or hosting a barbecue, grilled chicken legs are sure to be a hit.

Additional Tips for Grilling Chicken Legs

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is an essential tool for ensuring your chicken legs are cooked through without being overcooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the drumstick.

  • Let the Chicken Rest: After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes. This will help lock in moisture and result in juicy chicken legs.

  • Try Different Marinades and Rubs: Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination. For instance, a lemon and herb marinade will give a fresh, zesty flavor, while a smoky BBQ rub will add depth and richness.

  • Grill with the Skin On: Keeping the skin on your chicken legs helps lock in moisture and flavor. The skin will crisp up nicely when grilled, creating that delicious contrast between the crispy exterior and juicy interior.

  • Indirect Heat is Your Friend: If you find that the chicken is browning too quickly on the outside but still raw on the inside, move it to the cooler side of the grill and close the lid to allow it to cook more slowly.

Final Thoughts on How to Grill Chicken Legs

Grilling chicken legs may seem like a simple task, but following the right steps ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked, flavorful, and juicy every time. Whether you're a first-time griller or an experienced one, this guide on how to grill chicken legs will help you master the art of grilling. With the right preparation, a few key techniques, and a little patience, you'll be serving up delicious chicken legs that will leave everyone at your table asking for more.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and expert advice on all things barbecue, make sure to visit Scrappy Geek. We’ve got you covered with all the tips you need to take your grilling game to the next level.

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