How to Grill Chicken Legs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Perfectly Cooked Chicken

 Grilled chicken legs are a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts and home cooks alike. With their rich flavor and juicy texture, they’re perfect for family gatherings, outdoor cookouts, or even a quick weeknight meal. But how to grill chicken legs perfectly every time? In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the steps, tips, and tricks to grill chicken legs like a pro.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced griller, this post will provide everything you need to know to achieve tender, flavorful chicken legs on the grill.

For more expert cooking tips, visit Scrappy Geek.

Why Grilled Chicken Legs Are a Favorite

Grilled chicken legs are one of the most popular cuts of chicken for grilling, and it’s easy to see why. They are flavorful, juicy, and forgiving. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly if overcooked, chicken legs stay moist thanks to their higher fat content. When cooked properly, the skin crisps up perfectly while the meat inside remains tender and succulent.

Additionally, chicken legs are versatile—they can be seasoned with a variety of spices, marinades, or glazes to suit any taste. Whether you like a simple salt-and-pepper rub or prefer to experiment with bold, smoky barbecue flavors, grilled chicken legs are always a crowd-pleaser.

How to Grill Chicken Legs: Step-by-Step Guide

Grilling chicken legs may seem like a straightforward process, but there are a few key techniques that will help you get the best results every time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grill chicken legs to perfection.

1. Preparing the Chicken Legs

The first step in grilling chicken legs is to prepare them properly. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Pat Dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to stick better and ensuring crispy skin.

  • Trim Excess Fat: While chicken legs naturally have fat, you can trim any excess pieces of skin or fat that might cause flare-ups or uneven cooking.

  • Season or Marinate: Season your chicken legs with your preferred rub or marinade. You can go for a simple salt-and-pepper seasoning, or create a more complex rub using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and herbs. If you’re marinating the chicken, let it sit for at least 1-2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

2. Preheat the Grill

To get the perfect grill marks and a crispy exterior, it’s essential to preheat your grill. You want your grill to be at the right temperature before you start cooking.

For gas grills, preheat to 350-400°F (175-200°C) over medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, light your charcoal and allow it to burn until it’s covered with a light layer of ash and the temperature reaches 350-400°F (175-200°C).

3. Create Two-Zone Cooking on Your Grill

Two-zone cooking is an effective method for grilling chicken legs. It involves creating two heat zones on your grill: one side for direct heat (high heat) and the other for indirect heat (low heat). This will help you achieve even cooking, with a crispy outside and juicy inside.

  • Direct Heat Zone: The hotter side of the grill where you can quickly sear the chicken legs.

  • Indirect Heat Zone: The cooler side where the chicken will cook more slowly and thoroughly without burning.

4. Place the Chicken Legs on the Grill

Now that your grill is ready, it’s time to place the chicken legs on the grill.

  • Start with Indirect Heat: Place the chicken legs on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat zone). This allows the chicken to cook through without burning the skin. Close the grill lid and let the chicken legs cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes to ensure they cook evenly.

  • Sear with Direct Heat: Once the chicken legs are mostly cooked (they should be around 150°F (65°C) internally), move them to the direct heat side of the grill to get that crispy, golden-brown skin. Grill for an additional 5-7 minutes, flipping them as needed to avoid burning. This is where the skin gets its deliciously crispy texture.

5. Check for Doneness

To ensure your chicken legs are fully cooked, it’s important to check the internal temperature. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the chicken leg, avoiding the bone. Once it reaches 165°F (75°C), the chicken is done.

6. Rest the Chicken Legs

Once your chicken legs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken legs even more tender and flavorful.

Additional Tips for Grilling Chicken Legs

Grilling chicken legs can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the process, but with these tips, you can elevate your grilling game:

1. Avoid Overcrowding the Grill

If you’re grilling multiple chicken legs, make sure to leave some space between them on the grill. Overcrowding prevents the heat from circulating properly and may lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, grill the chicken in batches.

2. Use a Drip Pan

If you’re worried about flare-ups from the chicken skin, you can place a drip pan beneath the chicken legs to catch any drippings. This helps prevent the fire from flaring up and causing charring on your chicken.

3. Experiment with Marinades and Rubs

One of the best things about grilling chicken legs is that you can experiment with various flavors. Try different marinades or dry rubs to create a unique flavor profile. Some delicious options include lemon garlic, BBQ, teriyaki, or spicy chili lime.

4. Keep the Lid Closed

Once the chicken is on the grill, keep the lid closed as much as possible. This helps maintain the grill’s temperature and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Opening the lid frequently can cause temperature fluctuations and increase cooking time.

Serving Your Grilled Chicken Legs

After grilling, it’s time to serve your chicken legs! You can serve them with a variety of sides such as:

  • Grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, zucchini, or bell peppers

  • Rice or potato dishes like mashed potatoes or baked potatoes

  • Salads such as a refreshing green salad or classic coleslaw

  • Dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is a straightforward and rewarding process, but getting them just right requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. By following the steps above, including the proper grilling time and techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken legs every time. The result will be a delicious meal that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and expert advice, visit Scrappy Geek.

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