How to Grill Chicken Legs: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Grilled Chicken Every Time

 Grilling is one of the most popular ways to prepare chicken legs, whether it's for a backyard barbecue, a weekend dinner, or just a quick meal to enjoy with family and friends. There's something special about the smoky flavor and crispy skin that comes from grilling chicken. However, if you’re new to grilling, or even if you’ve done it before but are looking for tips to improve your skills, you might be wondering how to grill chicken legs perfectly.

Grilled chicken legs are easy to make, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure you get the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from preparation to grilling techniques and seasoning tips. So, let’s dive in!

Why Grilled Chicken Legs?

Chicken legs are the ultimate comfort food. They’re flavorful, juicy, and versatile. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out easily, chicken legs stay moist and tender when cooked properly, making them ideal for grilling. The skin crisps up beautifully, creating a delicious contrast with the tender meat underneath.

Plus, chicken legs are incredibly affordable and widely available, making them a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, meal prepping for the week, or just making dinner for your family, learning how to grill chicken legs will make your grilling experience easier and more enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Chicken Legs

Before we dive into grilling, it’s important to select the right chicken legs. You’ll typically find two main types of chicken legs in the store: drumsticks and thighs. Both work well for grilling, but they have slight differences.

  • Drumsticks: The more common choice for grilling, drumsticks are the lower part of the chicken leg. They’re small, easy to hold, and perfect for grilling because they cook faster than thighs.

  • Chicken Thighs: If you prefer more meat, chicken thighs might be your go-to. They take a little longer to cook but offer a richer flavor due to the higher fat content.

For this guide, we’ll focus on grilling chicken drumsticks, but the techniques work similarly for thighs too.

Preparing the Chicken Legs

Before you can start grilling chicken legs, you'll need to prepare them. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Pat Dry the Chicken Legs

One of the most important steps in how to grill chicken legs is ensuring that the chicken is dry before cooking. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken will create steam, which can prevent the skin from becoming crispy. So, use a paper towel to pat the chicken legs dry.

2. Season the Chicken Legs

Now comes the fun part—seasoning! You can go as simple or as elaborate as you like, depending on your flavor preferences. Here are a few options:

  • Simple Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika are all you need for a basic seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.

  • Marinades: If you want to add more depth of flavor, marinating your chicken legs for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) is a great option. You can use a variety of marinades, such as teriyaki, lemon and herb, or spicy barbecue sauce.

  • Dry Rubs: A dry rub is another fantastic way to season your chicken. You can create your own rub using spices like chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, and mustard powder.

Once seasoned, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare your grill.

Preparing the Grill

Before you can cook your chicken, you'll need to get your grill ready. Here are the steps to ensure your grill is set up for success:

1. Preheat the Grill

It’s essential to preheat your grill to the right temperature before placing the chicken on it. For drumsticks, aim for a medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). This allows the chicken to cook evenly without burning the skin.

2. Clean the Grill Grates

A clean grill is key to achieving perfect grilled chicken. Use a wire brush to clean the grill grates and remove any leftover residue from previous grilling sessions. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates and ensure the skin crisps up properly.

3. Oil the Grates

To further prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel soaked in oil or use a non-stick grill spray. This step will help the chicken legs cook without sticking and give them a nice sear.

How to Grill Chicken Legs: The Step-by-Step Process

Now that your chicken is seasoned and your grill is prepped, it’s time to get grilling! Follow these steps to grill chicken legs to perfection:

1. Place the Chicken on the Grill

Place the chicken legs on the grill over indirect heat. This means placing the chicken away from the direct flame (on the side of the grill that isn’t directly over the heat source). This will allow the chicken to cook through evenly without burning the skin.

2. Close the Lid and Let It Cook

Close the grill lid to trap the heat inside. This will help the chicken cook through without drying out. Grill the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, turning the legs every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides.

3. Check the Internal Temperature

The best way to tell when your chicken legs are done is by checking the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy and tender.

4. Finish Over Direct Heat for Crispy Skin

Once the chicken legs have reached the desired internal temperature, move them over to the direct heat for the final few minutes of grilling. This will help the skin crisp up and give it that beautiful golden brown color. Grill the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally to avoid burning.

5. Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken legs are crispy and golden, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy bite every time.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken Legs

Now that you’ve learned how to grill chicken legs to perfection, it’s time to serve them! Chicken legs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and sauces, including:

  • Grilled Vegetables: Serve the chicken legs with grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, asparagus, or zucchini.

  • Potato Salad: A classic summer side dish that complements the smoky flavor of the chicken.

  • Dipping Sauces: Whether you prefer barbecue sauce, ranch, or honey mustard, a flavorful dipping sauce takes your grilled chicken legs to the next level.

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

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs

  • Avoid Overcooking: Keep a close eye on your chicken legs while grilling. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat.

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked through.

  • Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and rubs to customize the flavor of your chicken.

  • Let the Chicken Rest: Resting the chicken is crucial for juicy meat. Don’t skip this step!

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is an easy, delicious way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grill master, following the tips and techniques above will ensure you grill chicken legs that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. By understanding how to grill chicken legs, you can impress your friends and family with perfectly cooked chicken every time.

For more grilling tips and other home cooking ideas, make sure to visit Scrappy Geek!

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