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

 Grilling chicken legs is one of the best ways to enjoy this versatile meat. When cooked properly, chicken legs come out juicy, tender, and full of flavor, with a crispy exterior that adds a delicious contrast to the moist interior. Whether you're grilling for a family gathering, a barbecue with friends, or a weeknight meal, knowing how to grill chicken legs properly can elevate your cooking game.

In this post, we will take you through the essential steps, tips, and techniques to grill chicken legs like a pro. From preparation to grilling and serving, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure that your chicken legs come out perfectly every time.

For more helpful tips and cooking advice, make sure to visit Scrappy Geek.

Why Chicken Legs?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s take a quick look at why chicken legs are such a popular choice for grilling:

  • Flavor: Chicken legs are packed with rich, savory flavor, thanks to the dark meat. Unlike chicken breasts, which can be dry if overcooked, chicken legs retain their moisture and tend to stay juicy, even when cooked on the grill.

  • Affordability: Chicken legs are often less expensive than other cuts of chicken, making them a great choice for large gatherings or everyday grilling.

  • Ease of Cooking: Chicken legs are easy to prepare and grill. They don't require much attention, and they’re relatively foolproof when it comes to getting that perfect grilled texture.

Now, let's explore the process of grilling chicken legs in detail.

1. Selecting the Right Chicken Legs

The first step in how to grill chicken legs is choosing the right ones. Not all chicken legs are created equal, so you want to pick fresh, high-quality chicken. When selecting chicken legs, keep the following in mind:

  • Freshness: Look for chicken legs that are firm and have a fresh, pale pink color. Avoid chicken legs that look slimy or have an off odor, as this could indicate spoilage.

  • Size: If you’re grilling for a large group, it’s a good idea to choose larger chicken legs. These will take longer to cook, but they’ll have more meat, ensuring everyone gets a good portion. Smaller chicken legs can cook more quickly, but they might be less filling.

  • Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken legs are perfect for grilling, as the bone helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor. Boneless chicken legs are quicker to cook but can dry out more easily. For grilling, bone-in is generally the better choice.

2. Preparing the Chicken Legs for Grilling

Proper preparation is crucial when grilling chicken legs. Follow these steps to get your chicken ready for the grill:

  • Pat Dry: Before seasoning your chicken legs, pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin get crispy during grilling and ensures that the seasoning sticks.

  • Season the Chicken Legs: The key to delicious grilled chicken legs is proper seasoning. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can marinate the chicken in your favorite seasoning blend. Some common marinade ingredients include olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs like thyme or rosemary, and spices like paprika, cayenne, or cumin. Make sure to coat the chicken legs evenly with the seasoning or marinade.

  • Optional: Let It Marinate: If you have time, marinating the chicken legs for at least 30 minutes to an hour allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. For more intense flavor, you can marinate them overnight in the refrigerator.

For more grilling inspiration, be sure to check out Scrappy Geek.

3. Preheat Your Grill

Next, it’s time to fire up the grill. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, preheating is essential for getting a good sear on your chicken legs.

  • Gas Grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Allow the grill to heat for 10-15 minutes before you start cooking.

  • Charcoal Grill: If you’re using a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire. Place the coals on one side of the grill for direct high heat, and leave the other side empty for indirect cooking. This allows you to sear the chicken legs over high heat and then move them to the cooler side to finish cooking.

It’s important to clean the grill grates before grilling to prevent sticking, so use a grill brush to scrub away any leftover debris.

4. Grilling the Chicken Legs

Once your grill is preheated, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grill chicken legs:

  • Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken legs on the hot side of the grill (direct heat) to sear the skin. Grill the chicken legs for 2-3 minutes on each side to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Don’t move the chicken too much—let it sit in one place to create those beautiful grill marks.

  • Move to Indirect Heat: After searing the chicken, move the chicken legs to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and allow the chicken to cook through. This indirect cooking method ensures the chicken cooks evenly without burning the outside.

  • Flip Occasionally: Flip the chicken legs every 5-7 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. You’ll want to cook the chicken legs for about 25-30 minutes in total, depending on the size of the legs and the heat of your grill.

5. Check the Internal Temperature

The key to perfectly grilled chicken legs is ensuring they reach the proper internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the chicken leg (without touching the bone). The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken leg. The juices should run clear, not pink.

6. Rest the Chicken Legs

Once your chicken legs are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making the chicken legs tender and juicy.

7. Serve and Enjoy

After the chicken legs have rested, they’re ready to be served. You can enjoy them as-is or serve them with your favorite side dishes, like grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is an easy and flavorful way to enjoy this tasty cut of meat. With the right preparation, seasoning, and grilling techniques, you can master the art of grilling chicken legs and impress your family and friends with perfectly cooked, juicy chicken. From searing to checking the internal temperature, following these steps will ensure your chicken legs are grilled to perfection every time.

For more tips on how to grill chicken legs and other cooking techniques, don’t forget to visit Scrappy Geek.

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