How to Grill Chicken Legs: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Grilled Chicken Every Time

 Grilling is an art that many barbecue enthusiasts enjoy, and grilling chicken legs is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy a meal. Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue or making a simple dinner, grilled chicken legs offer juicy and tender meat, crispy skin, and incredible flavor. But knowing exactly how to grill chicken legs to perfection can make all the difference in how your meal turns out.

If you’ve ever wondered about the best techniques, marinades, and methods to achieve the perfect grilled chicken legs, this guide will walk you through the process. From preparation to grilling, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure your grilled chicken legs come out tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

Why Chicken Legs Are Perfect for Grilling

Chicken legs are one of the most popular cuts of chicken for grilling because they are flavorful, juicy, and forgiving when it comes to cooking. The dark meat of the legs stays moist and tender, even if you accidentally overcook them slightly, unlike chicken breasts which tend to dry out quickly.

Additionally, chicken legs are more affordable compared to other cuts, making them a great option for feeding a crowd. Plus, they can easily be seasoned and flavored to your liking, whether you prefer a simple seasoning or a bold marinade.

Preparing Chicken Legs for Grilling

The key to delicious grilled chicken legs starts with proper preparation. Here are some essential steps to help you get started:

1. Selecting the Right Chicken Legs

When it comes to grilling chicken legs, selecting high-quality meat is essential. Look for fresh, organic, or free-range chicken for the best flavor. You can also choose between bone-in or boneless chicken legs, though bone-in legs tend to have more flavor and moisture.

2. Trim Excess Fat and Skin

While chicken legs generally come pre-trimmed, you might want to remove any excess skin or fat before grilling. Trimming the skin allows the chicken to crisp up better and ensures that you don’t have excess grease dripping onto your grill, which can cause flare-ups.

3. Marinate Your Chicken Legs

Marinating your chicken legs is the perfect way to infuse them with flavor and tenderness. A simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a bit of acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) can work wonders. Allow your chicken legs to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, leave them in the marinade for 2-3 hours.

You can also opt for a dry rub if you prefer a more intense flavor without the added liquid. The choice between a marinade or dry rub is entirely up to you and your flavor preferences.

4. Bring Chicken Legs to Room Temperature

Before placing your chicken legs on the grill, it’s a good idea to let them sit out for 20-30 minutes. This helps them come to room temperature, which ensures they cook more evenly on the grill.

Setting Up the Grill

The next important step in how to grill chicken legs is setting up your grill correctly. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill or a gas grill, here are some steps to help you get your grill ready for the perfect cook.

1. Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F). This allows the chicken to cook thoroughly without burning the outside. If you're using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to create a two-zone setup: one side with direct heat for searing and the other with indirect heat for cooking through.

2. Oil the Grill Grates

To avoid sticking, it’s important to oil your grill grates. Simply dip a paper towel in vegetable oil and use tongs to rub it over the grates. This will create a non-stick surface that helps your grilled chicken legs cook evenly.

Grilling Chicken Legs to Perfection

Now that you have everything prepped and your grill is ready, it’s time to grill your chicken legs. Follow these steps to get perfect results:

1. Place Chicken Legs on the Grill

Place your marinated or seasoned chicken legs on the grill, skin side down if they’re bone-in. For a gas grill, you’ll want to place the chicken on the cooler side (indirect heat) after searing both sides over the direct heat zone.

On a charcoal grill, you can follow the same method, searing the chicken first and then moving it to the indirect heat area to finish cooking. Searing the chicken legs first adds a nice crispy texture to the skin.

2. Turn Chicken Legs Regularly

To avoid burning, you should rotate the chicken legs every 5-7 minutes while they cook. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t overcook on one side. Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain a steady temperature inside.

3. Use a Meat Thermometer

The most reliable way to check if your grilled chicken legs are done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg (without touching the bone). The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked and safe to eat.

4. Baste for Extra Flavor

If you want to add extra flavor and moisture to your chicken legs, you can baste them with BBQ sauce, a honey glaze, or any other sauce of your choice in the last few minutes of cooking. Be sure to apply the sauce and let it cook for a few minutes so it caramelizes and sticks to the chicken.

Resting Your Chicken Legs

Once your chicken legs are cooked to perfection, it’s important to let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite juicy and tender. Cutting into the chicken immediately can cause the juices to escape, leaving you with dry chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken Legs

Now that you’ve learned how to grill chicken legs to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them. There are countless ways to serve your delicious grilled chicken legs:

  • With Grilled Vegetables: Pair your chicken legs with grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, bell peppers, or zucchini for a complete meal.

  • In Tacos: Shred the grilled chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with your favorite taco toppings such as salsa, avocado, and cilantro.

  • With a Side Salad: For a lighter meal, serve your chicken legs alongside a fresh green salad or a potato salad for a perfect contrast of flavors.

  • With Rice or Potatoes: Add some rice or roasted potatoes on the side to round out the meal for a hearty option.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is a simple and rewarding process, perfect for beginners and seasoned grillers alike. By following these steps on how to grill chicken legs, you’ll be able to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with crispy skin every time. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or making a quick weeknight dinner, grilled chicken legs are sure to impress.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and cooking insights, be sure to visit Scrappy Geek, your go-to destination for all things grilling and cooking!

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