How Long to Grill Chicken Legs: A Complete Guide

 Grilling chicken legs is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy a barbecue with friends and family. Whether you prefer them with a simple seasoning or slathered in barbecue sauce, cooking them properly ensures a juicy and tender bite. One of the most common questions people ask is how long to grill chicken legs to achieve the perfect result. This comprehensive guide will cover grilling techniques, temperature control, and tips for achieving the best flavor.

Why Chicken Legs Are Great for Grilling

Chicken legs, also known as drumsticks, are an excellent choice for grilling due to their rich flavor and juiciness. Unlike chicken breasts, they contain more fat, making them less likely to dry out on the grill. Plus, they are affordable and versatile, pairing well with various seasonings and sauces.

Preparing Chicken Legs for the Grill

Before we dive into how long to grill chicken legs, it’s essential to prepare them properly to enhance their flavor and texture.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

  • 4-6 chicken legs

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

  • ½ cup barbecue sauce (optional for glazing)

2. Prepping the Chicken Legs

  • Pat dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the chicken legs.

  • Coat with olive oil: This helps the seasonings stick and prevents the skin from burning too quickly.

  • Rub with seasoning: Apply a generous amount of seasoning to all sides of the chicken.

  • Let them marinate: For best results, let the chicken legs marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

How Long to Grill Chicken Legs

Grilling Over Direct and Indirect Heat

Grilling chicken legs requires both direct and indirect heat to cook them evenly without burning the skin.

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

  • For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat (about 375°F-400°F).

  • For a charcoal grill, light the coals and wait until they are covered with white ash before placing the chicken on the grill.

Step 2: Sear Over Direct Heat

  • Place the chicken legs on the hot side of the grill.

  • Sear for 3-4 minutes per side to get a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Step 3: Move to Indirect Heat

  • Transfer the chicken legs to the cooler side of the grill.

  • Close the lid and let them cook for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally.

Step 4: Check Internal Temperature

  • The safest way to know how long to grill chicken legs is by checking the internal temperature.

  • Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the leg.

  • Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F, but for more tenderness and better texture, aim for 175°F-185°F.

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce (Optional)

  • If using barbecue sauce, brush it on during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

  • Allow the sauce to caramelize but avoid charring it.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

  • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  • This helps retain the juices for a moist and delicious bite.

Alternative Grilling Methods

While the standard grilling method works well, here are a few alternative ways to grill chicken legs:

1. Slow and Low Method

  • Set the grill to medium-low heat (325°F).

  • Cook the chicken legs over indirect heat for 45-50 minutes, flipping occasionally.

  • This method ensures ultra-tender meat.

2. High Heat for Crispier Skin

  • Set the grill to medium-high heat (400°F-425°F).

  • Cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.

  • Ensures crispy skin with a juicy interior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not preheating the grill: This results in uneven cooking.

  • Cooking over too high heat: Leads to burned skin and undercooked meat.

  • Skipping the resting step: Causes juices to run out, making the meat dry.

  • Overloading the grill: Crowding prevents proper air circulation.

Conclusion

Now that you know how long to grill chicken legs, you can confidently cook them to perfection every time. Whether you prefer them simple and seasoned or coated in a delicious barbecue glaze, following these steps will ensure they are flavorful, crispy, and juicy.

For more grilling tips and recipes, check out Scrappy Geek. Happy grilling!

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