How to Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Grilled Chicken

 Grilled chicken legs are one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy a flavorful meal outdoors. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just enjoying a quiet evening in the backyard, chicken legs cooked on the grill can be a crowd-pleaser with their crispy skin and juicy interior. If you’ve been wondering how to cook chicken legs on the grill, this detailed guide will provide you with all the essential steps and tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly every time.

Why Grilled Chicken Legs?

Grilling chicken legs is a popular cooking method for several reasons. First, chicken legs are an affordable cut of meat that can feed a large group of people. They also have a rich, flavorful dark meat that stays juicy and tender even after grilling. When grilled correctly, the skin becomes crispy and golden, creating the perfect contrast to the tender meat inside.

Chicken legs are also versatile, and you can easily adjust the seasonings and sauces to suit your taste. Whether you like your chicken spicy, tangy, or sweet, there’s a grilling recipe for everyone.

The Best Chicken Legs for Grilling

Before diving into how to cook chicken legs on the grill, it’s essential to choose the right chicken legs for grilling. When selecting chicken legs, you can either choose:

  • Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Legs: These are the most common chicken legs used for grilling. The skin helps to retain moisture, and the bone helps in even cooking. The skin will crisp up beautifully when grilled, giving the chicken a nice texture and flavor.

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Legs: Although not as common for grilling, boneless and skinless chicken legs are still an option. These will cook more quickly and are often used for grilling chicken kebabs or skewers.

For this guide, we'll focus on the more traditional bone-in, skin-on chicken legs.

How to Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got your chicken legs, let's dive into the process of how to cook chicken legs on the grill. By following these steps, you’ll achieve perfectly grilled chicken every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Legs

Start by prepping your chicken legs. If they’re not already patted dry, use a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the surface of the chicken. This is important because moisture on the skin can prevent it from crisping up properly.

Next, season your chicken legs. You can use a store-bought seasoning or make your own marinade. Some simple seasoning options include:

  • Salt and pepper

  • Garlic powder

  • Onion powder

  • Paprika

  • Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken legs for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. A marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs is a great option.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

For the best results, preheat your grill before cooking. Set your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F to 450°F or 204°C to 232°C). If you're using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and glowing before placing your chicken legs on the grill. If you're using a gas grill, turn on the burners and let the grill heat up.

It's important to ensure the grill has reached the right temperature before you start cooking. This helps to sear the chicken and lock in the juices.

Step 3: Oil the Grill Grates

Once the grill is preheated, it’s a good idea to oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil or use a spray oil to coat the grates lightly.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Legs

Now it’s time to place the chicken legs on the grill. Set the chicken legs on the grill over direct heat (directly above the flames) for the first few minutes to achieve a crispy skin. Grill the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side to sear the outside and create a nice crispy crust.

Once the chicken has a good sear, move the legs to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) to finish cooking. Close the lid of the grill and let the chicken cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, flipping the chicken legs occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

Step 5: Check the Internal Temperature

To know when the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the meat is cooked through while still remaining juicy.

Step 6: Rest the Chicken Legs

Once the chicken legs reach the correct temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even juicier.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Legs on the Grill

While grilling chicken legs is fairly straightforward, here are a few additional tips for perfect results:

  1. Use Indirect Heat for Even Cooking: After searing the chicken over direct heat, move it to the cooler side of the grill to allow it to cook through without burning the outside. This method is key for juicy, tender chicken legs.

  2. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each chicken leg enough space to cook properly. Overcrowding the grill can cause the chicken to cook unevenly and may prevent it from developing a crispy skin.

  3. Baste with Sauce: If you like your chicken with sauce, you can baste it during the last few minutes of grilling. BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy glaze are all great options. Just be sure to avoid putting the sauce on too early, as it can burn over direct heat.

  4. Grill with the Skin On: The skin helps keep the chicken legs moist while grilling. If you remove the skin, the chicken may dry out more quickly.

  5. Rest the Chicken Before Serving: Allow the chicken legs to rest after grilling to ensure the juices redistribute. This will make the chicken legs more flavorful and tender.

Flavor Variations for Grilled Chicken Legs

One of the best things about grilling chicken legs is the endless flavor variations you can try. Here are some ideas to switch up the flavors:

  • Spicy BBQ Chicken Legs: Toss your chicken legs in a spicy BBQ sauce before grilling. You can make your own sauce by combining ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.

  • Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Legs: Marinate your chicken legs in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. This gives the chicken a bright, fresh flavor.

  • Honey Mustard Chicken Legs: Mix together honey, mustard, and a bit of vinegar for a tangy-sweet glaze. Brush this glaze on the chicken while grilling for an irresistible flavor.

  • Cajun Grilled Chicken Legs: For a kick of spice, use a Cajun seasoning mix or make your own with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to cook chicken legs on the grill, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with perfectly grilled, juicy, and crispy chicken. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, these tips and techniques will ensure your chicken legs come out perfect every time.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and ideas, check out Scrappy Geek. You’ll find more content that will elevate your cooking game and help you master the grill!

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