The Ultimate Guide to Grilling Chicken Legs: Tips, Techniques, and Timing

 Grilling chicken legs is a timeless favorite for BBQ enthusiasts, home cooks, and those who love the smoky flavor that only a grill can impart. If you're wondering how to perfect the art of grilling chicken legs, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from prepping your chicken legs to mastering the grill, to getting the ideal crispy skin and juicy meat.

Grilling chicken legs can seem straightforward, but there are a few secrets to making them perfectly cooked every time. Whether you’re grilling for a weekend gathering, a family dinner, or just because, this post will help you achieve tender, flavorful chicken legs with that signature grill mark and smoky flavor. Let’s dive in!

Why Grilling Chicken Legs is the Best Option

Chicken legs—comprising the drumstick and the thigh—are packed with flavor due to their higher fat content compared to chicken breasts. This makes them ideal for grilling, where the fat can render down, infusing the meat with juiciness and ensuring a more tender texture. The skin on chicken legs also crisps up beautifully when grilled, making them a satisfying treat for anyone craving that perfect grilled bite.

Grilled chicken legs are not only flavorful and tender but also affordable, making them an excellent option for feeding a group of people without breaking the bank.

How to Prepare Chicken Legs for Grilling

Proper preparation is key to grilling chicken legs successfully. The first step in the process is making sure your chicken legs are ready for the grill, and this includes seasoning them for maximum flavor.

1. Pat the Chicken Legs Dry

Before anything else, pat your chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick and result in crispier skin while grilling.

2. Season or Marinate

You can keep the seasoning simple with just salt and pepper, or you can get creative with marinades or dry rubs. Marinades often include ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, which infuse the chicken with flavor. If you don’t have time to marinate, a quick dry rub will still do wonders for the taste.

Make sure the chicken legs are evenly coated in your seasoning or marinade, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.

3. Preheat the Grill

Before you start cooking, you’ll need to preheat your grill. The ideal temperature for grilling chicken legs is medium heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C). If you’re using a gas grill, simply turn on the burners to medium heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn down until they reach a consistent temperature.

Grilling Chicken Legs: The Step-by-Step Process

Once your chicken legs are seasoned and your grill is preheated, it’s time to start grilling! Follow these steps to achieve perfect grilled chicken legs.

1. Set Up the Grill for Two-Zone Cooking

To ensure even cooking and avoid burnt skin, you’ll want to set up your grill for two-zone cooking. On a gas grill, turn one burner to medium-high (direct heat zone) and leave the other on low or off (indirect heat zone). For a charcoal grill, pile the coals on one side, leaving the other side empty for indirect heat.

The direct heat zone is where you’ll sear the chicken, and the indirect heat zone is where you’ll cook the chicken through without burning it.

2. Grill the Chicken Legs on Indirect Heat

Place the chicken legs over the indirect heat zone on the grill. Cover the grill and allow the chicken to cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning the chicken legs every 5-7 minutes. The indirect heat ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without charring the outside too quickly.

At this stage, you want to cook the chicken through without worrying too much about crisping the skin just yet. The internal temperature of the chicken should rise to about 160°F (71°C) by the end of this phase, but it’s not yet fully done.

3. Sear the Chicken Legs Over Direct Heat

Once the chicken legs are cooked through, it’s time to move them to the direct heat zone to sear the skin. This is the part of grilling chicken legs that gives them that beautiful crispy exterior and smoky flavor. Place the chicken legs on the hot side of the grill and sear each side for about 2-3 minutes or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.

During this phase, you can also glaze the chicken legs with BBQ sauce or any sauce of your choice for extra flavor. Just be careful not to apply the sauce too early, as it can burn due to the sugars in the sauce.

4. Check the Internal Temperature

The best way to check if your chicken legs are fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure not to touch the bone. When the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), it’s done and safe to eat.

5. Let the Chicken Rest

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs?

Grilling time for chicken legs typically takes 35-40 minutes total—about 25-30 minutes on indirect heat followed by 5-10 minutes of searing over direct heat. However, grilling time can vary depending on the size of the chicken legs and the heat of the grill.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try adding wood chips or chunks to the grill for a smoky taste. Hickory or applewood chips are a great choice for grilling chicken legs.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Legs

1. Use Indirect Heat for Even Cooking: Avoid cooking the chicken legs over direct heat the entire time, as this can result in uneven cooking. Start with indirect heat to cook the chicken through, then finish with direct heat to crisp up the skin.
   
   

2. Don’t Rush the Process: Patience is key when grilling chicken legs. Allow the chicken to cook slowly over indirect heat to ensure it’s tender and juicy. Searing over direct heat too early can result in burnt skin and undercooked meat.
   
   

3. Avoid Flipping Too Often: Don’t flip the chicken legs constantly. Let them cook on each side for a few minutes to get a good sear. Frequent flipping can prevent the skin from getting crispy.
   
   

4. Check the Temperature: A meat thermometer is your best friend when grilling chicken. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and optimal texture.
   
   

5. Experiment with Marinades and Rubs: While simple salt and pepper work wonders, try different marinades or dry rubs to change up the flavor. Citrus, garlic, herbs, and spices can all add extra depth to your grilled chicken legs.
   
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking: Overcooked chicken legs can become dry and tough. Use a thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to the right temperature and avoid over-grilling.
  
  

• Burning the Skin: Burning the skin is one of the most common mistakes when grilling chicken legs. Always start with indirect heat and finish with direct heat to prevent charring.
  
  

• Not Letting the Chicken Rest: Cutting into the chicken too soon after grilling will cause the juices to escape. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy.
  
  

Conclusion

Grilling chicken legs is a simple but rewarding process that yields delicious, juicy results when done right. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can master the art of grilling chicken legs and impress your family and friends at your next BBQ. Remember, indirect heat is your friend for cooking the chicken through, while direct heat is essential for that crispy, flavorful skin.

For more helpful grilling tips and tricks, and to discover additional recipes, visit Scrappy Geek.