How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs: A Complete Guide

 Grilling chicken legs to perfection requires the right technique, seasoning, and, most importantly, knowing how long do you grill chicken legs to achieve juicy and flavorful results. Whether you’re a beginner or a grilling enthusiast, this guide will walk you through the best methods to cook chicken legs on the grill while ensuring they are tender and fully cooked.

Why Grill Chicken Legs?

Chicken legs are an excellent choice for grilling because they are affordable, flavorful, and easy to cook. The dark meat remains juicy even under high heat, making them a foolproof option for both casual cookouts and family dinners.

How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs?

The grilling time for chicken legs depends on factors such as the temperature of the grill, whether you are using direct or indirect heat, and the size of the chicken legs. Generally, chicken legs should be grilled for 30 to 40 minutes over medium heat (around 350°F to 400°F).

Grilling Chicken Legs on a Gas Grill

  1. Preheat the Grill – Set the grill to medium heat (about 375°F) and let it preheat for 10 minutes.

  2. Prepare the Chicken – Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel and season them with your favorite rub or marinade.

  3. Grill Over Indirect Heat – Place the chicken legs on the grill grates over indirect heat and close the lid. Cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning occasionally.

  4. Finish Over Direct Heat – Move the legs to direct heat for the last 5 to 10 minutes to get a nice, crispy skin.

  5. Check Internal Temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, though 175°F to 180°F is ideal for juicy and tender meat.

Grilling Chicken Legs on a Charcoal Grill

  1. Set Up a Two-Zone Fire – Place charcoal on one side of the grill, creating direct and indirect heat zones.

  2. Start Over Indirect Heat – Grill the chicken legs over the cooler side for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally.

  3. Sear Over Direct Heat – Move them to the hot side for a crispy, caramelized finish for about 5 minutes.

  4. Check the Temperature – Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 175°F to 180°F before removing them from the grill.

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Legs

  • Marinate for Extra Flavor – Let chicken legs marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for better taste.

  • Use a Meat Thermometer – Checking the internal temperature ensures you don’t overcook or undercook the meat.

  • Don’t Flip Too Often – Turning them every 5 to 7 minutes helps cook evenly without losing moisture.

  • Let Them Rest – After grilling, let the chicken legs rest for about 5 minutes to retain their juices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Grilling at High Heat the Whole Time – This can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw.

  • Skipping the Thermometer – Guessing the doneness can lead to undercooked or dry meat.

  • Not Preheating the Grill – A preheated grill ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how long do you grill chicken legs is essential to achieving a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful meal. By following the proper grilling techniques and monitoring the internal temperature, you can enjoy delicious chicken legs every time. For more grilling tips and recipes, visit Scrappy Geek!

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