How Long Do You Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill? The Complete Guide to Perfectly Juicy Results
If you’ve ever stood by the grill wondering how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill, you’re not alone. Chicken legs are one of the most flavorful, budget-friendly cuts of meat—but they can also be tricky. Undercook them, and you risk unsafe meat. Overcook them, and they turn dry and tough.
The good news? Once you understand timing, temperature, and technique, grilling chicken legs becomes simple and repeatable. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how long to cook them, what temperature to use, and how to get juicy meat with crispy skin every single time.
Why Chicken Legs Are Perfect for the Grill
Chicken legs (also called drumsticks) are ideal for grilling because:
They contain more fat than chicken breasts, making them juicier.
The bone adds flavor during cooking.
They’re affordable and great for feeding a crowd.
They hold marinades and BBQ sauces well.
However, because they’re bone-in and thicker than other cuts, proper cooking time is essential.
So, How Long Do You Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill?
The short answer:
30 to 40 minutes total
Grill temperature: Medium heat (375–400°F)
Internal temperature: 165°F minimum (175–185°F for best texture)
Let’s break that down properly.
Step-by-Step: How Long Do You Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill
1. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to 375–400°F.
This is medium heat—hot enough to crisp the skin but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside cooks.
You want two heat zones if possible:
One direct heat area
One indirect heat area
2. Prep the Chicken Legs
Before grilling:
Pat them dry (this helps crisp the skin).
Season generously with salt, pepper, and spices.
Optional: Marinate for 2–24 hours for extra flavor.
If using BBQ sauce, do not add it at the beginning—it can burn due to sugar content.
3. Grill Time Breakdown
Now to the main question: how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill?
Total cook time: 30–40 minutes
Here’s the method:
Place legs over direct heat.
Grill for 5–7 minutes per side.
Move to indirect heat.
Continue cooking for another 15–20 minutes.
Flip occasionally for even cooking.
Internal Temperature Matters More Than Time
Time is helpful—but temperature is accurate.
Use a meat thermometer and check the thickest part (avoid the bone).
Minimum safe temperature: 165°F
Ideal tenderness temperature: 175–185°F
Chicken legs actually taste better when cooked slightly higher than 165°F because the connective tissue breaks down, making them juicy instead of rubbery.
Common Mistakes When Grilling Chicken Legs
If you’re unsure how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill, you may run into these issues:
🔥 Cooking on Too High Heat
This burns the skin while leaving the inside undercooked.
⏱ Not Cooking Long Enough
Because of the bone, legs take longer than boneless cuts.
🍖 Skipping the Thermometer
Color alone is not reliable. Always check internal temperature.
🍯 Adding Sauce Too Early
Add BBQ sauce in the final 5–10 minutes only.
How to Know They’re Done (Without Guessing)
Here’s what properly cooked chicken legs should look like:
Clear juices (not pink)
Skin is golden brown and slightly crispy
Internal temp above 165°F
Meat pulls away easily from the bone
If you’re still unsure, refer to this complete grilling breakdown:
https://scrappygeek.com/grill-chicken-legs/
Gas Grill vs Charcoal Grill Timing
Gas Grill:
More temperature control
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Charcoal Grill:
More smoky flavor
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
May require more flipping
In both cases, internal temperature is your final confirmation.
Should You Boil Chicken Legs Before Grilling?
Some people pre-boil chicken legs to reduce grill time.
Pros:
Shorter grill time
Less risk of undercooking
Cons:
Can reduce flavor
Skin won’t crisp as well
If you grill properly at medium heat, boiling is not necessary.
Best Seasonings for Grilled Chicken Legs
Once you know how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill, flavor becomes the fun part.
Try these options:
Garlic powder + paprika + black pepper
Lemon pepper seasoning
Cajun spice blend
Honey BBQ glaze
Peri-peri sauce
Buffalo-style seasoning
Apply dry rubs before cooking. Apply sauces near the end.
Can You Grill Frozen Chicken Legs?
It’s not recommended.
Frozen legs cook unevenly and increase the risk of undercooking near the bone. Always thaw completely before grilling.
Quick Reference Guide
If you just need the fast answer:
Grill temp: 375–400°F
Total time: 30–40 minutes
Flip every 5–7 minutes
Move to indirect heat halfway
Internal temp: 165–185°F
That’s the formula.
Final Thoughts
So, how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill?
The reliable answer is 30 to 40 minutes at medium heat, finishing at an internal temperature of at least 165°F—preferably closer to 175–185°F for maximum tenderness.
Grilling chicken legs isn’t complicated once you understand heat control and timing. Use medium heat, cook patiently, monitor internal temperature, and add sauce at the end.
If you want a detailed visual walkthrough and extra pro tips, visit:
https://scrappygeek.com/grill-chicken-legs/
With the right method, your grilled chicken legs will come out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every single time.
Comments
Post a Comment