How Long Do You Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill? Times, Temps, and Tips for Perfect Results
Few things say "summer cookout" like a platter of smoky, sticky, golden-brown chicken legs. They're budget-friendly, full of flavor, and hard to dry out. Still, plenty of home cooks wrestle with the same problem: skin that's charred black while the meat near the bone is still pink. So, how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill ? For whole chicken legs (the drumstick and thigh still attached), plan on 40 to 50 minutes over indirect medium heat at 350°F to 375°F. Separate drumsticks take closer to 30 to 40 minutes, and bone-in thighs need about 35 to 45 minutes. The rest of this guide explains why, and how to get it right every time. First, What Counts as a "Chicken Leg"? The term can mean different things depending on the store or recipe, and that affects timing: Whole chicken leg (leg quarter): The drumstick and thigh joined together. These are the largest and take the longest. Drumstick: The lower portion of the leg. Smaller, and quicker to cook. B...