Grilling chicken legs consistently delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal. Because the dark, juicy meat of chicken legs makes them perfect for grilling, achieving the ideal balance between crispy skin and tender meat requires attention to timing and technique. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything necessary to grill chicken legs to perfection.
Part 1: Introduction to Grilling Chicken Legs
Why Chicken Legs Are Perfect for Grilling
Chicken legs are an excellent choice for grilling due to their rich flavor and natural juiciness. Unlike chicken breasts, which often dry out if overcooked, chicken legs stay tender and flavorful. Whether you are preparing a quick family dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue, chicken legs are versatile and budget-friendly. Moreover, their dark meat absorbs marinades and seasonings exceptionally well, adding even more depth of flavor to your grilled dishes.
The Importance of Timing in Grilling
Timing plays a crucial role in grilling chicken legs. Overcooked chicken becomes tough and dry, while undercooked chicken poses a health risk. Therefore, to ensure your chicken legs are cooked to perfection, you must monitor both the cooking time and the internal temperature.
If you’re unsure about safe cooking temperatures, refer to this safe temperature chart. This chart provides detailed guidelines to ensure your chicken is safe to eat.
Part 2: Preparing Chicken Legs for the Grill
Selecting the Right Chicken Legs
Start by choosing the right chicken legs. You can opt for drumsticks or whole legs, which include both the drumstick and thigh. Whole legs provide more flavor due to their meatier content, while drumsticks are easier to handle on the grill. To achieve the best results, select fresh chicken legs, as they cook more evenly and retain moisture better than frozen ones.
Marinating the Chicken Legs
A good marinade will enhance the flavor and tenderness of your chicken legs. A simple marinade might include:
- Olive oil for richness.
- Lemon juice to tenderize the meat.
- Garlic for depth of flavor.
- Herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a fragrant touch.
- Salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
It is recommended to let the chicken legs marinate for at least 30 minutes. However, for best results, marinate them for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.
Pre-Grill Preparation
Before grilling, it’s essential to bring your chicken legs to room temperature. Cooking cold chicken directly from the fridge can result in uneven cooking. To achieve crispy skin, pat the legs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. After drying, season the legs with your preferred spices or keep it simple with just salt and pepper.
Part 3: Grilling Techniques and Methods
Grill Types and Settings
Grilling chicken legs can be done on various types of grills, each offering unique advantages. Here’s how to grill them on charcoal, gas, and firepit grills.
Charcoal Grill
Charcoal grilling imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the taste of chicken legs. Begin by lighting your charcoal and waiting until the coals are covered in white ash, indicating they’re ready. Then, create a two-zone fire by piling the coals on one side, creating a hot zone and a cooler zone.
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Temperature: Medium-high heat
- Method: Place the chicken legs on the cooler side of the grill, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally. Finally, move them to the hotter side for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp the skin.
Gas Grill
Gas grills offer precise temperature control, making them a convenient choice for grilling chicken legs. To start, preheat the grill to medium-high heat, and use indirect heat for most of the cooking process.
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Temperature: Medium-high heat
- Method: Grill the chicken legs over indirect heat with the lid closed. Then, turn them halfway through the cooking time. To finish, move the legs to direct heat for a few minutes to crisp the skin.
If you’re interested in learning more about how different grilling methods impact your results, check out this science of grilling guide.
Firepit Grill
For a more rustic grilling experience, try cooking over a firepit. Start by building a two-zone fire, with one side being hotter than the other.
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Temperature: Variable, depending on the fire’s intensity
- Method: Begin cooking the chicken legs over the cooler side of the fire, turning them every 10 minutes. Afterward, finish them over the hotter side to crisp the skin.
Temperature and Time Guidelines
Regardless of the grill type, monitoring the internal temperature of your chicken legs is essential to ensure they are cooked safely. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for poultry. A meat thermometer is the most reliable tool for checking this.
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg.
- 165°F indicates doneness.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check for doneness by piercing the leg with a fork and observing if the juices run clear. If they do, your chicken is likely done.
Part 4: Grilling Recipes for Chicken Legs
After mastering the basic techniques, you can experiment with different flavors and recipes. Here are three popular recipes for grilled chicken legs:
Herbed Chicken Legs
These chicken legs are seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, creating a light and aromatic dish that’s perfect for summer.
- Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- Salt and pepper
- Method:
- Marinate the chicken legs in the mixture for at least an hour.
- Grill over medium-high heat using indirect heat for about 20 minutes.
- Finish over direct heat for a crispy skin.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with roasted potatoes or a fresh salad.
BBQ Chicken Legs
A barbecue classic, these chicken legs are coated in your favorite BBQ sauce and grilled to a sticky, caramelized perfection.
- Ingredients:
- BBQ sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Method:
- Brush the legs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then grill over medium-high heat.
- Start basting with BBQ sauce after the first 10 minutes of grilling.
- Continue cooking, turning and basting frequently until the legs are cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
- Serving suggestion: Serve with coleslaw and corn on the cob.
Spicy Chicken Legs
For those who enjoy a kick, these spicy chicken legs are coated in a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika before being grilled to perfection.
- Ingredients:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Method:
- Rub the chicken legs with the spice mixture.
- Grill over medium-high heat using indirect heat for about 20 minutes.
- Finish over direct heat to crisp the skin.
- Serving suggestion: Serve with a cooling ranch dipping sauce.
Part 5: Common Challenges and Solutions
Avoiding Burnt Chicken Legs
Burning chicken legs is a common issue during grilling, often caused by a grill that’s too hot or legs that remain over direct heat for too long. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Use indirect heat for most of the cooking time.
- Monitor the grill temperature to ensure it stays at a medium level.
- Flip the chicken frequently to prevent charring.
Achieving Crispy Skin
Crispy skin is a hallmark of well-grilled chicken legs. To achieve that perfect crisp:
- Start with a hot grill to sear the skin immediately.
- Apply a dry rub or marinade that promotes browning.
- Finish cooking over direct heat for a few minutes on each side to crisp up the skin.
Preventing Sticking
Few things are more frustrating than having your chicken legs stick to the grill, tearing the skin and making them harder to cook evenly. To prevent sticking:
- Oil the grill grates before placing the chicken on them.
- Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping.
- Use a spatula to gently loosen the legs if they start to stick.
Part 6: FAQs About Grilling Chicken Legs
How Long Do Chicken Legs Take to Grill on a Gas Grill?
On a gas grill, chicken legs typically take about 20-25 minutes to cook. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Place the legs on the grill over indirect heat, turning them halfway through cooking. To finish, move them to direct heat for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
How Do You Know When Chicken Legs Are Done?
The most reliable way to check if chicken legs are done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg; when it reads 165°F (74°C), the chicken is ready. Alternatively, you can check by piercing the leg with a fork—if the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.
Can You Grill Chicken Legs Without Skin?
Yes, you can grill chicken legs without the skin. However, they might not be as crispy as those with the skin on, and the cooking time could be slightly shorter. To keep them moist and flavorful, consider using a marinade that complements the meat’s natural taste.
How to Grill Chicken Drumsticks Without Burning Them?
To avoid burning chicken drumsticks:
- Use indirect heat to cook them more slowly and evenly.
- Keep the grill temperature at a moderate level.
- Flip the drumsticks frequently to prevent one side from burning.
How Do You Get Crispy Skin on Grilled Chicken Legs?
To achieve crispy skin on grilled chicken legs:
- Preheat the grill to a high temperature.
- Apply a marinade or dry rub that promotes browning and crisping.
- Finish the legs over direct heat for a few minutes to ensure a crispy exterior.
Do You Grill Chicken Skin-Side Down First?
Grilling chicken legs skin-side down first can help render the fat and crisp the skin. However, some prefer to start with the skin-side up, allowing the fat to baste the meat as it cooks. Experiment with both methods to see which works best for you.
Part 7: Final Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs
Timing and Monitoring
The key to perfectly grilled chicken legs is careful monitoring of both time and temperature. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the legs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that your chicken is thoroughly cooked and prevents overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled chicken legs are versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob.
- Fresh salads such as a crisp green salad or coleslaw.
- Hearty starches like roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or cornbread.
For additional tips on grilling and cooking, explore our related guides on how long to smoke chicken legs and how long to boil chicken legs.
By following these guidelines, you will grill chicken legs that are perfectly cooked, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re an experienced griller or just getting started, these tips and techniques will help you achieve delicious results every time.