How Long to Grill Chicken Legs in 6 Simple Steps
You should grill chicken legs for about 25 to 30 minutes total at medium-high heat.
Grilling chicken legs is a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal outdoors. Start by preheating your grill to 375°F–400°F and oiling the grates.
Season the legs well and cook them directly over heat, flipping every 5 to 7 minutes for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to 185°F. This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Let the legs rest a few minutes before serving for juicy, flavorful results.
Keep going to discover tips for perfect grilling. These simple steps will help you master how long to grill chicken legs every time.
Key Takeaways
- Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F to 400°F) for 10 to 15 minutes and oil grates to prevent sticking.
- Season chicken legs and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Grill chicken legs over direct heat for 6 to 10 minutes per side, turning every 5 minutes for even cooking.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 185°F, using a meat thermometer to check doneness after about 20 minutes.
- Rest grilled chicken legs for 5 to 10 minutes covered loosely with foil before serving to retain juices.
Preheat Your Grill to Medium-High Heat
To get the best results when grilling chicken legs, you’ll want to preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. This temperature range guarantees even cooking and crispy skin without burning. Before you start, make certain to clean and oil the grill grates thoroughly.
Clean grates prevent sticking and help achieve that perfect sear, while oiling promotes better browning. Allow your grill to heat for about 10 to 15 minutes so it reaches the ideal temperature. Using a grill thermometer can help you monitor the surface temperature accurately, keeping it steady within the medium-high heat zone.
Preheating your grill properly is key because it seals in the juices, resulting in tender meat that’s delicious and moist. Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking and dry chicken legs, so don’t rush it. Taking the time to prepare your grill right sets the foundation for a perfectly grilled meal.
Prepare and Season the Chicken Legs
A crucial step before grilling your chicken legs is preparing and seasoning them properly. Start by patting the chicken legs dry with paper towels to guarantee a crispy skin once grilled. Next, drizzle a light coat of olive or avocado oil on the legs; this helps the dry rub stick and adds moisture.
Season generously with your favorite spices or a simple salt and pepper mix. If you’re using a dry rub, consider a flavorful blend like Slap Ya Mama seasoning. Finally, let the chicken legs rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes—this promotes even cooking.
Don’t forget to oil the grill grates before placing the legs to prevent sticking.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pat chicken legs dry |
| 2 | Drizzle oil on legs |
| 3 | Apply dry rub or season evenly |
| 4 | Rest legs at room temperature |
| 5 | Oil the grill grates |
Place Chicken Legs on the Grill and Cook Initial Side
Start by preheating your grill to a medium heat of around 400°F to 500°F for the best results. Place the seasoned chicken legs directly over the heat and close the lid to keep the temperature steady.
Cook the first side for 6 to 10 minutes, turning every few minutes to guarantee even cooking and avoid burning.
Preparing the Grill
Once your grill’s preheated to medium heat—around 450°F—you’ll want to clean and oil the grates thoroughly to keep the chicken legs from sticking and help them sear beautifully. This step is crucial before you place your seasoned chicken legs on the grill. Preheating the grill and maintaining medium heat guarantees even cooking.
As you cook the chicken legs, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 185°F for perfect juiciness.
| Step | Action | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the grill | 450°F for medium heat |
| 2 | Clean and oil the grill grates | Prevent sticking and sear well |
| 3 | Place seasoned chicken legs | Even size for uniform cooking |
| 4 | Cook the chicken legs | Turn every 5 minutes |
| 5 | Check internal temperature | Use meat thermometer at 185°F |
Placing Legs Correctly
Three key steps will help you place chicken legs correctly on the grill for the best sear and even cooking. First, preheat your grill to around 450°F to guarantee the legs on the grill get a perfect sear over direct heat. Next, space the legs evenly to avoid overcrowding, which helps them cook evenly and prevents steaming.
Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook the initial side for 6-8 minutes, letting a nice crust form. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for at least 165°F before moving to indirect heat. Remember to turn the legs gently every 4-5 minutes to avoid charring and guarantee even cooking on all sides.
Managing Initial Cooking
When you place the chicken legs on the grill, make certain the surface is preheated to about 450°F to get a good sear. Arrange the drumsticks evenly without overcrowding to promote even grilling chicken legs. Cook the initial side for 6-8 minutes, checking for clear grill marks before flipping.
Maintaining temperature control is key—turn the chicken legs every 5 minutes to avoid burning and guarantee thorough cooking. The total cook time varies, but aim for an internal temperature of at least 165°F, ideally 185°F, for perfect results. This guarantees the skin turns crispy while the meat stays tender.
Flip Chicken Legs and Continue Grilling
You’ll want to flip the chicken legs every 5 minutes to cook them evenly and avoid burning one side. Keep your grill temperature steady around 450°F to get that perfect char while locking in juiciness.
After flipping, continue grilling until the internal temperature hits 185°F for the best texture.
Optimal Flip Timing
Although it might be tempting to flip chicken legs frequently, sticking to a 5-7 minute interval between flips guarantees even cooking and prevents burning. When grilling chicken legs, maintaining a consistent grill temperature around 450°F helps achieve the perfect sear and cook. You want to flip the legs just enough to develop a crispy crust without disrupting the cooking process.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature regularly; aim for 185°F to verify the meat is fully cooked and juicy. Over-flipping can cause uneven cooking and dry out the chicken. By timing your flips carefully and monitoring the grill temperature, you’ll get perfectly grilled chicken legs with great texture and flavor every time.
Even Cooking Techniques
Since even cooking is key to juicy chicken legs, flipping them every 5 minutes guarantees heat distributes uniformly and prevents burning. When you flip chicken legs, focus on drumsticks to verify each side gets equal exposure to the heat. Avoid pressing down on the meat, as this squeezes out juices that keep the meat tender.
Use a meat thermometer regularly to check the internal temperature, aiming for at least 165°F, though 185°F often results in better texture. This step confirms even cooking and food safety. Keep a close eye on the grill’s heat to maintain consistent cooking conditions, adjusting if necessary.
Maintaining Grill Temperature
Keeping your grill temperature steady between 400°F and 500°F is essential for cooking chicken legs evenly and locking in their juiciness. To maintain this grill surface temperature, place the chicken legs over direct heat and flip them every 5 minutes. This guarantees even cooking and prevents burning throughout the grilling time, which should total about 30-35 minutes.
Always close the lid while grilling to keep the heat consistent and enhance cooking efficiency. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs, aiming for 185°F to confirm they’re safe and tender. Avoid cooking below 350°F, as lower temperatures can dry out the meat.
Check Internal Temperature for Doneness
A quick way to guarantee your chicken legs are perfectly cooked is by checking their internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer. This confirms your grilled chicken legs are both safe and deliciously juicy.
- Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, avoiding the bone to get an accurate internal temperature reading.
- Aim for a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to confirm safe consumption.
- For extra juiciness and tenderness, wait until the temperature reaches around 185°F before taking the legs off the grill.
- Start checking the temperature after about 20 minutes of grilling to avoid overcooking and dry meat.
Rest the Chicken Legs Before Serving
Once your chicken legs have reached the right temperature, resist the urge to cut into them immediately. Allow your chicken legs to rest at room temperature for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This meat rest period is essential because it lets the juices redistribute evenly, which helps maintain a juicy texture.
If you cut into the chicken too soon, those flavorful juices will run out, leaving the meat dry. To keep the chicken warm while it rests, cover with foil loosely; this traps heat but still allows some air circulation. Resting also helps enhance flavor by allowing the seasoning and sauces to settle into the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Chicken Legs Take on the Grill?
Chicken legs usually take about 30 to 35 minutes on the grill. You’ll want to keep your grill at medium heat, around 400°F to 450°F, and turn the legs every 5 minutes to cook them evenly and prevent drying out.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part hits at least 165°F for safety. Larger legs might take a bit longer, so keep an eye on them!
Is It Better to Grill Chicken at 350 or 400 on a Gas Grill?
Back in the days of the Wild West, you’d want to choose 400°F over 350°F for grilling chicken on a gas grill. You’ll get crispier skin and better caramelization at 400°F, plus the cooking time’s shorter, so your chicken stays juicy.
At 350°F, the chicken risks steaming and drying out since it cooks slower. So, crank that dial up to 400°F for tastier, perfectly cooked chicken legs every time.
What Is the Cooking Time for Chicken Legs?
You’ll want to grill chicken legs for about 30 to 35 minutes over medium heat, turning them every 5 minutes to cook evenly. Start with indirect heat for the first 15-20 minutes, then finish on direct heat to crisp the skin. Use a meat thermometer after 20 minutes; aim for an internal temp of 185°F for juicy meat, though 165°F is safe.
Adjust time based on grill temperature and leg size.
How Often Do I Flip Chicken Drumsticks on the Grill?
You should flip chicken drumsticks every 4-5 minutes on the grill. This timing helps you get even cooking and crispy skin without burning. Start by searing them over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat.
Don’t flip too often, or the meat might dry out. Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safe and juicy results.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to grill chicken legs perfectly, imagine the sizzle as the skin crisps up over medium-high heat, locking in juicy flavors. By flipping them just right and checking their temperature, you’re not just cooking—you’re crafting a meal that’s tender and bursting with smoky goodness.
Letting them rest lets the juices settle, making every bite a mouthwatering experience. You’ve got this—grill on and enjoy those delicious moments! Remember, the key to perfectly grilled chicken legs is timing and temperature control.
