If you’re planning a backyard barbecue or simply craving juicy, smoky chicken legs, grilling is one of the best cooking methods. But one of the most common questions people ask is, how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill? The answer depends on a few factors like grill temperature, direct vs. indirect heat, and whether the chicken is bone-in or boneless. Getting this right ensures your chicken legs are not only safe to eat but also flavorful, tender, and packed with that signature char-grilled taste.
Why Grilled Chicken Legs Are a Favorite
Chicken legs are one of the most popular cuts of chicken to grill. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly, chicken legs contain more fat and connective tissue. This makes them flavorful, juicy, and forgiving even if you cook them a little longer. Plus, their skin crisps up beautifully over an open flame, giving you that irresistible crunch everyone loves.
Grilling chicken legs is also budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, a platter of golden-brown grilled chicken legs is always a hit.
The Ideal Grilling Time for Chicken Legs
So, how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill? On average, chicken legs take 30 to 35 minutes to cook at medium-high heat (about 350°F to 400°F). The key is to turn them every 5 minutes to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Direct heat (high): 20–25 minutes (risk of burning if not watched carefully).
- Indirect heat (medium to medium-high): 30–35 minutes for perfectly tender meat with crispy skin.
- Internal temperature check: Always make sure the thickest part of the chicken leg reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Chicken Legs
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up on the grill. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices or marinate them for extra flavor.
2. Preheat the Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing red with a layer of white ash.
3. Grill Over Indirect Heat
Place the chicken legs on the cooler side of the grill. This allows them to cook evenly without burning the skin. Turn them every 5–7 minutes.
4. Crisp Over Direct Heat
In the final 5 minutes, move the chicken legs over direct heat to crisp up the skin and add smoky grill marks.
5. Check the Internal Temperature
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the leg (without touching the bone). Once it hits 165°F, your chicken is ready.
Flavor Variations for Grilled Chicken Legs
- Classic BBQ: Coat the legs with barbecue sauce in the last 10 minutes of grilling.
- Spicy Kick: Use a chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce marinade.
- Herb and Garlic: Marinate with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- Asian-Inspired: Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey make for a delicious glaze.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs
- Don’t rush the process. Cooking too fast at high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw.
- Use two-zone grilling. Keep one side hot and one side cooler so you can control the cooking better.
- Baste with sauce at the right time. Adding BBQ sauce too early can cause it to burn due to sugar content.
- Let them rest. After removing chicken legs from the grill, rest them for 5 minutes so juices redistribute.
Serving Ideas
Grilled chicken legs pair well with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, or garlic bread. You can also serve them with a refreshing cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
So, how long do you cook chicken legs on the grill? The sweet spot is around 30–35 minutes at medium-high heat, turning them often, and making sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Following these steps will give you juicy, flavorful chicken legs with crispy skin every single time.
For more grilling tips and a detailed recipe, visit: How Long Do You Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill.
