You can’t go wrong with grilled chicken legs. The skin is crispy, the meat is tender, and the flavors are classic.
Everyone has that one comfort food they can eat anything. For me, it is barbeque chicken drumsticks. They have everything that a classic dish should have. Plus, I can prepare them at home anytime. So, it’s a win-win for me.
It’s not like I have never ordered grilled chicken thighs at a restaurant. But I never really liked the flavors. Those grilled drumsticks just do not hit the right spot. However, I couldn’t give up on having a plate of lip-smacking BBQ chicken legs. That’s when I checked a few BBQ chicken thigh recipes and came up with my own version.
You won’t believe it, but my recipe is seriously the best because the total cooking time is less than an hour. Also, the ingredients are easily available in the kitchen pantry.
I’ll teach you how to make the most amazing barbeque chicken thighs with less ingredients and in less time. Check my step-by-step tutorial so you never have to order barbeque chicken legs from a restaurant ever.
It’s not hard to grill chicken legs, but there is an art to getting them just right! I’ve been grilling drumsticks for years, and let me tell you, there’s nothing worse than serving chicken that’s charred on the outside but still raw near the bone (yuck!) or even worse, dry and stringy meat that no one wants to eat.
If you want to know exactly how long to grill those tasty drumsticks, I have all the information you need to get perfect results every time!
The Short Answer: Grilling Time for Chicken Legs
For those who just want the quick answer:
Grill chicken legs for 30-35 minutes at 350-450°F, flipping every 5-10 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 185°F.
But hold up – there’s more to know if you want truly amazing drumsticks!
Why Chicken Legs Are Awesome for Grilling
First, let’s talk about why chicken legs (also called drumsticks) are so great on the grill:
- Affordable – way cheaper than chicken breasts
- Forgiving – harder to dry out than white meat
- Flavorful – dark meat has more taste
- Fun to eat – built-in handle, great for kids and parties!
- Crispy skin potential – when done right, the skin is amazing
Perfect Prep: Setting Your Chicken Legs Up for Success
What you do before those legs hit the grill matters big time:
1. Pat Them Dry
This might not seem important, but it’s HUGE for getting crispy skin! Dry those chicken legs all the way through with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
2. Season Generously
You’ve got options:
- Simple: Kosher salt and black pepper
- Basic rub: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
- Marinade: At least 30 minutes, but overnight in the fridge works best
3. Room Temperature Rest (Optional)
If ya got time, let those drumsticks sit out for about 15-30 minutes before grilling. This helps them cook more evenly and can reduce your grill time by 5-10 minutes.
4. Trim Excess Skin
Don’t skip this! Trim off any loose or hanging pieces of skin and check for loose joint pieces. This prevents flare-ups and burning.
The Right Grill Temperature Is Everything
One of the biggest mistakes folks make is grilling at the wrong temperature. For chicken legs, you want:
Medium-high heat: 350-450°F surface temperature
- Too low (under 350°F): Legs take forever and can dry out
- Too high (over 500°F): Outside burns before inside cooks
Pro tip: Most grill lid thermometers are WAY off! Invest in a cheap grill surface thermometer (about $10) to get it right.
How Long to Grill Chicken Legs: The Detailed Timeline
Here’s my step-by-step process that works every single time:
- Preheat your grill to 350-450°F
- Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking
- Place legs on the grill with some space between them
- Close the lid (this is important for even cooking!)
- Flip every 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooking and create nice grill marks
- Total cooking time: 30-35 minutes but always use a meat thermometer to be sure
The Temperature Secret Nobody Tells You
Here’s something most recipes get wrong – chicken legs are NOT best at 165°F!
While 165°F is technically safe (according to the FDA), the texture at this temperature is awful for dark meat like drumsticks. The meat will be tough and stringy.
For perfect chicken legs, cook to 185°F internal temperature.
At this higher temp, the connective tissues break down, giving you that tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone texture everyone loves. You can even go up to 195°F and they’ll still be moist and delicious!
Direct vs. Indirect Heat: The Smart Way to Grill
For the best results, use a combination approach:
- Start with direct heat for the first 5-10 minutes to crisp up the skin
- Move to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning
If you’re using a gas grill, this means turning off one side and moving the chicken to that side after the initial sear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made all these mistakes so you don’t have to:
- Skipping the marinade: Even a quick 30-minute marinade makes a huge difference
- Cooking over high heat: Leads to burned outside, raw inside
- Not using a meat thermometer: Temperature, not time, is the true test of doneness
- Forgetting to rest: Always let legs rest 5-10 minutes after grilling
- Opening the grill too often: Every peek lets heat escape
How to Know When Chicken Legs Are Done
There are a few ways to check doneness:
- Internal temperature: 185°F is ideal (165°F is safe but not optimal for texture)
- Visual cues: Juices run clear, not pink
- Texture test: Meat pulls away from the bone easily
What About Pink Meat Near the Bone?
Sometimes chicken legs can still look pink near the bone even when fully cooked. This happens for two main reasons:
- Older/mature chicken can release myoglobin during cooking
- Previously frozen chicken can have bone marrow leak into the meat
Neither is harmful! As long as your meat thermometer reads 165°F or higher, the chicken is safe to eat.
Let ‘Em Rest!
Don’t skip this step! After grilling, let those chicken legs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.
BBQ Sauce Tips
If you’re using BBQ sauce:
- Don’t add it too early – the sugar will burn
- Apply during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling
- Multiple thin layers work better than one thick layer
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes for crispy skin
- Avoid microwaving if possible – it makes the skin soft and rubbery
My Favorite Sides for Grilled Chicken Legs
These go perfectly with grilled drumsticks:
- Potato salad
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Pasta salad
- Grilled vegetables
Final Thoughts: Practice Makes Perfect
Grilling chicken legs isn’t complicated, but it does take a bit of practice to get the timing just right for your specific grill. The good news is that even “imperfect” grilled chicken legs are usually delicious!
Remember these key points:
- Dry thoroughly before seasoning
- Use medium-high heat (350-450°F)
- Flip every 5-10 minutes
- Cook to 185°F internal temperature
- Rest before serving
Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have juicy, tender, perfectly grilled chicken legs that’ll make you the star of your next BBQ!
Happy grilling, y’all! What’s your favorite seasoning for chicken legs? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your tricks too!
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What to serve with a chicken drumstick grill?
Grilled chicken drumstick tastes the best with pasta salad, garlic feta butter, rice, and pasta.
Steps to Prepare Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilling chicken thighs sounds intimidating, but it does not have to be. Here’s everything about the preparation of delicious chicken legs on time.
I have divided the steps into different parts so you don’t make any mistakes:
To prepare BBQ chicken thighs, pat them dry to remove the moisture. It makes the chicken more crispy and juicy.
Then apply a coat of oil on drumsticks. Once done, keep the chicken pieces aside. Take another bowl to mix salt, pepper, and other spices together. Rub the seasoning well to get the optimal flavor.
Also See: How To Grill Beer Can Chicken
You might also like:
Allow the chicken pieces to marinate properly. Putting the pieces in the fridge for marination is even better. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to 400 F. Apply a thick coat of oil so the chicken pieces do not stick while grilling.
Place each chicken drumstick on the grill and cook for about 35 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces frequently. Once cooked, transfer the drumstick to a plate and let it rest.
If you want to get that perfect char effect on the grilled BBQ chicken thighs, apply BBQ sauce and cook on the grill for 25 minutes. Flip the pieces regularly.
- If you put the chicken pieces in the fridge to marinate or store them, take them out an hour before you grill them.
- You can get the best flavors by putting spices under the chicken skin. If you like chicken skin, season it well under the skin. Not everyone does.
- The outside of the chicken gets crispy when you pat it down before putting oil and seasoning on it. The meat becomes tender and juicy.
- To make your regular grilled chicken a little different, brush the pieces with honey. The hot honey-flavored grilled chicken is almost everyone’s favorite.
- Bring out dips while serving sticky BBQ chicken drumsticks.
Cooking Chicken Legs – WORLD FAMOUS Grilled Drumsticks!
FAQ
How long does it take drumsticks to grill?
How long to grill chicken at 400 degrees?
Grilling chicken at 400ºF for about 15 minutes will give it beautiful grill marks on the outside and juicy meat on the inside.
How long to cook chicken legs on a grill?
The cooking time for chicken legs on the barbecue can depend on several factors including the size of the legs, the grilling temperature, and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Here’s a general guideline: For bone-in chicken legs, the ideal cooking time is approximately 35 to 45 minutes at a grill temperature of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
Do chicken thighs cook well on a grill?
Bone-in thighs cook well on the grill and remain tender. Whole Legs: Whole chicken legs encompass both the drumstick and thigh. Grilling whole legs requires slightly longer cooking times but delivers a hearty meal. Chicken legs are a good source of protein and essential nutrients.
How long does it take to cook chicken legs?
Cooking chicken legs typically takes 30 to 40 minutes at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. Here’s a breakdown of cooking times based on grill temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains moist.
How long should chicken legs be cooked per side?
Experience-based Approach: Based on years of grilling chicken legs, a general rule of thumb is to grill them for about 20-25 minutes per side. This timing may vary depending on the thickness and size of the chicken legs. Thicker chicken legs will require slightly longer cooking times, while smaller ones may cook more quickly.
Can you cook chicken legs on a gas grill?
If you prefer crispy skin, you can start grilling the chicken legs skin-side down over direct heat for a few minutes before flipping them. This method helps render the fat and achieve that desired crispy texture. 10. Can I use a gas grill or a charcoal grill? You can cook chicken legs on either type of grill.
Do you oil grilled chicken legs before grilling?
To prevent sticking, be sure to oil the grill grates before placing the chicken legs on the grill. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil to lightly coat the grates. **What side dishes pair well with grilled chicken legs?**.