Quick Answer
Chicken legs typically take about 30-45 minutes to cook through when grilling directly over medium-high heat. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken legs, as well as the temperature of the grill. Smaller chicken legs may cook faster in 25-35 minutes, while larger or thicker legs may need closer to 50-60 minutes.
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure chicken legs are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Always allow the legs to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Brining or marinating the chicken legs before grilling can help keep them juicy and flavorful.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several factors impact how long it takes to grill chicken legs so they are cooked through without drying out.
Thickness and Size of Legs
The thicker and larger the chicken legs, the longer they will need on the grill. Thick drumsticks or whole leg quarters can take 10-15 minutes longer than thinner chicken legs.
Bone-In vs Boneless
Bone-in chicken legs will take longer to cook than boneless thighs or legs. The bone helps insulate the meat near it and slows cooking. Boneless cuts will grill faster.
Temperature of Grill
The hotter the grill, the faster chicken legs will cook. Chicken legs will need more time on a medium heat grill around 325-350°F compared to a hot grill at 450-500°F.
Direct vs Indirect Heat
Grilling chicken legs directly over the heat source will cook them faster than using indirect heat. Indirect heat can provide more even doneness but will require more time.
Brining and Marinating
Soaking chicken legs in a brine or marinade before grilling helps keep the meat juicy and tender, but can extend cooking time slightly since the meat absorbs extra liquid.
Bone-In vs Boneless
Chicken legs with the bone still attached can take 10-15 minutes longer to fully cook than boneless chicken legs. The bone partly insulates the meat near it, slowing cooking.
Use of Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. Chicken legs are safely cooked when the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F internally. Relying on visual cues can lead to undercooked chicken.
Distance from Heat Source
Chicken legs grilled directly over the heat will cook faster than legs placed on the outer edges of the grill grate further from the heat source. Keeping them directly over the heat expedites cooking.
General Cooking Steps
Follow these basic steps for grilling juicy, flavorful chicken legs perfectly every time.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Rinse chicken legs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat. Apply any marinades, spice rubs, or seasoning as desired. Allow legs to marinate for 30 minutes to overnight. Bring meat to room temperature before grilling.
2. Preheat the Grill
Ignite grill and close lid. Heat to between 450-500°F which generally takes 10-15 minutes. Clean grates and lightly oil to prevent sticking. Leave lid open on gas grills while preheating.
3. Cook on Preheated Grill
Place chicken legs directly over heat source, skin-side down if still attached. Grill for 8-10 minutes until browned. Flip and grill other side for 8-10 minutes more. Move to indirect heat or turn off one burner to finish cooking if flare ups occur.
4. Check for Doneness
Test for doneness at thickest part of legs using a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F. If underdone, return to grill for 5-10 minute intervals, checking temperature again until fully cooked.
5. Allow to Rest
Transfer legs to a platter and tent with foil. Allow to rest 5-10 minutes so juices can redistribute through meat before serving. Chicken legs are now ready to enjoy hot, juicy, and flavorful off the grill.
Recipe and Cooking Time Table for Chicken Legs
Here are estimated grilling times and an example recipe for flavorful BBQ chicken legs to reference.
| Cut of Chicken Leg | Grilling Time |
|---|---|
| Small chicken drumsticks (4-6 oz each) | 25-35 minutes |
| Medium chicken drumsticks (6-8 oz each) | 30-40 minutes |
| Large chicken drumsticks (8-12 oz each) | 35-50 minutes |
| Chicken leg quarters (10-14 oz each) | 40-55 minutes |
| Boneless chicken thighs (4-8 oz each) | 8-15 minutes |
BBQ Chicken Legs
Ingredients:
– 8 chicken drumsticks or 4 leg quarters
– 1 cup barbecue sauce or rub
– 2 Tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken and turn to evenly coat in barbecue mixture. Cover and marinate 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 24 hours.
3. Preheat grill to 450-500°F. Oil grates.
4. Grill chicken legs skin-side down first for 8-10 minutes until browned. Flip and grill 8-10 minutes more until 165°F.
5. Brush with extra barbecue sauce in last 5 minutes if desired.
6. Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Grilling juicy, delicious chicken legs with crispy skin is easy and flavorful when you follow a few simple tips. Allow 30-50 minutes of cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the legs and whether bone-in or boneless. Direct high heat cooking expedites the process while brining provides extra moisture and flavor. Apply barbecue sauce or dry rubs for even more flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the legs reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Allowing the chicken to rest before serving and checking for doneness ahead of time prevents dried out meat. In no time, you’ll be a pro at grilling tender, juicy chicken legs perfectly every time.