How long to grill chicken legs? This is a question that many people have. The answer, however, depends on the temperature of your grill, the thickness of your chicken legs, and how well you want them cooked. In this blog post, we will give you a general guide on how long to grill chicken legs, as well as some tips on how to make them taste great!
Read more: You Asked, We Answered: Can You Grill Frozen Chicken?
How long to grill chicken leg?
Grilling chicken leg can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the leg. If you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, it’s important to preheat your grill for at least 15 minutes before grilling chicken legs.
To ensure that your chicken legs are cooked properly, use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when finished. To get that perfect golden brown color and crispiness on the outside of your chicken legs, turn them often and brush them with a light coating of oil while they’re cooking.
You can also add spices or sauces such as garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce or barbecue sauce for extra flavor. With a charcoal or gas grill, you may want to keep the lid closed during most of the cooking process to lock in moisture and heat. For juicy and tender grilled chicken legs, cook them slowly over medium-low heat and give them plenty of time on each side.
How long to grill chicken leg quarters?
Grilling chicken leg quarters can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes, depending on the temperature of your grill and the size of the leg quarters. It is important to keep a close eye on the chicken leg quarters while they’re cooking since they are prone to burning easily due to their high fat content.
For best results, preheat your grill to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit and oil your grate so that the pieces don’t stick. Place the chicken leg quarters skin side up on the hot grate and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Flip them over, reduce heat to medium, then cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit with a meat thermometer before serving. Enjoy!
How to make grill chicken legs on gas grill?
Grilling chicken legs on a gas grill is an easy and tasty way to prepare a meal. To start, you’ll want to make sure your gas grill is clean, preheated to medium-high heat, and greased with cooking oil.
Place your chicken legs on the grill and cook for 5 minutes before flipping them over and cooking for an additional 4-7 minutes until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165F. During this time, you should be frequently basting or brushing your chicken legs with marinade or BBQ sauce to give them flavor.
Once cooked thoroughly, be sure to let the chicken cool down before serving. Grilling chicken legs on a gas grill allows you to create a dish that is juicy and tender but also flavorful. If done correctly, you can expect succulent, delicious results each time!
How long to grill chicken legs and thighs?
Grilling chicken legs and thighs can take around 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken. It’s important to preheat your grill for at least 10 minutes before placing your chicken on so that it cooks evenly. Separately, you’ll want to brush your chicken with olive oil and season them as desired with a light coat of salt and pepper.
When grilling, remember to place the thicker parts of the leg and thigh facing toward the heat since they tend to require more cooking time. Additionally, if you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, make sure to keep an eye on it and move it around often in order for it to not burn.
The best way to determine if your chicken is cooked is by using a thermometer and should read 165°F when placed into the thickest part of the meat. Finally, when done cooking let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so that all the juices are locked in!
How to grill chicken legs on bbq?
Grilling chicken legs on a BBQ is an easy and delicious way to enjoy succulent, juicy chicken. To start, preheat the grill and season the chicken legs with salt and pepper. Place the chicken legs onto the hot grill and cook for approximately 15 minutes before flipping them over. Make sure to check the internal temperature of your chicken legs with a thermometer to ensure that they reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once flipped, baste them with your favorite BBQ sauce or marinade for extra flavor. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through.
If desired, you can move the chicken legs to indirect heat for several minutes once they have reached their desired internal temperature to allow them to crisp up a little bit more and give them an even more delicious smoky flavor! Serve hot off of the grill with sides such as grilled vegetables, macaroni and cheese or potato salad – enjoy!
How long to grill chicken legs at 325?
Grilling chicken legs at 325 degrees is a great way to get an evenly cooked and juicy bird. The length of time it takes to grill chicken legs at this temperature will depend on the size of the chicken leg, as well as how hot your grill is. Generally, it can take anywhere from 25 minutes to 45 minutes for chicken legs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
To ensure optimal results, you should use a digital thermometer to check the temperature of the meat before serving. If you want to add extra flavor or crispness to the skin, brush on some oil before grilling. Additionally, make sure that you preheat your grill and keep the lid closed while cooking; this will help cook the chicken more quickly and evenly.
How long to grill chicken legs on rack?
Grilling chicken legs on a rack can vary greatly in cooking time depending on the size of the chicken legs. Generally, boneless skinless chicken legs should take about 8-10 minutes to cook on medium-high heat.
For whole bone-in chicken legs, it usually takes about 15-20 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Always make sure to turn your grilled chicken over every few minutes and coat with oil or sauce to prevent drying out and burning. If you want extra flavour, you can season your chicken before grilling with spices like garlic powder, paprika, oregano and cumin!
How long to grill chicken legs at 350?
Grilling chicken legs at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a great way to make a delicious, juicy meal. Depending on the size of the chicken legs, you’ll want to grill them for approximately 20-25 minutes. If you have smaller chicken legs, keep an eye on them and start checking the internal temperature after 15 minutes.
Using a digital food thermometer is important when grilling chicken as it will ensure that the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before being served. To get that golden brown char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy, place your chicken legs over direct heat and use a basting brush to spread oil or melted butter across the skin before grilling.
Remember to flip your chicken often so both sides get evenly cooked, and rotate each leg every 5 minutes or so for even cooking results. With proper preparation and careful attention during grilling, your chicken legs should be ready in 20-25 minutes!
How long to grill chicken legs at 400?
Grilling chicken legs at 400°F is a great way to get that perfectly crisp and juicy texture. Depending on the size of the legs, you should expect to grill them for roughly 25 minutes. However, it’s important to pay attention to the legs throughout the grilling process.
To ensure they’re cooked all the way through, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each leg – it should read 165°F for fully cooked chicken. Additionally, give the legs an extra few minutes if they don’t reach that temperature after 25 minutes of cooking. For even more flavor, you can baste your chicken legs with different marinades or sauces before and during grilling.
This will help keep them tender and increase their flavor. Finally, make sure to let your grilled chicken legs rest on a plate for 3-5 minutes before serving so that all those delicious juices don’t escape as soon as you take them off the grill!
How long to grill chicken legs indirect heat?
Grilling chicken legs using indirect heat is an excellent method to achieve juicy and delicious results. This method requires more time than direct heat but the extra effort is worth it. When using indirect heat, chicken legs should be cooked for approximately 45 minutes. Make sure to preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the chicken legs.
During cooking, turn the legs every 10-15 minutes for even cooking on both sides. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and ensure that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit before removing from the grill.
Additionally, you can brush your chicken with a sauce or oil during the last few minutes of cooking in order to impart additional flavor and moisture into the meat. Grilling chicken this way ensures that you get tender, juicy thighs that everyone will love!
How many calories in grilled chicken drumstick?
Grilled chicken drumsticks are an excellent source of lean protein. Each grilled chicken drumstick contains approximately 75 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 1.5 grams of fat, making it a healthy choice for those on a weight-loss diet.
Additionally, the proteins in grilled chicken drumsticks provide essential amino acids for muscle growth and maintenance, as well as energy production. Grilled chicken also supplies other essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12 and iron that are needed in order to maintain optimal health.
Furthermore, grilling the chicken helps to reduce the amount of fat content found in the meat, resulting in fewer calories overall compared to deep-fried versions. Therefore, if you’re looking for a delicious yet healthy way to get your protein intake while watching your calorie intake, then grilled chicken drumsticks are an excellent option!
How to grill chicken legs on a traeger?
Grilling chicken legs on a Traeger is a great way to make a delicious, juicy and flavorful meal. First of all, it’s important to ensure that the chicken legs are well-seasoned before being placed on the Traeger.
A good combination of spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano and thyme can provide some serious flavor to the chicken. It’s also important to use a high-quality cooking oil such as olive oil or avocado oil in order to prevent any burning of the chicken skin.
Once you have seasoned your chicken legs, place them on your preheated Traeger grill with the temperature set between 350F and 375F. Cook them for roughly 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F.
Flip them over halfway through the cooking process to ensure that both sides get cooked evenly. When done properly, you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken legs with a crispy skin and juicy meat inside! Enjoy!
How long to grill chicken legs on a charcoal grill?
Grilling chicken legs on a charcoal grill is a great way to get an incredibly flavorful and juicy meal. Generally, it will take about 40 minutes for 4-6 large chicken legs to be fully cooked. To ensure that the chicken legs cook evenly, you should first preheat your grill on high heat for 10-15 minutes.
Then reduce the heat to medium and place your chicken legs onto the cooking grate. Grill each side of the leg for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
When done, you should use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of your chicken legs has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. You can also brush some sauce or marinade on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling in order to give it additional flavor and moisture.
FAQs
What is the best temperature to grill chicken legs at?
The best temperature to grill chicken legs is between 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat allows the skin on the chicken to crisp up quickly, creating a delicious crunchy exterior that seals in all of the juices and flavor.
Grilling chicken legs at too low of a heat will cause them to dry out, creating an unappetizing meal. To ensure your chicken is cooked evenly while still maintaining its juicy texture, preheat your grill before adding the chicken and then keep it at this temperature for approximately 15 minutes per side or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees is reached.
Additionally, it’s important to use a thermometer when grilling chicken legs so you can monitor the temperature inside the meat and ensure it stays around 165 degrees for food safety.
Is it better to grill chicken legs on direct or indirect heat?
Grilling chicken legs on direct heat is ideal for obtaining a crispy texture on the skin and locking in the moisture of the meat. By concentrating heat directly onto the surface of the chicken, it creates an alluring caramelized crust and ensures that the interior cooks evenly for a succulent meal.
For those who prefer their chicken with a more smoky flavor, indirect heat is the way to go since it allows the smoke from the charcoal to infuse deeply into each piece of meat.
Additionally, grilling with indirect heat will help keep your chicken moist and tender, so it doesn’t dry out or scorch too quickly. The key to great results lies in controlling your cooking temperature—it’s best to keep it low and steady when using indirect heat, as this will ensure food doesn’t burn or overcook.
How do I know when chicken legs are done grilling?
Grilling chicken legs is a great way to enjoy delicious, flavorful poultry. Knowing when your chicken legs are done grilling is an important step to ensure that they are cooked properly and safe to eat. The best way to tell when they are done cooking is by using a meat thermometer.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit in order for it to be safe to eat. Additionally, you can use visual cues such as the color of the meat and juices running from it. If the chicken legs have a golden brown color, it usually means that they are ready to come off the grill.
You can also pierce them with a fork; if the juices run clear and not pink, then your chicken legs are done grilling. Finally, another way to check if your chicken legs are done grilling is by pressing down on them with tongs or a spatula; if they give slightly under the pressure, then they’re ready!
What’s the best way to make grilled chicken legs taste great?
The best way to make grilled chicken legs taste great is to marinate them before you grill them. This can be done by combining your favorite flavors and spices in a bowl, like garlic, oregano, paprika, parsley, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
Once the chicken has been marinated for a few hours or overnight, place the legs on a preheated grill and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, brush with melted butter or olive oil to give the chicken an extra boost of flavor and moisture.
To finish off the dish with an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs over the grilled chicken legs. Not only does this add flavor but it also adds a vibrant color to your plate that makes your meal look even more inviting!
Can I put barbecue sauce on grilled chicken legs?
Grilling chicken legs with barbecue sauce is a tasty way to add flavor to your meal. Barbecue sauce can provide a sweet and smoky taste that will enhance the natural juiciness of the chicken. When grilling chicken legs, it’s important to marinate them in a brine or rub before adding the barbecue sauce. This will not only help keep the moisture in, but also give the chicken flavor beyond just the barbecue sauce.
To make sure that you don’t leave your chicken too dry, cook it over low heat and avoid flipping it frequently. Once cooked, brush more barbecue sauce onto your grilled chicken legs for an extra kick of flavor.
Do grilled chicken legs need to be refrigerated?
Grilled chicken legs must be properly refrigerated in order to remain safe to eat. It is important that these cooked chicken legs be cooled and placed into the refrigerator within two hours of being taken off the grill. If the temperature outside is warm, it is best to place them in a cooler with ice or freeze packs until they can be promptly refrigerated.
Additionally, when stored in the refrigerator, grilled chicken legs should not remain there for more than four days before being consumed. This will ensure that no food-borne illnesses are contracted due to eating unsafely stored cooked chicken.
Once cooked, chicken is known for having a high risk of contamination from bacteria such as salmonella and should never be left at room temperature for longer than two hours. Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure that any grilled chicken leg you consume is safe and delicious!
Is grilled chicken leg healthy?
Grilled chicken legs can be a great addition to a healthy diet as they are low in fat and packed with essential nutrients. Not only is grilled chicken leg high in protein, it also provides important vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and Vitamin B6. As such, eating grilled chicken leg is an easy way to get more of these key nutrients without consuming large amounts of unhealthy fats or carbs.
Additionally, grilling the chicken legs helps to retain most of their nutritional value while also providing a delicious flavor that can make them a popular dinner option.
Another great benefit of grilled chicken legs is that they contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to improved heart health as well as lower levels of body fat. All these factors make grilled chicken legs an incredibly healthy meal choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health.
Conclusion
So, how long to grill chicken legs for? The answer is it depends on the thickness of your chicken legs and the heat of your grill. Use a meat thermometer to check if they’re cooked through. If you want them to have a nice char, cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side at medium-high heat. Otherwise, cook them for 8-10 minutes per side at medium heat. Chicken legs are a versatile and affordable protein that can be grilled up in no time!