Grilled Chicken Legs are always a hit and so easy to make. Learn our foolproof method to perfect grilled chicken legs every time!
How to Grill Chicken Legs 101
Grilled chicken legs can be intimidating, but I promise they are not! First, we have an amazing dry rub that has the most amazing flavor. Then, we grill our chicken legs over direct, medium-high heat and we rotate every 4-5 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. (which usually takes about 25-30 minutes or so (depending upon the size of the chicken legs). Then take them off the grill and let them rest – that’s it!
What You Will Need
- Chicken: you need some high-quality chicken legs. Especially when it comes to meat, the better the quality meat, the better it is going to taste.
- Dry Rub: this dry rub is so good! Perfect for any grilled or smoked chicken recipe!
- Grill: feel free to use a gas or charcoal grill!
What Temperature Should My Grill Be to Cook Chicken Legs
Your grill should be at medium-high heat when grilling chicken legs.
How Long Does it Take to Grill Chicken Legs
It takes 25-30 minutes to grill chicken legs, depending upon the size (the larger the chicken leg, the longer it will take to cook). Grill over direct heat (directly over the flame) until the chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
How do You Keep Chicken Legs from Sticking to the Grill?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your chicken from sticking:
- Pat your chicken dry.
- Ensure your grill grates are clean and wipe them down lightly with some oil before grilling.
- Start with a hot grill – I usually wait until my grill up to high heat (500 degrees F. or more) before putting my meat down since, by opening the grill, it is going to lose heat fast. Also, the extra hot grill grates sear the meat faster help prevent sticking.
- Dry rub – using a dry rub or other seasoning can also help prevent some sticking.
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Legs
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Grilled Broccoli
- Grilled Potato Wedges
- Grilled Sweet Potatoes
- Grilled Broccolini
- Grilled Bell Peppers
Do You Boil Drumsticks Before Grilling
Nope. No need to boil or precook your drumsticks in any way before grilling. They will cook perfectly on the grill!
How do You Know When Chicken Legs are Done on the Grill
You know chicken legs are done on the grill when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Other Grilled Chicken Recipes You Might Like
Grilled Spatchcock Chicken
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
How to Grill Chicken Thighs
How to Grill Chicken Breasts
How to Grill Chicken Legs
Step One: Pat your chicken legs dry with a clean paper towel.
Step Two: cover the chicken legs in dry rub.
Step Three: ensuring your grill grates are clean and oiled, grill the chicken legs over direct, medium-high heat. Rotate every 4-5 minutes until chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Step Four: Remove from the grill and let rest at least 5 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs and Tips
- Prevent Sticking: to prevent sticking ensure you have clean grill grates, rub them with a little oil before grilling, use a dry rub and make sure you grill is nice and hot!
- Charring: If you feel like you chicken skin is in danger of getting too charred, simply move it over to more indirect heat after you have crisped up the skin a little.
- Dry Rub Alternatives: if you don’t want to do the dry rub a simple kosher salt + ground black pepper is always good!
- Let Rest: don’t skip this part! Let those juices redistribute after cooking!
- Marinade: you can defiantly use a marinade with this recipe if you want – here is a cilantro lime one we love!
Made this recipe and loved it?! We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!
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Other Recipes You Might Like
Grilled Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
Grilled Chicken Legs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 chicken legs 1x
- Category: Dinner/Entree
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grilled Chicken Legs – the BEST grilled chicken legs recipe! Crispy skin on the outside and juicy, tender meat on the inside!
Ingredients
Dry Rub:
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground dried ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Chicken:
- 12 chicken legs
Instructions
- Ensure your grill grates are clean and rub lightly with olive oil.
- Preheat grill to medium high heat (between 400-450 degrees F).
- Combine dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pat chicken legs dry with a clean paper towel.
- Cover chicken legs in dry rub, rubbing it into every nook and cranny.
- Place chicken legs over direct heat and close grill. Let cook 4-5 minutes.
- Rotate approximately 90 degrees and close lid again, letting the chicken legs cook for another 4-5 minutes. Continuing rotating and cooking 4-5 minutes at a time until the chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Remove from grill and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
- We love serving these with grilled broccoli and grilled potato wedges!
Notes
- Prevent Sticking: to prevent sticking ensure you have clean grill grates, rub them with a little oil before grilling, use a dry rub and make sure you grill is nice and hot!
- Charring: If you feel like you chicken skin is in danger of getting too charred, simply move it over to more indirect heat after you have crisped up the skin a little.
- Dry Rub Alternatives: if you don’t want to do the dry rub a simple kosher salt + ground black pepper is always good! We also have a more herby chicken dry rub here!
- Let Rest: don’t skip this part! Let those juices redistribute after cooking!
- Marinade: you can defiantly use a marinade with this recipe if you want – here is a cilantro lime one we love!
Catherine says
What a great recipe. I don’t usually like chicken legs but this grilling recipe was outstanding!
Erin says
So happy to hear that, Catherine!
Jen says
These really are the best grilled chicken legs. So crispy, juicy and flavorful! I just made these tonight and know I’ll be making them again and again!
Erin says
Thank, Jen! So happy you enjoyed them 🙂 And thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review + feedback – I really appreciate it!