How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs? The Ultimate Guide to Juicy, Flavorful Drumsticks

Grilling chicken legs is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy a summer barbecue, game-day meal, or simple backyard dinner. However, getting the timing right is crucial. Undercook them, and you're risking raw poultry. Overcook them, and you’ll end up with dry, tough meat. So the big question everyone wants to know is: how long do you grill chicken legs to get that perfect, juicy bite?

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from ideal grill times to seasoning tips, temperature guidelines, and expert tricks for locking in flavor.

Why Chicken Legs?

Chicken legs, or drumsticks, are a barbecue favorite for several reasons:

• Affordable: They’re one of the most cost-effective cuts of chicken.
  
  

• Flavorful: Thanks to dark meat and bone-in structure, they retain juices and carry marinades well.
  
  

• Crowd-pleasers: Kids and adults alike love them, and they’re easy to eat.
  
  

But even though they’re simple to grill, achieving that perfect result requires knowing exactly how long do you grill chicken legs and at what heat.

Preparing the Chicken Legs

Before you even fire up the grill, preparation is key.

1. Clean and Pat Dry

Rinse the chicken legs and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing moisture from the surface helps the skin crisp up on the grill.

2. Season or Marinate

You can go simple with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, or marinate them overnight in a mixture of oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and your favorite spices for a flavor-packed punch.

Tip: Adding a bit of brown sugar to your rub or marinade can help caramelize the skin while grilling.

Grilling Setup: Charcoal or Gas?

You can grill chicken legs over charcoal or gas. Both methods work well, but each has its perks:

• Gas Grill: Easier temperature control and quicker heat-up time.
  
  

• Charcoal Grill: Smokier, richer flavor.
  
  

No matter what you use, set up two heat zones—one side for direct heat and the other for indirect heat. This gives you better control and avoids burning the outside before the inside is cooked.

So, How Long Do You Grill Chicken Legs?

Here’s the golden answer: grill chicken legs for about 30 to 35 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.

Detailed Breakdown:

• Direct Heat (First 10–15 minutes): Sear the legs over medium-high heat to develop color and crispness.
  
  

• Indirect Heat (Remaining 15–20 minutes): Move them to the cooler side of the grill and close the lid. This allows the inside to cook through without charring the outside.
  
  

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken legs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, away from the bone.

If you're still wondering how long do you grill chicken legs for perfect results every time, remember that every grill is slightly different. Use a thermometer and adjust based on your grill's heat output.

Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Legs

• Oil the grates: Prevents sticking and keeps the skin intact.
  
  

• Start with room temperature meat: It cooks more evenly.
  
  

• Avoid high flames: Fat from the skin can cause flare-ups. Keep a spray bottle of water handy for control.
  
  

• Rest the meat: Let chicken legs rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.
  
  

Flavor Variations to Try

Make your grilled chicken legs stand out by experimenting with different flavors:

• Buffalo-style: Toss in hot sauce and melted butter after grilling.
  
  

• Lemon herb: Marinate in lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
  
  

• BBQ: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling to caramelize.
  
  

• Asian-style: Use a soy sauce, ginger, honey, and sesame oil marinade for a sweet-savory profile.
  
  

You can also pair them with grilled corn, potato salad, or a light summer slaw for a full meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  
  

• Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the skin crispy.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how long do you grill chicken legs, it’s time to fire up that grill and treat your taste buds to something truly delicious. With proper timing, seasoning, and technique, grilled chicken legs can go from basic to unforgettable.

Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend griller, this method guarantees juicy, flavorful drumsticks every time.

For more easy recipes, grilling tips, and delicious DIY food projects, check out ScrappyGeek.com. You’ll find tons of inspiration to take your backyard meals to the next level.