Are you tired of serving dried-out chicken legs or—even worse—undercooked drumsticks that send your guests running? I’ve been there too! Getting the timing right when grilling chicken legs can be tricky, but I’m here to help you master this backyard favorite once and for all.
The short answer Chicken legs typically take 30-40 minutes to grill on a gas grill at 350-450°F, But there’s more to the story if you want truly delicious results!
The Perfect Temperature for Grilling Chicken Legs
One of the biggest mistakes I see folks make is cranking that grill too high Trust me, patience pays off here
- Ideal temperature range: 350-450°F surface temperature
- Too hot (over 500°F): Burns the outside while leaving the inside raw
- Too cool (under 400°F): Takes forever and risks drying out the meat
For gas grills, this usually means setting your burners to medium or medium-high depending on your specific grill. Remember that the temperature shown on your lid thermometer is often inaccurate! If possible use a grill surface thermometer for better accuracy.
The Secret to Perfect Chicken Legs: 185°F Internal Temperature
Here’s something that might surprise you – while chicken is technically safe to eat at 165°F (according to USDA guidelines), chicken legs are much better when cooked to a higher temperature:
- 165°F: Safe but tough and stringy texture
- 185°F: Juicy, tender meat that pulls cleanly off the bone
- Up to 195°F: Still moist and tender!
Why? Dark meat cuts like legs and thighs have more connective tissue that needs higher heat to break down properly. This breakdown starts around 170°F but isn’t complete until about 185°F.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Chicken Legs
Let’s break down the exact process for perfectly grilled chicken legs:
1. Preparation (10 minutes)
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels (critical for crispy skin!)
- Trim any excess skin or loose joint pieces
- Let the legs sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes (optional but helps with even cooking)
- Season as desired with salt, pepper, garlic powder or your favorite rub
2. Preheat Your Gas Grill (10-15 minutes)
- Clean the grates thoroughly
- Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking
- Preheat to 350-450°F surface temperature
- Set up for indirect heat if possible (turn off burners on one side)
3. Grilling Process (30-40 minutes)
- Place legs on the grill and close the lid
- Turn every 5-10 minutes for even cooking
- Be patient! The legs will release from the grates naturally when ready to flip
- If using BBQ sauce, apply during the last 5-10 minutes to prevent burning
4. Check for Doneness
Always use a reliable meat thermometer! Insert it into the thickest part of the leg without touching the bone.
- Target internal temperature: 185°F
- If you don’t have a thermometer, the meat should pull away from the bone easily and juices should run clear
5. Rest Before Serving (5-10 minutes)
Let those beautiful legs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of mistakes grilling chicken legs over the years! Here are some common ones to avoid:
- Cooking too hot: This leads to charred outsides and raw insides
- Not using a meat thermometer: Temperature is more reliable than appearance
- Saucing too early: Sugar burns quickly, so add sauces toward the end
- Constant lid opening: Every peek lets heat escape, extending cooking time
- Skipping the rest period: Those 5 minutes of resting make a big difference!
Tips for Extra Flavorful Chicken Legs
Want to take your grilled chicken legs to the next level? Try these pro tips:
- Dry brining: Season with salt and refrigerate uncovered for 2-24 hours before grilling
- Marinade: Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is better for deeper flavor
- Two-zone cooking: Start with direct heat to crisp the skin, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking
- Smoke chips: Add some wood chips to your gas grill for extra smoky flavor
- Spice rubs: Apply liberally before grilling for maximum flavor impact
Chicken Leg Grilling Times by Size
The size of your chicken legs affects cooking time. Here’s a handy reference:
| Leg Size | Approximate Weight | Grilling Time at 350-450°F |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 3 oz | 25-30 minutes |
| Medium | 3-4 oz | 30-35 minutes |
| Large | 4+ oz | 35-45 minutes |
Remember, these times are estimates! Always cook to temperature, not time.
FAQ: Grilling Chicken Legs
Should I grill with the lid open or closed?
For chicken legs, keep the lid closed. This helps maintain consistent temperature and promotes even cooking. The general rule: anything thicker than 3/4 inch should be grilled with the lid closed.
Why are my chicken legs still pink even though they’re at the right temperature?
Don’t panic! This happens for two reasons:
- Older chicken can release myoglobin during cooking, leaving a pink tint
- If previously frozen, bone marrow can leak into the meat causing discoloration
As long as the temperature is 165°F or higher, it’s safe to eat!
Can I grill frozen chicken legs?
No! The skin will burn before the inside is safe. Always thaw completely before grilling.
How do I prevent flare-ups?
Trim excess skin and fat before grilling, and consider using indirect heat. If flare-ups occur, move the legs to a cooler part of the grill temporarily.
What sides pair well with grilled chicken legs?
Classic summer sides like potato salad, grilled corn, coleslaw, and baked beans are perfect companions. For a lighter option, try a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.
The Air Fryer and Oven Alternatives
What if the weather isn’t cooperating or you’re out of propane? No worries! You can achieve similar results with these methods:
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F
- Lightly spray basket with oil
- Cook for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through
- Check for 165°F minimum internal temperature (or 185°F for better texture)
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Place legs on a foil-lined baking sheet
- Cook for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through
- Check for proper internal temperature
Final Thoughts
Grilling chicken legs on a gas grill isn’t complicated once you understand the basic principles. The key takeaways are:
- Use medium heat (350-450°F)
- Cook to an internal temperature of 185°F for best texture
- Be patient and give it time (usually 30-40 minutes)
- Let the meat rest before serving
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be the neighborhood grillmaster in no time! Your family and friends will be amazed at how juicy and flavorful your chicken legs are.
Next time someone asks you “how long does it take to grill chicken legs on a gas grill?” you’ll have all the knowledge to help them too! Happy grilling!
Why You’ll Love this recipe
This grilled chicken leg recipe is so easy to make and has the most amazing flavor. With a homemade spice rub and an easy cooking method, you can make crispy chicken with tender meat:
- Get dinner on the table in just about 45 minutes with this quick dish. It won’t take long at all!
- You can make this recipe ahead of time — up to 18 hours in advance! Just cover and keep refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
- These are packed with protein, gluten free, and can be sugar free if you use the right BBQ sauce. A great healthier dinner option.
In this recipe, the drumsticks (also known as chicken legs) are generously seasoned with an awesome sugar-free bbq seasoning blend, then grilled to crispy, juicy perfection.
Last, they’re brushed with bbq so they get that beautiful, sticky, glazed deliciousness. It truly doesn’t get better than this!
Now keep in mind there are some important tips & tricks when you learn how to cook chicken drumsticks on the grill. I’ll walk you through it all, but if you’d rather cook your chicken in the oven or air fryer, I’ve got you! Just see the adaptations below.
- Chicken drumsticks: You can use this recipe for chicken thighs, chicken quarters, and even chicken breast. The seasoning mix will work on any type of chicken, just keep in mind that you will need to adjust the cook time for different cuts of meat.
- Olive oil: You can use avocado oil in place of olive oil if that is all that you have on hand.
- BBQ sauce: Make your own homemade bbq sauce, or any store-bought Whole30 compatible BBQ Sauce. To keep this recipe Keto/Low Carb, choose a sugar free BBQ sauce.
- BBQ spice blend: Smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, onion powder and cayenne pepper (optional).
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Call me a grillin’ fool, but this week alone I’ve grilled pork kebabs, rack of lamb, and bruschetta chicken. I’m not sure if it’s obvious enough, but can you tell I’m excited about grilling season?
I just had to make these bbq grilled chicken drumsticks next. They’re kind of a summer classic, because they’re a crowd pleaser at every backyard bbq. What’s not to love about juicy chicken covered in sticky sweet barbecue sauce.
I like to make them with my homemade bbq sauce (it’s Whole30 compatible!), but you can use a store-bought kind, or a Keto friendly bbq sauce, depending on your dietary restrictions.
These crispy chicken legs are so easy to make and are something the whole family will enjoy. Serve with your favorite sides like this corn salsa and enjoy a classic meal that never gets old!