This scrumptious Grilled Chicken Legs recipe is sure to become a staple in your summer grilling repertoire! Flavorful, juicy, and finger-licking good, these chicken legs will leave you craving more.
This chicken legs recipe is perfect for grillers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned BBQ masters. The simple seasonings, easy-to-follow instructions, and versatile sauce options make this a go-to choice for anyone looking to impress friends and family with a delicious grilled meal. All you need is a bit of patience and an adventurous spirit to try different rubs and sauces.
To make these mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Legs, you’ll need a reliable grill, a meat thermometer, and some basic utensils like tongs and a basting brush. With just a few tools and ingredients, you’re all set to create a memorable grilled feast.
As an experienced BBQ recipe blogger, I’m passionate about sharing my love for grilling with my readers. Through countless hours spent perfecting my techniques, experimenting with flavors, and learning from fellow grill enthusiasts, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the art of barbecue.
I can’t wait for you to try this Grilled Chicken Legs recipe and discover the magic of outdoor cooking. Let’s fire up the grill and get started!
How To Make Grilled Grilled Chicken Legs
Preheat the grill
Prep Chicken Legs
Grill the Drumsticks
Sauce ‘Em Up
Set the sauce
Rest and Serve
Tips For Making Best Grilled Chicken Legs
Grilling chicken legs can be a fun and flavorful experience, especially for beginners. To ensure your grilled chicken legs turn out amazing, consider these helpful tips:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It will help you achieve the perfect internal temperature for your drumsticks, ensuring they’re cooked to a safe and delicious level.
- Cook to Temperature, Not Time: Cooking BBQ chicken legs to the right internal temperature (175 degrees F) is more important than the exact cooking time. Focus on the thermometer reading rather than the clock.
- Avoid Sugar-Based Rubs: Since the drumsticks will be grilled over high heat, avoid using rubs with a high sugar content as they can easily burn and ruin the flavor.
- Two-Zone Grilling: Utilize two-zone grilling with direct and indirect heat. This method helps to evenly cook the drumsticks and set the sauce without burning or overcooking them.
- Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with a different dry rub or BBQ sauce for a personalized and unique grilled chicken drumsticks experience. Additional spices we like to add are onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
Best Beer To Serve With Grilled Chicken Legs
Pairing the perfect beer with your grilled chicken drumsticks can enhance your dining experience and add a little extra flair to your meal. Here are three types of beer that complement the flavors of grilled chicken legs, each offering a unique and delightful pairing.
American Pale Ale
This style of beer has a balanced blend of hoppy bitterness and malty sweetness. The crisp and refreshing taste of an American Pale Ale complements the smoky flavors of the grilled drumsticks while standing up to the bold BBQ sauce, creating a harmonious taste sensation.
Hefeweizen
A German wheat beer, Hefeweizen boasts fruity and spicy notes that pair exceptionally well with the savory chicken legs. The beer’s effervescence and light body cleanse your palate between bites, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors of the grilled chicken and tangy BBQ sauce.
Amber Lager
The malt-forward profile of an Amber Lager enhances the smoky and caramelized flavors of the grilled drumsticks. The beer’s balanced bitterness and hint of sweetness complement the chicken’s seasoning, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. Cheers to good food and great beer!
More Grilled Chicken Recipes
- Smoked Chicken Legs Recipe
- Smoked Chicken Quarters Recipe
- Chicken Bacon Lollipops Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe
Equipment
- Grill
- BBQ Tongs
- Basting Brush
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Teriyaki BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your grill for two-zone grilling, setting the temperature to medium-high heat (375-400F).
- Season the chicken drumsticks evenly on all sides with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Place the chicken legs on the direct heat side of the grill. Cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping them every 5-7 minutes. Grill until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F using a meat thermometer.
- Move the grilled drumsticks to the indirect heat side of the grill. Baste them with the Teriyaki BBQ Sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce).
- Grill the chicken for an additional 5-10 minutes on indirect heat. The sauce should set, start to caramelize, and the internal temperature should reach 175F.
- Remove the grilled drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with additional teriyaki BBQ sauce on the side for extra dipping. Enjoy the bbq chicken dish!
Grilled Chicken Legs FAQs
How long does it take to grill chicken legs?
What temperature should I grill chicken legs?
How do I know when chicken legs are done on the grill?
Can I use any BBQ sauce for Grilled Chicken Legs?
Do I need to marinate the chicken legs before grilling?
Can I make chicken legs on a charcoal grill?
Then, move the chicken legs to the indirect heat side of the grill, baste with your preferred BBQ sauce, and continue grilling for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 175F.