Grilled chicken legs are a backyard barbecue favorite. They’re affordable, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying when cooked properly. However, one of the most common questions home cooks ask is how long does it take to grill chicken legs without drying them out or leaving them undercooked.
Chicken legs require careful timing and temperature control because of their bone-in structure and higher fat content. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how long to grill chicken legs, the best grilling techniques, ideal temperatures, and expert tips to achieve juicy, tender results every time.
Why Chicken Legs Take Longer to Grill
Unlike chicken breasts, chicken legs contain more connective tissue and are cooked with the bone in. While this adds flavor and moisture, it also increases cooking time. The goal is to fully cook the meat near the bone while achieving crispy, golden skin on the outside.
Understanding how long does it take to grill chicken legs depends on several factors:
- Grill type (gas, charcoal, pellet)
- Heat level
- Size of the chicken legs
- Whether they are marinated or seasoned
Average Grilling Time for Chicken Legs
So, how long does it take to grill chicken legs on average?
At medium heat (375–400°F / 190–205°C), chicken legs typically take:
- 30 to 40 minutes total
- Turned every 5–7 minutes
- Finished when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
This time range ensures the meat cooks thoroughly while staying juicy and flavorful.
Step-by-Step: How to Grill Chicken Legs Properly
1. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat. For gas grills, preheat for about 10–15 minutes. For charcoal grills, allow coals to burn down until they’re covered with white ash.
2. Prepare the Chicken Legs
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices or marinade. Dry skin helps achieve crispiness during grilling.
3. Start with Indirect Heat
Place the chicken legs on indirect heat first. This allows them to cook through without burning the skin. Grill for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Finish with Direct Heat
Move the chicken legs over direct heat to crisp the skin. Grill for another 10–15 minutes, flipping frequently to avoid flare-ups.
This method ensures even cooking and answers the question of how long does it take to grill chicken legs with consistent results.
Another important factor that affects how long does it take to grill chicken legs is whether the chicken is fresh or frozen. Fresh, thawed chicken legs cook more evenly and predictably on the grill. If chicken legs are partially frozen, they will take significantly longer to cook and often result in burnt skin with undercooked meat near the bone. Always allow chicken legs to thaw completely in the refrigerator before grilling for best results.
Weather conditions can also influence grilling time. On windy or colder days, grills may struggle to maintain consistent heat, increasing the total cooking time. In such conditions, keeping the grill lid closed as much as possible helps retain heat and ensures the chicken legs cook evenly. Monitoring internal temperature becomes even more critical when external factors affect grill performance.
Internal Temperature Is Key
Never rely on time alone. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg without touching the bone.
- Safe internal temperature: 165°F (74°C)
- Ideal for tenderness: 170–175°F (77–80°C)
Cooking slightly above 165°F helps break down connective tissue, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Legs
- Use indirect heat first to prevent burning.
- Flip regularly to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid high heat throughout—this burns skin before meat cooks.
- Baste during the last 10 minutes for added flavor.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to retain juices.
Common Grilling Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking only on direct heat
- Skipping temperature checks
- Overcrowding the grill
- Applying sauce too early (causes burning)
- Not allowing enough cooking time near the bone
Avoiding these mistakes ensures you always know how long does it take to grill chicken legs without guesswork.
Flavor Variations to Try
Chicken legs are extremely versatile. Try these seasoning styles:
- BBQ dry rub with smoked paprika
- Lemon herb marinade with garlic and thyme
- Spicy Cajun seasoning
- Honey mustard glaze
- Teriyaki or soy-based marinades
Each variation enhances flavor while maintaining proper grilling time.
Gas vs Charcoal Grilling Time
- Gas grill: More consistent heat, easier to control timing
- Charcoal grill: Adds smoky flavor but may require closer monitoring
Regardless of grill type, the answer to how long does it take to grill chicken legs remains approximately 30–40 minutes at medium heat.
Final Thoughts
Grilling chicken legs to perfection is all about patience, proper heat control, and accurate temperature checks. While many cooks rush the process, understanding how long does it take to grill chicken legs ensures safe, juicy, and flavorful results every time.
With an average grilling time of 30–40 minutes and a target internal temperature of 165°F or higher, you can confidently serve perfectly grilled chicken legs at any barbecue or family dinner.
For a complete step-by-step grilling guide, expert tips, and variations, visit:
👉 https://scrappygeek.com/grill-chicken-legs/
Master this technique once, and grilled chicken legs will become one of your most reliable and crowd-pleasing dishes.
