How To Gas Grill Chicken Legs Like A Master: A Step-by-step Tutorial

Grilling chicken legs is a culinary delight that can tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. If you’re a grilling enthusiast looking to elevate your chicken leg grilling skills, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential steps, tips, and techniques to achieve mouthwatering results.

1. Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

Ingredients:

• 12-16 chicken leg quarters (bone-in, skin-on)
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Your favorite seasonings (optional)

Equipment:

• Gas grill
• Grill brush
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs
• Aluminum foil (optional)

2. Prepare the Chicken Legs

Rinse the chicken legs thoroughly with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat or skin. Brush the chicken legs with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. If desired, add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs.

3. Preheat the Grill

Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400-450°F). Use a grill brush to clean the grates and remove any debris.

4. Grill the Chicken Legs

Place the chicken legs on the preheated grill, skin-side down. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

5. Flip and Continue Grilling

Flip the chicken legs and grill for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

6. Rest and Tent (Optional)

Once the chicken legs are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat. If desired, you can tent the chicken legs with aluminum foil to keep them warm.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the grilled chicken legs immediately with your favorite sides such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a refreshing salad.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Legs

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs: The bone provides flavor and helps keep the meat moist, while the skin adds a crispy texture.
• Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken legs liberally with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
• Grill over medium-high heat: This will help create a crispy skin and prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Monitor the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F before removing them from the grill.
• Rest the chicken: Allow the chicken legs to rest before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem: Chicken legs are dry
Solution: Ensure that the grill is not too hot, and monitor the internal temperature of the chicken legs closely to prevent overcooking.

Problem: Skin is not crispy
Solution: Grill the chicken legs over high heat and flip them frequently to evenly brown the skin.

Problem: Chicken legs are tough
Solution: Use a meat mallet to tenderize the chicken legs before grilling.

FAQ

How long does it take to grill chicken legs on a gas grill?
The grilling time varies depending on the size of the chicken legs and the heat of the grill. Generally, it takes around 20-30 minutes to grill chicken legs to perfection.

What is the ideal internal temperature for grilled chicken legs?
The ideal internal temperature for grilled chicken legs is 165°F. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

Can I grill chicken legs without skin?
Yes, you can grill chicken legs without skin. However, the skin adds flavor and helps prevent the meat from drying out. If you choose to grill chicken legs without skin, be sure to brush them with olive oil or another cooking oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.