How to Grill Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Leg Quarters on a Gas Grill
How to Grill Chicken Leg Quarters on a Gas Grill
Chicken leg quarters are a delicious and affordable way to feed a crowd. They’re also easy to cook on a gas grill, making them a great option for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.
In this article, we’ll show you how to grill chicken leg quarters on a gas grill so that they come out perfectly juicy and flavorful. We’ll also provide tips on how to make them even more delicious, such as marinating them in a flavorful sauce or dry rub.
So whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, read on for all the information you need to know about grilling chicken leg quarters on a gas grill!
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your gas grill to medium heat. |  |
| 2 | Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. |  |
| 3 | Season the chicken leg quarters with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. |  |
| 4 | Place the chicken leg quarters on the grill, skin side up. |  |
| 5 | Close the grill lid and cook the chicken leg quarters for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. |  |
| 6 | Flip the chicken leg quarters and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and browned. |  |
| 7 | Remove the chicken leg quarters from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. |  |
Chicken leg quarters are a delicious and affordable way to enjoy grilled chicken. They are also very easy to cook, making them a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
In this guide, we will show you how to grill chicken leg quarters on a gas grill. We will provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you make the best grilled chicken leg quarters possible.
Preparing the Chicken Leg Quarters
The first step is to prepare the chicken leg quarters. To do this, you will need to:
1. Rinse the chicken leg quarters and pat them dry.
2. Season the chicken leg quarters with your favorite seasonings.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Grilling the Chicken Leg Quarters
Once the chicken leg quarters are prepared, you can begin grilling them. To do this, you will need to:
1. Place the chicken leg quarters on the grill.
2. Grill the chicken leg quarters for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Baste the chicken leg quarters with barbecue sauce every 10 minutes or so.
Checking for Doneness
The best way to check if the chicken leg quarters are done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving
Once the chicken leg quarters are cooked through, you can serve them immediately. They are delicious served with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the best grilled chicken leg quarters possible:
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Baste the chicken leg quarters with barbecue sauce every 10 minutes or so.
- Grill the chicken leg quarters over indirect heat for the best results.
- Let the chicken leg quarters rest for a few minutes before serving.
Grilled chicken leg quarters are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a summer meal. They are perfect for a backyard barbecue or a weeknight dinner. With just a few simple steps, you can make the best grilled chicken leg quarters possible.
Here is a printable recipe card for you to use:
Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chicken leg quarters and pat them dry.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and paprika.
3. Rub the chicken leg quarters with the seasoning mixture.
4. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
5. Place the chicken leg quarters on the grill.
6. Grill the chicken leg quarters for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Baste the chicken leg quarters with barbecue sauce every 10 minutes or so.
8. Let the chicken leg quarters rest for a few minutes before serving.
Preparing the Chicken Leg Quarters
Before you can grill chicken leg quarters, you need to prepare them. This involves:
- Trimming the chicken leg quarters. Remove any excess fat or skin from the chicken leg quarters.
- Pounding the chicken leg quarters. This will help to tenderize the meat and make it cook more evenly.
- Marinading the chicken leg quarters. Marinating the chicken leg quarters in a flavorful marinade will add flavor and moisture to the meat.
Trimming the Chicken Leg Quarters
To trim the chicken leg quarters, you will need a sharp knife. First, remove any excess fat or skin from the chicken leg quarters. You can do this by cutting around the fat and skin with the knife and then pulling it away from the meat. Be careful not to cut into the meat.
Once you have removed the excess fat and skin, you can cut the chicken leg quarters in half at the joint. This will make them easier to cook and eat.
Pounding the Chicken Leg Quarters
Pounding the chicken leg quarters will help to tenderize the meat and make it cook more evenly. To pound the chicken leg quarters, you will need a meat mallet or rolling pin. Place the chicken leg quarters on a cutting board and then use the meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them until they are about 1/2-inch thick.
Marinading the Chicken Leg Quarters
Marinading the chicken leg quarters in a flavorful marinade will add flavor and moisture to the meat. You can use any type of marinade you like, but some popular options include:
- Teriyaki marinade
- BBQ marinade
- Lemon-pepper marinade
- Garlic-herb marinade
To marinate the chicken leg quarters, simply place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure that the chicken leg quarters are completely covered in marinade. Marinate the chicken leg quarters for at least 30 minutes, but up to overnight.
Grilling the Chicken Leg Quarters
Once the chicken leg quarters are prepared, you can grill them. To grill chicken leg quarters, you will need a gas grill, charcoal grill, or smoker.
Grilling Chicken Leg Quarters on a Gas Grill
To grill chicken leg quarters on a gas grill, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Brush the chicken leg quarters with oil.
3. Place the chicken leg quarters on the grill.
4. Grill the chicken leg quarters for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
5. Baste the chicken leg quarters with the marinade every few minutes while they are grilling.
6. Remove the chicken leg quarters from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Grilling Chicken Leg Quarters on a Charcoal Grill
To grill chicken leg quarters on a charcoal grill, follow these steps:
1. Light the charcoal grill.
2. Let the charcoal grill heat up for 15-20 minutes.
3. Brush the chicken leg quarters with oil.
4. Place the chicken leg quarters on the grill.
5. Grill the chicken leg quarters for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
6. Baste the chicken leg quarters with the marinade every few minutes while they are grilling.
7. Remove the chicken leg quarters from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Grilling Chicken Leg Quarters in a Smoker
To grill chicken leg quarters in a smoker, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Brush the chicken leg quarters with oil.
3. Place the chicken leg quarters in the smoker.
4. Smoke the chicken leg quarters for 3-4 hours, or until they are cooked through.
5. Baste the chicken leg quarters with the marinade every few hours while they are smoking.
6. Remove the chicken leg quarters from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Resting the Chicken Leg Quarters
After you have grilled the chicken leg quarters, it is important to let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and juicy.
To rest the chicken leg quarters, simply place them on a cutting board or platter and cover them with foil. Let the chicken leg quarters rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
How long do I cook chicken leg quarters on a gas grill?
The cooking time for chicken leg quarters on a gas grill will vary depending on the size of the quarters and the desired doneness. For medium-sized quarters (about 1 pound each), cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For larger quarters, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
What temperature should I grill chicken leg quarters on?
The ideal temperature for grilling chicken leg quarters is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
What is the best way to grill chicken leg quarters?
There are a few different ways to grill chicken leg quarters. The most common method is to grill them directly over the heat source. However, you can also grill them indirectly by placing them on the cooler side of the grill. This will help to prevent them from burning.
How do I prevent chicken leg quarters from drying out on the grill?
There are a few things you can do to prevent chicken leg quarters from drying out on the grill. First, make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Second, baste the chicken with a flavorful sauce or marinade while it is grilling. This will help to keep the chicken moist. Finally, do not overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling chicken leg quarters?
There are a few common mistakes people make when grilling chicken leg quarters. First, they often do not cook the chicken long enough. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Second, they often overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Third, they do not use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
What are some tips for grilling chicken leg quarters?
Here are a few tips for grilling chicken leg quarters:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the chicken with a flavorful sauce or marinade while it is grilling. This will help to keep the chicken moist.
- Do not overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender.
In this blog post, we have discussed how to grill chicken leg quarters on a gas grill. We have covered everything from choosing the right chicken to preparing the grill and cooking the chicken. We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you will enjoy grilling chicken leg quarters on your gas grill soon.
Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:
- Choose chicken leg quarters that are about the same size so that they cook evenly.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat and brush the grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Marinate the chicken in a flavorful marinade for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
We hope that you enjoy grilling chicken leg quarters on your gas grill!
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With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
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