How Long to Grill Chicken Leg Quarters | The Ultimate Guide
How Long Do You Grill Chicken Leg Quarters?
Chicken leg quarters are a popular grilling option for backyard barbecues and cookouts. They’re juicy, flavorful, and easy to cook. But how long do you grill chicken leg quarters to perfection?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the thickness of the chicken, the temperature of your grill, and your personal preference. In this article, we’ll discuss all of these factors and help you determine the best way to grill chicken leg quarters.
We’ll also provide some tips for grilling chicken leg quarters so that they come out juicy and flavorful every time. So whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about grilling chicken leg quarters.
| Time | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 350 degrees Fahrenheit | For bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters. |
| 25 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit | For boneless, skinless chicken leg quarters. |
| 15 minutes | 450 degrees Fahrenheit | For grilled chicken leg quarters that are marinated or coated in a sauce. |
Chicken leg quarters are a popular grilling option because they are affordable, versatile, and easy to cook. However, it can be difficult to know how long to grill chicken leg quarters so that they are cooked through without being dry.
This guide will discuss the factors that affect grilling time, provide recommended grilling times for different types of chicken leg quarters, and offer tips for grilling chicken leg quarters to perfection.
Factors Affecting Grilling Time
The following factors will affect the grilling time for chicken leg quarters:
- Size of the chicken leg quarters: Smaller chicken leg quarters will cook faster than larger chicken leg quarters.
- Temperature of the grill: The higher the temperature of the grill, the faster the chicken leg quarters will cook.
- Type of grill: Gas grills, charcoal grills, and pellet grills all cook chicken leg quarters at different rates.
- Marinade or seasonings: Marinades and seasonings can add flavor to chicken leg quarters, but they can also increase the grilling time.
Recommended Grilling Times
The following are recommended grilling times for different types of chicken leg quarters:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters: 30-35 minutes
- Boneless, skinless chicken leg quarters: 20-25 minutes
- Whole chicken legs: 40-45 minutes
Tips for Grilling Chicken Leg Quarters to Perfection
To grill chicken leg quarters to perfection, follow these tips:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This will help to prevent the chicken from burning.
- Oil the chicken leg quarters before grilling. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
- Grill the chicken leg quarters for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the chicken leg quarters rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender.
Grilling chicken leg quarters is a delicious and easy way to cook a meal. By following the tips in this guide, you can cook chicken leg quarters to perfection every time.
Additional Tips
- If you are grilling chicken leg quarters for a crowd, you can cook them in batches. This will help to prevent the chicken from overcooking.
- You can also grill chicken leg quarters on a rotisserie. This will give them a more evenly cooked result.
- If you are grilling chicken leg quarters for a picnic or potluck, you can make them ahead of time and then reheat them on the grill before serving.
- Chicken leg quarters are a great source of protein and can be enjoyed with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
How Long Do You Grill Chicken Leg Quarters?
Chicken leg quarters are a popular grilling meat because they are flavorful and juicy. However, it can be difficult to know how long to grill chicken leg quarters so that they are cooked through but not dry.
The following guide will help you determine how long to grill chicken leg quarters based on their size and thickness.
Grilling Times for Chicken Leg Quarters
The grilling time for chicken leg quarters will vary depending on their size and thickness. The following table provides a general guide for grilling times:
| Chicken Leg Quarter Size | Grilling Time |
|—|—|
| Small (1-1.5 pounds) | 20-25 minutes |
| Medium (1.5-2 pounds) | 25-30 minutes |
| Large (2-2.5 pounds) | 30-35 minutes |
Tips for Grilling Chicken Leg Quarters
In addition to following the grilling times in the table above, there are a few other tips that can help you grill chicken leg quarters perfectly:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Marinate the chicken leg quarters in a flavorful liquid for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Grill the chicken leg quarters skin-side down first.
- Turn the chicken leg quarters halfway through grilling.
- Baste the chicken leg quarters with marinade or cooking oil during grilling.
- Remove the chicken leg quarters from the grill when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Safety Tips
When grilling chicken leg quarters, it is important to follow a few safety tips to prevent foodborne illness:
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken leg quarters.
- Do not eat chicken leg quarters that have not reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep the chicken leg quarters warm until they are served.
Grilling chicken leg quarters is a delicious and easy way to cook a flavorful and juicy meal. By following the tips in this guide, you can grill chicken leg quarters perfectly every time.
Additional Resources
- [How to Grill Chicken Leg Quarters](https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-grill-chicken-leg-quarters-4158653)
- [Grilling Times for Chicken](https://www.foodnetwork.com/grilling/grilling-times-for-chicken)
- [Safety Tips for Grilling Chicken](https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-basics/safety-tips-grilling-chicken)
How long do you grill chicken leg quarters?
The cooking time for chicken leg quarters will vary depending on the size of the quarters, the temperature of your grill, and your desired doneness. However, a general rule of thumb is to cook chicken leg quarters for 8-10 minutes per side over medium heat, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to grill chicken leg quarters?
There are a few different ways to grill chicken leg quarters, but the most common method is to cook them directly on the grill grates. To do this, preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Then, season the chicken leg quarters with your favorite seasonings and place them on the grill. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I grill chicken leg quarters with the skin on?
Yes, you can grill chicken leg quarters with the skin on. However, keep in mind that the skin will take longer to cook than the meat, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you are grilling chicken leg quarters with the skin on, be sure to flip them frequently to prevent the skin from burning.
What are some tips for grilling chicken leg quarters?
Here are a few tips for grilling chicken leg quarters:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This will help to prevent the chicken from burning.
- Lightly oil the grill grates. This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Season the chicken leg quarters with your favorite seasonings. This will add flavor to the chicken.
- Flip the chicken frequently. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
- Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the safe internal temperature for chicken.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling chicken leg quarters?
Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling chicken leg quarters:
- Not preheating the grill. This can cause the chicken to burn.
- Not oiling the grill grates. This can cause the chicken to stick.
- Not seasoning the chicken. This can make the chicken bland.
- Not flipping the chicken frequently. This can cause the chicken to cook unevenly.
- Not cooking the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the safe internal temperature for chicken.
grilling chicken leg quarters is a simple and delicious way to cook chicken. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection every time. So fire up the grill and get cooking!
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- Chicken leg quarters should be grilled for 20-25 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Marinating chicken leg quarters before grilling can help to add flavor and moisture.
- Grilling chicken leg quarters over indirect heat will help to prevent them from burning.
- Chicken leg quarters can be grilled with a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, and tomatoes.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to grill perfect chicken leg quarters every time. So what are you waiting for? Get grilling!
Author Profile
-
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.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.