How to Cook Juicy, Tender Chicken Leg Quarters on the Grill
How to Cook Chicken Leg Quarters on the Grill
Chicken leg quarters are a delicious and affordable way to feed a crowd. They’re also very easy to cook on the grill, making them a great option for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook chicken leg quarters on the grill so that they’re juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. We’ll also share some tips for grilling chicken leg quarters that will help you get the best results 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!
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your grill to medium heat. |  |
| 2 | Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. |  |
| 3 | Season the chicken leg quarters with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. |  |
| 4 | Place the chicken leg quarters on the grill, skin side down. |  |
| 5 | Cook the chicken leg quarters for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. |  |
| 6 | Let the chicken leg quarters rest for 5 minutes before serving. |  |
How To Cook Chicken Leg Quarters On Grill?
Grilled chicken leg quarters are a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. They are perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. This guide will show you how to cook chicken leg quarters on the grill so that they are juicy and flavorful.
Choosing the Right Chicken Leg Quarters
The first step is to choose the right chicken leg quarters. Here are a few things to consider:
- Size: Chicken leg quarters come in a variety of sizes. The best size for grilling is about 1 1/2 pounds each.
- Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in chicken leg quarters are more flavorful, but they take longer to cook. Boneless chicken leg quarters are easier to cook, but they can be dry if not cooked properly.
- Skin-on or skinless: Chicken leg quarters can be cooked with the skin on or off. Skin-on chicken leg quarters are more flavorful, but they also have more fat. Skinless chicken leg quarters are healthier, but they can be dry if not cooked properly.
- Marinating or dry rub: You can either marinate your chicken leg quarters or use a dry rub. Marinating will add flavor and moisture to the chicken, but it will also take longer. A dry rub will add flavor without adding any extra time to the cooking process.
Preparing the Chicken Leg Quarters
Once you have chosen your chicken leg quarters, you need to prepare them for grilling. Here are a few things to do:
- Pat the chicken dry. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the grill.
- Season the chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder.
- Marinate the chicken. If you are using a marinade, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours.
Grilling the Chicken Leg Quarters
To grill the chicken leg quarters, you will need a grill, a grill brush, and tongs. Here are the steps:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
3. Place the chicken leg quarters on the grill, skin side down.
4. Grill the chicken for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving the Chicken Leg Quarters
Grilled chicken leg quarters are delicious served with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard sauce.
Grilled chicken leg quarters are a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. They are perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. This guide has shown you how to choose the right chicken leg quarters, prepare them for grilling, and grill them to perfection. So what are you waiting for? Get grilling!
Additional Tips
- If you are grilling bone-in chicken leg quarters, you can also cook them indirect heat. To do this, preheat your grill to medium heat and then place the chicken leg quarters on the indirect heat side of the grill. Cook the chicken for 30 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you are grilling boneless chicken leg quarters, you can also cook them on a sheet pan in the oven. To do this, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and then place the chicken leg quarters on a sheet pan. Cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Chicken leg quarters are also delicious when smoked. To smoke chicken leg quarters, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and then smoke the chicken for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grilled chicken leg quarters can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Grilling the Chicken Leg Quarters
Once you have prepared your chicken leg quarters, it’s time to grill them. Here are a few tips for grilling chicken leg quarters:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. You don’t want the grill to be too hot, or the chicken will burn.
- Oil the chicken leg quarters. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
- Place the chicken leg quarters on the grill. Cook them for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
- Flip the chicken leg quarters halfway through cooking. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Rest the chicken leg quarters for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender.
Grilling time and temperature
The grilling time and temperature for chicken leg quarters will vary depending on the size of the quarters and the heat of your grill. However, a general rule of thumb is to cook chicken leg quarters for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through. If you are using a gas grill, you should set the heat to medium. If you are using a charcoal grill, you should build a medium-hot fire.
Flipping the chicken leg quarters
It is important to flip the chicken leg quarters halfway through cooking. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly. When you flip the chicken leg quarters, use tongs to grasp them firmly and turn them over. Be careful not to pierce the chicken with the tongs, as this will release juices and make the chicken dry.
Resting the chicken leg quarters
After you have grilled the chicken leg quarters, it is important to let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender. To rest the chicken leg quarters, place them on a clean plate or cutting board and cover them with foil.
4. Serving the Chicken Leg Quarters
Once the chicken leg quarters have rested, they are ready to be served. Here are a few tips for serving chicken leg quarters:
- Carve the chicken leg quarters into individual pieces.
- Pair the chicken leg quarters with sides such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Grilled chicken leg quarters are a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. They are perfect for a summer cookout or a weeknight meal. With just a few simple steps, you can make grilled chicken leg quarters that are juicy and flavorful.
How long do I cook chicken leg quarters on the grill?
The cooking time for chicken leg quarters on the grill will vary depending on the size of the quarters and the temperature of your grill. For medium-sized quarters, cook for 8-10 minutes per side over medium heat. For larger quarters, cook for 10-12 minutes per side.
What temperature should I grill chicken leg quarters?
The ideal temperature for grilling chicken leg quarters is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will 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. You can also marinate the chicken before grilling to add flavor.
How do I know when chicken leg quarters are done?
The best way to tell if chicken leg quarters are done is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the thigh. The meat should be white and opaque throughout.
What are some tips for grilling chicken leg quarters?
Here are a few tips for grilling chicken leg quarters:
- Marinate the chicken in a flavorful marinade before grilling to add flavor.
- Grill the chicken over indirect heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Baste the chicken with marinade or butter while grilling to keep it moist.
- Turn the chicken frequently to ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
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 cooking the chicken long enough.
- Overcooking the chicken.
- Grilling the chicken over direct heat.
- Not marinating the chicken.
- Not basting the chicken while grilling.
- Not letting the chicken rest before serving.
In this blog post, we have discussed how to cook chicken leg quarters on the grill. We have covered everything from choosing the right chicken to preparing the grill to cooking the chicken to perfection. We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you will be able to use it to cook delicious and juicy chicken leg quarters on your own grill.
Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:
- When choosing chicken leg quarters, look for pieces that are plump and meaty with skin that is not torn or discolored.
- To prepare the grill, preheat it to medium heat and oil the grates.
- Marinate the chicken in a flavorful marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Cook the chicken leg quarters for 8-10 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 this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe!
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.