How to Grill Chicken Legs on a Gas Grill: The Ultimate Guide
How to Grill Chicken Legs on a Gas Grill
Grilled chicken legs are a summertime staple, and for good reason. They’re juicy, flavorful, and easy to cook. But if you’ve ever tried to grill chicken legs on a gas grill, you know that it can be a bit tricky. If you don’t cook them long enough, they’ll be tough and dry. But if you cook them too long, they’ll be charred and overcooked.
So how do you get perfectly grilled chicken legs every time? It’s actually pretty simple. Just follow these tips:
- Choose the right chicken legs. Look for chicken legs that are plump and meaty, with skin that’s not too thick.
- Marinate the chicken legs. Marinating the chicken legs in a flavorful marinade will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. You don’t want the grill to be too hot, or the chicken will burn.
- Cook the chicken legs for 30-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The chicken legs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to firm up.
Step Instructions Image 1 Preheat your gas grill to medium heat. 
2 Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. 3 Season the chicken legs with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. 4 Place the chicken legs on the grill, skin-side down. 5 Cook the chicken legs for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is browned and the meat is cooked through. 6 Turn the chicken legs over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through. 7 Serve the chicken legs immediately with your favorite sides. How To Grill Chicken Legs On Gas Grill?
Grilled chicken legs are a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. They are also a great way to show off your grilling skills. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and juicy meal that the whole family will love.
In this guide, we will show you how to grill chicken legs on a gas grill. We will cover everything from choosing the right chicken legs to grilling them to perfection. So, whether you are a seasoned griller or a beginner, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to know.
Preparing the Chicken Legs
The first step to grilling chicken legs is to choose the right ones. Look for chicken legs that are plump and meaty. The skin should be smooth and unblemished. If possible, choose chicken legs that have been raised without antibiotics or hormones.
Once you have chosen your chicken legs, it is time to prepare them for grilling. The first step is to rinse the chicken legs under cold water. Then, pat them dry with paper towels.
If you are marinating the chicken legs, this is the time to do it. Marinating will help to add flavor and moisture to the chicken. There are many different marinade recipes available, so choose one that you like.
If you are not marinating the chicken legs, you can simply season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
Grilling the Chicken Legs
Now it is time to grill the chicken legs! Before you start grilling, make sure that your grill is clean and preheated to medium heat.
To grill the chicken legs, place them skin-side down on the grill. Cook them for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the skin is browned and crispy.
Flip the chicken legs and cook them for another 5-7 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked through.
To check if the chicken legs are done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the chicken legs are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Determining When the Chicken Legs Are Done
The best way to tell if chicken legs are done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also check if the chicken legs are done by piercing them with a fork. The meat should be white and opaque throughout.
If you are not sure if the chicken legs are done, it is better to err on the side of caution and cook them for a few more minutes.
Grilled chicken legs are a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and juicy meal that the whole family will love.
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill and start grilling some chicken legs!
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are a few additional tips and tricks for grilling chicken legs:
- To make the chicken legs more flavorful, marinate them in a flavorful marinade for several hours or overnight.
- If you are not marinating the chicken legs, you can also season them with a dry rub.
- To prevent the chicken legs from sticking to the grill, brush them with oil before grilling.
- Grill the chicken legs over indirect heat for the first few minutes to help them cook evenly.
- Baste the chicken legs with marinade or melted butter during grilling to keep them moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken legs are done. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the chicken will be more tender.
With these tips and tricks, you can grill chicken legs that are perfectly cooked and flavorful every time.
Serving the Chicken Legs
Once your chicken legs are cooked, you’ll need to serve them. Here are a few tips:
- Carving the chicken legs. To carve the chicken legs, first remove the thigh and drumstick from the bone. To do this, cut through the joint between the thigh and the drumstick. Then, cut the thigh in half lengthwise. Finally, cut the drumstick in half lengthwise.
- Garnishing the chicken legs. You can garnish the chicken legs with a variety of herbs, vegetables, and sauces. Some popular garnishes include:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary
- Chopped vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or onions
- Sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, or teriyaki sauce
- Serving the chicken legs. You can serve the chicken legs on their own or with a side dish. Some popular side dishes include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice
- Salad
Storing Leftover Chicken Legs
If you have any leftover chicken legs, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
- To store chicken legs in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 days.
- To store chicken legs in the freezer, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat the chicken legs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. Then, reheat them in the oven, on the grill, or in a skillet.
Grilled chicken legs are a delicious and easy meal to make. They’re perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. With this guide, you’ll be able to grill chicken legs like a pro. So what are you waiting for? Get grilling!
How long do I cook chicken legs on a gas grill?
The cooking time for chicken legs on a gas grill will vary depending on the size of the legs and the desired doneness. For small to medium-sized chicken legs, cook for 15-20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For larger chicken legs, cook for 20-25 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature should I grill chicken legs on?
The ideal temperature for grilling chicken legs is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and reaches the desired doneness.
What is the best way to grill chicken legs?
There are a few different ways to grill chicken legs, but the most common method is to cook them directly over the heat source. To do this, preheat your gas grill to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and oil the grates. Season the chicken legs with your favorite seasonings and place them on the grill. Cook for 15-20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I grill chicken legs without skin?
Yes, you can grill chicken legs without skin. However, the chicken will be more susceptible to drying out, so it is important to cook it at a lower temperature and to baste it frequently with a flavorful liquid, such as olive oil, butter, or barbecue sauce.
What are some tips for grilling chicken legs?
Here are a few tips for grilling chicken legs:
- Marinate the chicken legs in a flavorful liquid for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Preheat your gas grill to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before grilling the chicken. This will help to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly.
- Cook the chicken legs for 15-20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the chicken legs frequently with a flavorful liquid, such as olive oil, butter, or barbecue sauce. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender.
Grilling chicken legs on a gas grill is a great way to cook them evenly and get that delicious char flavor. By following these steps, you can be sure that your chicken legs will be cooked to perfection every time.
Key Takeaways:
- Marinating your chicken legs in a flavorful sauce will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken legs for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the chicken legs with the marinade every few minutes to keep them moist.
- Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving.
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