Get ready to elevate your backyard barbecue with a family-favorite that never goes out of style: Grilled Chicken Legs. Smoky, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these drumsticks are incredibly simple to prep and deliver that classic grilled taste everyone craves. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a weeknight dinner memorable, these chicken legs capture the perfect balance of crisp char on the outside and succulent tenderness inside. The best part? This recipe is flexible enough to wow both barbecue newbies and seasoned grill masters alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to make truly remarkable Grilled Chicken Legs. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing savory depth, gentle heat, and a punch of color that make this dish impossible to resist.
- Chicken drumsticks (8 pieces): Juicy, tender, and the ideal shape for grilling, these are the centerpiece of the recipe.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and helps all those spices cling beautifully to each leg.
- Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon): Brings bold, smoky warmth and a gorgeous crimson hue.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a rich, savory depth without overpowering the palate.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor profile and enhances the chicken’s natural savoriness.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers earthy, herbaceous notes that pair especially well with grilled foods.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out every nuance from your chicken and spice blend.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds sharp, zesty contrast that wakes up the palette.
- Optional: Lemon juice or BBQ sauce (1 tablespoon): For a zesty or sweet finish during the last few minutes of grilling.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Legs
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C). This initial blast of heat is what gives Grilled Chicken Legs their irresistible char and locks in all the juices. If you’re working with charcoal, let the coals ash over for even heat distribution. For a grill pan, allow it to heat up until you see a faint shimmer across the surface.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. This simple, vibrant mixture is where all the magic starts, coating each drumstick with deep, smoky goodness. Don’t rush—blend until you see a fragrant, reddish paste form.
Step 3: Prep the Chicken
Pat your chicken legs dry using paper towels. This key step is what helps the skin crisp up instead of steaming on the grill. Once dry, toss the drumsticks thoroughly in the spice-oil mixture. Use your hands to ensure every inch is well-coated—there’s no better way to guarantee every bite gets maximum flavor.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Lay the prepared chicken legs onto the heated grill, spacing them apart for even cooking. Close the lid if possible and grill for 30–35 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes. This frequent turning is the secret to achieving an even, golden char without burning. If you love a saucy finish, brush with lemon juice or your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C), and those juices run clear.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once off the grill, let your Grilled Chicken Legs rest for about 5 minutes. This pause allows the juices to redistribute, so every drumstick stays moist inside with perfectly crisp skin outside. Then it’s time to pile them onto a platter and dig in—they’re impossible to resist!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Legs
Garnishes
Sprinkle your platter with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a hit of color and freshness. If you want a little zing, scatter some thinly sliced green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice across the top just before serving. The bright, herbaceous accents pair beautifully with the smoky flavor of the chicken.
Side Dishes
Grilled Chicken Legs are endlessly versatile, so pair them with your favorites! Classic options include corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, or a chilled potato salad. For lighter fare, serve alongside a simple garden salad or grilled summer veggies like zucchini, peppers, and asparagus. Warm buttery rolls or cornbread never go unappreciated either.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your next gathering by arranging the chicken legs upright in a large, rustic mug or wrapping the ends with parchment paper for mess-free eating. For a fun twist, serve them drizzled with a tiny swirl of extra BBQ sauce, or set up a toppings bar with hot sauces, chopped herbs, and fresh citrus wedges so everyone can personalize their platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftover Grilled Chicken Legs juicy and flavorful, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to maintain its crispiness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you find yourself with extras, let the chicken legs cool fully before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
For the crispiest skin, reheat Grilled Chicken Legs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot all the way through. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works, but you may lose some crispness—try covering with a damp paper towel to keep the meat moist.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with drumsticks, it works beautifully with thighs or even bone-in breasts—just adjust the cooking time to ensure doneness. Keep in mind legs remain the juiciest and most forgiving on the grill.
Do I need to marinate the chicken ahead of time?
A quick toss in the spice blend does the trick, but if you have extra time, marinating for up to 4 hours really intensifies the flavors and makes your Grilled Chicken Legs even more irresistible.
What’s the best way to keep chicken from sticking to the grill?
Preheat your grill thoroughly and oil the grates before adding the chicken. This little effort—plus the olive oil in your marinade—helps achieve that gorgeous grill mark and prevents sticking.
How do I know when chicken legs are done cooking?
The surest method is to use an instant-read thermometer; once the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C), they’re done. You’ll also notice the juices run clear and the skin looks golden and crisp.
Can I make Grilled Chicken Legs indoors?
No grill? No problem! Use a stovetop grill pan or even roast the seasoned legs in the oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 35–40 minutes, flipping once; you’ll still get fantastic flavor and juicy results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Grilled Chicken Legs. They’re quick to prepare, always packed with flavor, and guaranteed to earn requests for seconds at any table. Give them a spot at your next barbecue or even a simple family dinner—you’ll be amazed by how easily they become everyone’s new favorite!
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Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Chicken Legs are a perfect choice for a simple and flavorful meal. The combination of spices and grilling technique ensures juicy, tender chicken with a delicious smoky flavor. Ideal for summer BBQs or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks:
8 chicken drumsticks
Seasoning:
2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
1 tablespoon lemon juice or BBQ sauce for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels, then toss them in the spice mixture until fully coated.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 30–35 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes. Brush with lemon juice or BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice blend for up to 4 hours before grilling.
- This recipe also works great with a charcoal or stovetop grill pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
