Barbecuing chicken legs can lead to juicy, flavorful results when done properly. Here is a detailed guide on how long to barbecue chicken legs for optimal taste and food safety.
Introduction
Chicken legs are a barbecue favorite, prized for their juiciness, flavor, and versatile uses in a variety of dishes. When barbecuing chicken legs, timing is critical – cook them too little and they will be underdone and dangerous to eat, cook them too long and they will be dried out and tough.
Follow this guide to learn exactly how long you should be barbecuing chicken legs based on preferred doneness levels, thickness, bone-in vs boneless, and cooking methods. With the proper timing, you can achieve tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken legs cooked to safe internal temperatures.
How Long Does it Take to BBQ Bone-In Chicken Legs?
For bone-in chicken legs, the recommended barbecue time is:
- Small or thin chicken legs (1-1.5 lbs each):
- Cook for 18-25 minutes per side at medium heat (300-350°F)
- Total time: 36-50 minutes
- Large or thick chicken legs (1.5-2 lbs each):
- Cook for 25-35 minutes per side at medium heat
- Total time: 50-70 minutes
Bone-in chicken legs take longer to barbecue since the bone partly shields the meat and slows down cooking. The bone also makes the legs thicker. Follow the times above for best results.
How to Tell When Bone-In Legs Are Done
Chicken legs are safely cooked once the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F. To test for doneness:
- Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest section without touching the bone.
- Check in a few spots to ensure even cooking.
- Juices should run clear with no traces of pink when pierced with a fork.
- The meat near the bones should start pulling back.
How Long to BBQ Boneless Chicken Legs?
For boneless chicken legs, the ideal barbecue times are:
- Small or thin boneless legs (1 lb each):
- Cook for 8-12 minutes per side
- Total time: 16-24 minutes
- Large or thick boneless legs (1-1.5 lbs each):
- Cook for 12-18 minutes per side
- Total time: 24-36 minutes
Boneless legs cook faster as the meat is exposed on all surfaces. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
How to Tell When Boneless Legs are Done
Test boneless chicken leg doneness by:
- Cutting into the thickest part and checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Looking for clear juices without traces of pink.
- Checking that the meat is opaque throughout and feels firm to the touch.
Factors That Affect Chicken Leg Barbecuing Times
Several factors impact how long you need to barbecue chicken legs:
1. Temperature of the Grill
- Higher heat (400°F+) reduces cooking time.
- Lower heat (250°F-325°F) increases cooking time for gentler roasting.
2. Turning Frequency
- Turning legs more often distributes heat evenly and may shorten cooking time.
- Turning less frequently may increase overall time.
3. Meat Thickness
- Thicker legs at the thickest part will require longer cooking than thinner legs.
4. Bone-In vs Boneless
- Boneless legs cook faster than bone-in.
5. Marinades and Rubs
- Marinades and spice rubs with acidic ingredients (citrus, vinegar, yogurt) can gently help tenderize meat and shorten cooking time.
6. Altitude
- At higher altitudes above 3000 feet, slightly increase time as water boils at lower temperatures.
Cooking Methods for Barbecuing Chicken Legs
You can barbecue chicken legs using direct or indirect heat:
Direct Heat
Grilling right over the heat source. Use when:
- Going for seared, charred exterior.
- Cooking boneless legs quickly.
- Watch closely to avoid burning.
Indirect Heat
Grilling adjacent to heat source using a drip pan. Use when:
- Cooking bone-in legs and larger cuts for gentler roasting.
- Trying to avoid flare-ups from dripping fat.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these tips for safely barbecuing chicken legs:
- Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Discard marinade used on raw chicken to avoid bacteria.
- Use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked chicken.
- Refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours.
Conclusion
Barbecuing chicken legs to tender and juicy perfection requires properly regulating grill time and temperature. For bone-in chicken legs, cook for 36-50 minutes (small legs) and 50-70 minutes (large legs). For boneless legs, cook between 16-36 minutes depending on thickness. Monitor thickness, bone-in vs boneless, heat levels, altitude, and marinades to adjust time if needed. Use an instant read thermometer to check internal temperature and ensure legs reach a safe 165°F. With the proper timing for barbecuing, chicken legs can become your new go-to grilling staple.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Legs
How long should I barbecue chicken legs if I want them well done?
For well done bone-in chicken legs, cook for 55-75 minutes (small legs) and 70-90 minutes (large legs). Well done boneless legs take 30-45 minutes depending on thickness. Use a thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 170-175°F.
Can I tell if chicken legs are done by looking at the meat color?
No, meat color is not a reliable doneness indicator as it can appear cooked before reaching a safe internal temperature. Always check temperature using a thermometer.
Should I barbecue chicken legs on high or low heat?
A medium heat of around 325°F is best to cook legs thoroughly without burning the exterior. Use low heat for gentler roasting or high heat for searing.
How long does it take to preheat a grill for barbecuing chicken legs?
It takes 10-15 minutes to preheat a gas grill to optimal barbecuing temperatures of around 300-350°F. Preheating ensures the grates are hot enough to sear the legs while cooking through.
What temperature should I barbecue bone-in vs boneless chicken legs?
Cook both varieties at a medium heat around 300-350°F. Boneless cooks faster so watch closely, while bone-in needs time for the meat near the bone to cook through.
What’s the best way to prevent chicken legs from drying out on the barbecue?
Maintain medium heat, avoid overcooking, and brush on sauces only during the last 5-10 minutes. Marinating legs in acidic ingredients also helps keep moisture in.