Barbecuing chicken legs is a great way to add delicious flavor and tenderness to an easy protein. But knowing how long to cook chicken legs on a BBQ can be tricky, as cook times can vary based on a few factors. Here’s a guide to help you figure out the timing when barbecuing chicken legs, along with some tips for maximizing texture and taste.
Estimating Cook Times for BBQ Chicken Legs
The time it takes to barbecue bone-in chicken legs can range quite a bit, from around 30-60 minutes depending on thickness. Here are some general timelines:
- Small or thin chicken legs: 30-40 minutes
- Average sized chicken legs: 40-50 minutes
- Large or thick chicken legs: 50-60+ minutes
Thickness is key – if your chicken legs are small and thin, err on the lower end of cook times. Going longer is better for very large or meaty chicken legs.
Some other factors that affect BBQ chicken leg cook times:
- Bone-in vs boneless – Boneless will cook faster
- Temperature – Hotter heat = faster cooking
- Direct vs indirect heat – Direct above the coals cooks faster
- Brining – Brined chicken may cook slightly faster
So take the thickness of your chicken into account, and modify the time up or down based on the factors above. Use a food thermometer to confirm doneness.
How to Tell When BBQ Chicken Legs Are Done
It can be tricky to tell when chicken legs are fully cooked, but here are some ways to test doneness:
- Use an instant read thermometer – chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 165°F internally in the thickest part.
- Cut into the thickest section and check that the meat is white throughout and any juices run clear.
- The skin will become browned and crispy when fully cooked.
- The bones should wiggle loosely when fully cooked.
- Pierce with a fork to check for tenderness – the meat should shred easily when fully cooked.
If in doubt, go longer rather than shorter with cook times. Chicken legs can handle higher heat for prolonged periods unlike chicken breasts.
Tips for Maximizing Flavor
Beyond cook times, there are some easy tips to get the most flavor and best texture out of your BBQ chicken legs:
- Brine the chicken – soaking chicken legs in a saltwater brine ensures seasoned and moist meat.
- Season under the skin – loosen skin and rub seasoning directly onto the meat before cooking.
- Use indirect heat – this allows the legs to cook gently while absorbing smoke flavor.
- Opt for bone-in – bones add moisture, flavor, and make it easier to handle legs.
- Char or blacken – move direct to heat at the end to char the skin for crispy texture.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving – this allows juices to redistribute.
Common FAQs about BBQ Chicken Legs
How do you keep chicken legs moist on the grill?
- Brine chicken legs before grilling
- Cook using indirect heat
- Avoid overcooking – use a meat thermometer
- Let chicken rest before serving
What is the best temperature to grill chicken legs?
- Indirect heat at 325-375°F works well.
- Finish over direct heat on highest temp for crispy skin.
What is the best wood for smoking chicken legs?
- Fruit woods like apple, cherry, peach
- Maple
- Hickory (use sparingly)
Can you grill chicken legs from frozen?
Yes, but they will take 50% longer to cook. Thaw first for best results.
Should chicken legs be marinated before grilling?
Marinating is optional, but recommended for added moisture and flavor penetration.
Get Perfectly Cooked BBQ Chicken Legs
Barbecuing chicken legs leaves you with tender, juicy meat and crisp charred skin. Bone-in chicken legs do well with the long, gentle heat of the barbecue. Estimate 30-60 minutes of cook time depending on size and thickness. Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F is reached. Season, brine, and marinate for maximum flavor. Rest chicken legs before serving for an easy summer entree with the smoky goodness of the grill.
Conclusion
BBQ chicken legs can make for a juicy, flavorful meal, but the cook times can vary quite a bit. The thickness of the legs, whether they are bone-in or boneless, the heat level, and other factors all change how long they take to grill. Estimate 30-60 minutes, and rely on a thermometer, pierce test, and visual cues like browned skin to determine when they are done. Brining, seasoning under the skin, indirect heat, and charring or blackening the skin can all help maximize the taste and texture. With the proper cook time and some flavor-boosting tricks, you can enjoy tender and delicious BBQ chicken legs.