Chicken legs, also known as chicken drumsticks, are a staple food for grilling. Their rich flavor and tasty skin make them a backyard favorite. But grilling chicken legs to juicy, tender perfection takes some finesse. Undercook them and the meat is rubbery. Overdo it and they dry out. So how long should chicken legs cook on a gas grill?
The answer depends on a few factors:
Grill Temperature is Key
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For best results, maintain an indirect grill temperature of 350-450°F. Direct heat over 450°F often burns the outside before the inside cooks.
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Indirect heat means the chicken isn’t directly over the heat source. For gas grills, turn off the burners on one side. For charcoal, bank coals to one side.
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Use a grill thermometer to monitor temperature. Most grill lid thermometers are inaccurate.
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Letting legs come to room temperature before grilling helps them cook more evenly.
Cook to an Internal Temperature of 185°F
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Chicken legs need to cook to an internal temperature of 185°F for the best texture.
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165°F is the USDA minimum for safety, but legs will still be tough at that point
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Dark meat cuts like legs and thighs have more connective tissue that requires higher heat to break down.
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Always use a reliable instant read thermometer to check doneness – never rely on time alone.
Average Grill Times
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At an indirect 350-450°F, chicken legs take 30-40 minutes to reach 185°F, depending on size.
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Smaller legs may need only 25-30 minutes; larger ones up to 50 minutes.
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Turning every 5-10 minutes helps them cook evenly. Don’t rush it – let legs release from the grates on their own before flipping.
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If using a sauce or glaze, avoid sugary ones that can burn. Apply during the last 5-10 minutes.
Other Handy Tips
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For extra crispy skin, pat legs very dry before seasoning and oiling. Dry skin crisps up better.
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Brushing on a light coat of oil or oil-based spice rub helps browning. But go easy – too much oil causes flare-ups.
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For charcoal grills, use the 2-zone setup. Sear chicken over direct heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
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Legs pair great with all kinds of sides: coleslaw, corn, smashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, mac salad, and more.
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Let legs rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Follow these simple steps to make tender chicken drumsticks on the grill with your own dry rub:
Add the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to a small dish and mix them together with a spoon. Depending on how spicy you like your food, you can also add a little cayenne pepper to the mix.
When you open a package of chicken, it’ll probably have excess liquid. Take a few paper towels or napkins and pat every piece of chicken until they’re dry on all sides.
Next, drizzle the chicken with the oil and the spice blend. Mix it up well until all sides of the chicken are evenly coated. I use my hands, and yes, it gets a little messy.
Alternatively, you can add the chicken, oil, and seasonings to a zip top bag and mix it well. This will coat the chicken without getting your hands dirty.
Gas Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C) Add the chicken drumsticks and cook for about five minutes per side, until the skin is browned and crispy on all sides. Lower the heat to about 300°F, and close the grill. Cook for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Cooking on a Charcoal Grill: Create two zones by preparing the charcoal on one side of the grill only. Start by cooking the chicken directly on top of the heat source, then once the chicken is browned on all sides, move the pieces away from the heat source to finish cooking.
Last, brush each piece of chicken with sauce. Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked through, then transfer the chicken to a plate or platter and serve!
Weather not cooperating? Out of propane? Or would you just prefer to cook inside? I’ve got you covered with these easy method adaptations!
Air Fryer Adaptation: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then set the chicken drumsticks inside, with a little space between each one. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook it in two or three batches. Cook for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F (~74°C), per USDA.
Oven Adaptation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (~204°C). Set the chicken on a parchment or foil lined baking sheet. Cook 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 165°F (~74°C), per USDA.
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Call me a grillin’ fool, but this week alone I’ve grilled pork kebabs, rack of lamb, and bruschetta chicken. I’m not sure if it’s obvious enough, but can you tell I’m excited about grilling season?
I just had to make these bbq grilled chicken drumsticks next. They’re kind of a summer classic, because they’re a crowd pleaser at every backyard bbq. What’s not to love about juicy chicken covered in sticky sweet barbecue sauce.
I like to make them with my homemade bbq sauce (it’s Whole30 compatible!), but you can use a store-bought kind, or a Keto friendly bbq sauce, depending on your dietary restrictions.
These crispy chicken legs are so easy to make and are something the whole family will enjoy. Serve with your favorite sides like this corn salsa and enjoy a classic meal that never gets old!
Grilling Chicken Legs on a Gas Grill
FAQ
How long do you cook drumsticks on a gas grill?
How do you know when chicken legs are done on the grill?
They cook in about 30 to 35 minutes. Turn them often to prevent burning. They are done at an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.
Should you grill drumsticks with the lid open or closed?
When grilling chicken drumsticks, it’s generally best to grill them with the lid closed. This helps to maintain a consistent temperature and allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, cooking it more evenly and thoroughly.