This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Make these Grilled Chicken Legs for your next summertime BBQ. Simple seasoning and easy to grill, these chicken legs will become your staple barbecues recipe.
Nothing beats the crispy texture and smoky flavor of these Grilled Chicken Legs. They cook so tender and juicy on the grill that you will be cooking these all summer long.
We love cooking grilled chicken recipes and these chicken legs are my kids favorites. If you have made our Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs, and Grilled Chicken Kabobs then you will love these grilled chicken legs.
What's in this post: Grilled Chicken Legs
Why This Recipe Works
We make these chicken legs often because they are easy to prep and the seasoning are simple. The chicken legs are so simple to grill and are ready in less than 25 minutes.
We like to season the chicken legs ahead of time with simple spices and then they are ready to grill for a quick weeknight meal. The dark meat falls off the bone and are packed with protein. My kids clear their plates anytime I make them.
Ingredients
- Chicken Drumsticks – We like the skin-on drumsticks for the best crispy texture.
- Olive Oil – Feel free to use different types of oil such as avocado oil or vegetable oil
- Garlic Powder – If you are out, see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
- Onion Powder – See Best Onion Powder Substitutes if you are out
- Paprika – Check out Best Paprika Substitute
- Ground Mustard – Adds a slight tangy flavor to the seasoning blend
- Cayenne Pepper – We love adding cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- BBQ Sauce – When serving I love to add a small bowl of barbecue Sauce or Homemade Buffalo Sauce Recipe to dip the chicken legs in or baste the chicken to make BBQ Chicken Legs.
- Marinade – We love the dry rub that we added to the chicken, but you can also use Buttermilk Chicken Marinade or Pickle Juice Marinade for a delicious variations. We also like to add in lemon juice to tenderize the meat.
- Change Chicken – If you prefer, you can use this dry rub on chicken wings or chicken thighs.
How to Make Chicken Legs on the Grill
Step 1 – Preheat your grill over medium high heat to approximately 400 degrees F. Spray the grill grates with a non-stick cooking spray or rub with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates.
Step 2 – Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl.
Step 3 – Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel and place them in a large bowl, pour the oil on top and sprinkle the seasonings over the drumsticks. Toss to make sure that the drumsticks are thoroughly coated in the olive and the seasoning mixture.
Step 4 – Place the drumsticks on direct heat and grill for 25-30 minutes flipping every 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 185 degrees F.
- Step 5 – Then remove the grilled chicken drumsticks from the grill and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes and then the chicken is ready to serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Cooking Methods – You can also make these in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes (flipping every 10-15 minutes) until the chicken reaches an internal temperature for 165 degrees F. Feel free to also cook the chicken on a charcoal grill or gas grill.
- Prepare Grill – To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, make sure to oil the grill grates before placing the drumsticks down.
- Seasoning – Combine the seasoning in a bowl then completely coat the drumsticks for the best flavor. Make sure to pat the drumsticks dry before adding the seasoning. This will help to create a crispy texture.
- Room Temperature – Before grilling the chicken drumsticks, make sure to allow the chicken come to room temperature.
How Long do you Grill Chicken Legs For?
Cooking time will vary but we grilled these chicken legs over direct heat for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken legs while grilling to make sure that the chicken cooks through. If your chicken legs start burning, you can move them over to indirect heat to finish cooking.
We recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 185 degrees.
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Legs?
Chicken Legs make a great main dish recipe and can be served with many different side dish recipes. We even like to serve CopyCat Chick-Fil-A Lemonade Recipe because it is so refreshing.
Try these family favorite options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we grill the chicken legs over direct heat for the best texture and juicy center.
To maintain the consistent temperature of the chicken drumsticks, we recommend to keep the lid closed on the grill while grilling.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Once the chicken has come to room temperature, place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat the leftovers in an air fryer to create a crispy skin or place in a baking dish to reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. You can reheat in the microwave also for about 1-2 minutes.
More Easy Chicken Legs Recipes
Quick and Easy Chicken
Baked Chicken Legs Recipe
All Recipes
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Legs recipe
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Chili Lime Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
We love to hear from you. If you make Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Grilled Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Ground Mustard
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat your grill over medium high heat to approximately 400 degrees F. Spray the grill grates with a non-stick cooking spray or rub with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates.
- Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl.
- Pat the drumsticks dry and place them in a large bowl, pour the oil on top and sprinkle the seasonings over the drumsticks. Toss to make sure that the drumsticks are thoroughly coated in the olive and the seasoning mixture.
- Place the drumsticks on direct heat and grill for 25-30 minutes flipping every 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 185 degrees F.
- Then remove the drumsticks from the grill and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes and then the chicken is ready to serve and enjoy!
5 star
So good and yummy!!
Such a good recipe! so easy.
The best chicken legs I have ever made! This recipe is incredible!
This recipe did not disappoint! The chicken was so juicy and tasty that we started munching on some right after grilling. So easy and so good!
So yummy and easy to make!
Yum! So easy and so affordable. I had everything already except for the chicken legs and I got a great deal on them. Simple to make and delicious!
The flavor on these are amazing.
How do you get chicken legs cooked in only 10 minutes? You said……
How Long do you Grill Chicken Legs For?
Cooking time will vary but we grilled these chicken legs over direct heat for about 10 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken legs while grilling to make sure that the chicken cooks through. If your chicken legs start burning, you can move them over to indirect heat to finish cooking.
So sorry for the confusion – that is a typo that I will fix asap. I cook these in 25-30 minutes and I flip them every 10 minutes. Sorry about that!
These chicken legs are so tasty! I loved how the simple spices made these chicken legs so delicious.