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Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe

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3.9 from 11 reviews

Deliciously smoky and juicy grilled chicken legs seasoned with a blend of sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This recipe offers two grilling methods—fast direct grilling or slower indirect grilling for crispier skin—making it perfect for a flavorful, easy-to-prepare meal.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 lb Chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin on)

Seasoning & Marinade

  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp Sea salt
  • 3/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp Smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp Garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp Onion powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Grill: Clean the grates of your grill with an oiled paper towel before cooking to prevent sticking, then preheat the grill to medium-high heat for at least 10 minutes. If opting for slower grilling, leave half of the burners off to create indirect heat zones.
  2. Dry the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well and the skin crisps properly during grilling.
  3. Apply Olive Oil: Brush both sides of each drumstick generously with olive oil to help with browning and to keep the chicken moist.
  4. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Evenly season each drumstick on both sides with this spice blend. You may apply the seasonings individually if preferred.
  5. Grill the Chicken: For the fast grilling method, place the drumsticks directly over the heat (skin side down) and cook for about 25 minutes, flipping every 5-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C). For a slower, crispier skin method, position the chicken over indirect heat (over burners that are off), close the grill lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes per side until the chicken reaches 170°F (77°C). This higher temperature ensures juicy and safely cooked chicken.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken legs from the grill and let them rest uncovered for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.

Notes

  • Allowing the internal temperature to reach 170°F (77°C) instead of the minimum 165°F ensures juicier grilled chicken.
  • Using indirect grilling helps achieve crispier skin without burning the meat.
  • Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin texture.
  • Season the chicken evenly to get balanced flavors throughout.
  • Resting the chicken after grilling helps retain moisture and enhances taste.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/grilled-chicken-legs-recipe/