How To Grill Chicken Legs On Gas Grill

Grilling chicken legs on a gas grill is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving some juicy grilled chicken, this method is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With the right techniques and a few simple steps, you can easily achieve perfectly grilled chicken legs that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Preparing the Chicken Legs

Before you start grilling, it's important to properly prepare the chicken legs. Here's what you need to do:

1. Clean the Chicken: Rinse the chicken legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and ensures that the seasoning sticks to the chicken.

2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together your favorite seasonings. Whether it's a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder or a more complex mix of herbs and spices, be sure to coat the chicken legs evenly with the seasoning.

3. Let it Marinate: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken legs for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful end product.

Preparing the Gas Grill

Now that the chicken legs are seasoned and ready to go, it's time to prepare the gas grill for cooking.

1. Preheat the Grill: Turn on the gas grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. This ensures that the grill grates are hot enough to create those beautiful grill marks on the chicken legs.

2. Clean the Grill Grates: Use a grill brush to clean the grates and remove any leftover residue from previous grilling sessions. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates.

3. Oil the Grates: Before placing the chicken legs on the grill, lightly oil the grates to create a non-stick surface. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil or a non-stick cooking spray for this step.

Grilling the Chicken Legs

With the grill preheated and ready to go, it's time to start cooking the chicken legs.

1. Place the Chicken on the Grill: Carefully place the seasoned chicken legs on the preheated grill grates. Be sure to arrange them in a single layer, allowing enough space between each piece for even cooking.

2. Monitor the Temperature: Close the grill lid and cook the chicken legs for about 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

3. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken legs are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy chicken legs.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Legs

To ensure that your grilled chicken legs turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:

• Flipping and Turning: To achieve those coveted grill marks and even cooking, remember to flip and turn the chicken legs regularly throughout the grilling process.

• Avoid Flare-Ups: If you notice flare-ups on the grill, simply move the chicken legs to a cooler part of the grill until the flames subside.

• Sauce at the End: If you prefer saucy chicken legs, apply your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. This prevents the sugars in the sauce from burning.

Grilling chicken legs on a gas grill is a simple and enjoyable way to create a delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. With the right preparation and grilling techniques, you can impress your family and friends with tender, flavorful chicken legs that are sure to be a hit. So fire up the grill, grab some chicken legs, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering culinary experience!