Name: Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken legs (about 8 chicken legs, skin on); 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon chili powder

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something irresistible about Grilled Chicken Legs crackling and sizzling on a backyard grill. The smoky aroma, juicy meat, and perfectly spiced skin make them a summertime mainstay and weeknight favorite. This recipe celebrates that classic flavor while offering simple steps and a knockout rub you’ll want to use again and again. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or craving comfort food, these chicken legs are pure finger-licking satisfaction.

Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Grilled Chicken Legs is in their simplicity—each ingredient helps coax out vibrant flavors and texture everyone will love. There’s nothing fussy here, just a handful of pantry staples that deliver incredible taste and color with very little effort.

Chicken Legs: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken legs guarantees juicy meat and crispy skin that stands up to high grilling temperatures.
Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken supremely moist while ensuring the spice rub clings deliciously to the surface.
Sea Salt: Essential for drawing out flavor and seasoning the chicken all the way through.
Ground Black Pepper: Brings a gentle heat and accentuates the smokiness of the grill.
Garlic Powder: Adds that punchy, savory goodness that wakes up every bite.
Smoked Paprika: Lends bold color and a deep, earthy smokiness that makes these grilled chicken legs especially memorable.
Chili Powder: Offers a spark of gentle, warming heat—never too spicy, just enough to keep things interesting.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Legs

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Fire up your grill and set it to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating not only ensures even cooking but also helps you get that coveted crispy skin without burning. Give your grill grates a good brush so nothing sticks—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 2: Mix Your Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. This quick mix is the heart of great Grilled Chicken Legs—a balanced blend with a pop of color and a depth of smoky, savory flavor.

Step 3: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This little step is a game changer, ensuring the oil and rub really adhere and your chicken crisps up properly on the grill. Place the legs in a large resealable bag or bowl for easy mixing.

Step 4: Add Olive Oil

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken legs and toss to evenly coat them. The oil locks in moisture and acts as a sticky surface for the shimmering rub to cling to each piece.

Step 5: Coat with Spice Mix

Pour your spice mixture into the chicken bag or bowl and toss gently until every leg is generously coated. Don’t be shy—the deeper the coverage, the richer the flavor once they hit the grill.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Arrange the chicken legs over direct heat on your preheated grill. Let them sizzle away for about 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes for even browning. You’re watching for a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, but if you love super-tender, fall-off-the-bone meat, keep them on until they reach 180-190 degrees. They’ll only get juicier!

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Once your Grilled Chicken Legs are off the heat, let them rest for 5 minutes. This is the secret to every juicy bite, allowing those flavorful juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Legs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro can brighten up your platter beautifully. If you want to add a zippy contrast, lemon wedges or a quick scatter of sliced green onions work wonders against the smoky flavors.

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken Legs are the star of the show, so pair them with easy sides that let their flavors shine. Think cool coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a vibrant summer salad. They’re also fantastic next to a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce or homemade pickles.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, thread the chicken legs upright in a bowl (it looks dramatic and fun!) or place them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by grilled veggies. For picnics, wrap each leg in parchment, tie with twine, and pile them in a basket for a clever, portable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover grilled chicken legs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or quick protein-packed snacks.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, freeze the cooled chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just be sure to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

To keep that skin deliciously crisp, reheat Grilled Chicken Legs uncovered in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven or toaster oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a few minutes in the microwave will do, but the skin won’t be quite as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken legs instead?

Bone-in legs give you the best texture and moisture, but if you can only find boneless thighs or drumsticks, go ahead! Just reduce the grilling time and watch closely so they don’t dry out.

How do I know when the chicken legs are done?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the leg without touching the bone; it should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe eating. For even juicier, fall-apart meat, grill to 180-190 degrees.

Can I make Grilled Chicken Legs without a grill?

Absolutely! You can roast the seasoned chicken legs in a 425 degree oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, for similarly crisp and flavorful results.

Should I marinate the chicken legs?

This recipe is all about a dry rub, which packs the chicken with flavor quickly. But if you want to marinate for deeper taste, feel free—just add the spices and oil to the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before grilling.

How spicy are these Grilled Chicken Legs?

The chili powder brings a mild warmth without overwhelming heat. If you love spicy food, feel free to add extra chili powder, cayenne, or even a bit of hot sauce to the rub for a fiery twist.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat the mouthwatering appeal of a platter stacked high with smoky, juicy Grilled Chicken Legs. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser—simple, soulful, and always a big hit at the table. If you’re craving a no-fuss meal that’s guaranteed to please, fire up the grill and give these chicken legs a try. You’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 4 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Grilled Chicken Legs are seasoned with a flavorful spice rub and cooked to juicy perfection on the grill. A simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ or any time you’re craving tasty grilled chicken.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Legs:

2 pounds chicken legs (about 8 chicken legs, skin on)

Seasoning:

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

Preheat Grill: Preheat grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix Rub: In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients, set aside.
Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towel. Place chicken in a plastic resealable bag or bowl. Add olive oil and toss to coat.
Season Chicken: Add spice mixture to bag or bowl and toss to coat chicken legs.
Grill Chicken: Place chicken legs on preheated grill over direct heat. Grill for 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For fall-off-the-bone chicken, aim for 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring no bloody spots around the bone.
Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken legs in the spice rub for a few hours or overnight before grilling.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American