Barbecuing chicken legs is one of the most popular summer activities worldwide. Whether you’re hosting a big backyard barbecue party or just having a small family gathering, chicken legs always make a great addition to any menu. But most people often struggle with one crucial question – how long should you bbq chicken legs for?
The cooking time for chicken legs varies depending on different factors, including the size of the legs, the type of grill you’re using, and even the weather. Overcooking or undercooking chicken legs can affect their texture, taste, and nutritional value. So, if you’re looking to make juicy, tender, and delicious chicken legs, it’s essential to know the right bbq time. In this article, we’ll delve into the factors that determine the perfect cooking time for chicken legs and provide you with some tips to help you get it right every time.
Factors to consider before grilling chicken legs
Before grilling chicken legs, there are several factors that you should consider. The first is the thickness of the chicken legs. Thicker chicken legs will take a longer time to cook, so you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly. The second factor to consider is the temperature of your grill. The hotter the grill, the less time your chicken legs will need to cook. So, if you’re using a gas grill, make sure that it’s preheated to a high temperature before you start cooking.
Another important factor to consider is the marinade or seasoning that you use on the chicken legs. If you’re using a marinade that contains sugar or honey, you’ll need to be careful not to burn the chicken, as the sugar can cause the chicken to caramelize quickly. Similarly, if you’re using a dry rub, make sure that you don’t over-season the chicken, as this can also result in a burnt or bitter taste. By considering these factors, you’ll be able to determine how long you should BBQ your chicken legs for juicy and delicious results.
Understanding the different types of BBQ chicken legs
BBQ chicken legs are a popular and tasty dish served at backyard picnics and barbecues. However, understanding the different types of BBQ chicken legs is important before determining how long they should be cooked. The two most common types of BBQ chicken legs are bone-in and boneless.
Bone-in chicken legs, as the name suggests, still have the bone attached to the meat. This type of chicken leg takes longer to cook, as the bone slows down the cooking process. However, cooking bone-in chicken legs typically results in a juicier and more flavorful end product. On the other hand, boneless chicken legs are quicker to cook as there is no bone to slow down the cooking process. While boneless chicken legs are easier to eat, they can sometimes be dry and less flavorful.
Ultimately, understanding the difference between bone-in and boneless BBQ chicken legs is crucial in determining the appropriate cooking time and achieving the desired flavor and texture. It’s important to keep in mind that the thickness of the leg and the internal temperature should also be considered when determining the proper cooking time.
How to prep the chicken legs before grilling
Before grilling chicken legs, it is important to take a few steps to ensure they are properly prepped. The first step is to remove any excess fat or skin on the chicken legs. This can be done by using a sharp knife or kitchen shears to trim off any unwanted parts. If you leave too much fat or skin on the chicken, it can cause flare-ups on the grill and make the meat taste overly greasy.
Next, it is important to season the chicken legs well. You can use a basic seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or experiment with other spice blends and marinades. Rub the seasoning into the chicken legs and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and give it a delicious, smoky flavor when cooked on the grill. By properly prepping your chicken legs, you’ll be able to achieve a juicy and flavorful result every time you grill.
The best grilling techniques for juicy and succulent chicken legs
Grilling chicken legs can be a tricky task, but with the right technique, you can make them juicy and succulent. The first tip is to preheat your grill to a medium-high heat before adding the chicken legs. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
Next, consider using indirect heat to grill the chicken for a longer time, which allows the meat to cook thoroughly without becoming dry. For this, place the chicken on one side of the grill and leave the other side off. This technique works best when using a gas grill or charcoal grill with enough space for the chicken to cook without burning. Additionally, basting the chicken with a sauce or marinade every few minutes during cooking helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful. By following these grilling techniques, you will achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and deliciously tender meat, making your BBQ chicken legs a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Signs that your chicken legs are ready to be taken off the grill
When it comes to cooking chicken legs on a grill, it is important to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly to avoid any risk of food poisoning. You can determine whether your chicken legs are ready to be taken off the grill by looking for some telltale signs. One such sign is the clear juice that runs out of the chicken when you pierce it with a fork or a knife. If the juice is clear, your chicken legs are most likely cooked all the way through.
Another way to tell if your chicken legs are cooked is by checking the internal temperature of the meat using an instant-read thermometer. The safe cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Ensure that you check the thickest part of the chicken, close to the bone, as this is the last part of the meat to reach the desired temperature. Once you see clear juice oozing out of the chicken and it reaches a safe temperature of around 165°F, you can be sure that your chicken legs are cooked to perfection and ready to be taken off the grill.
Common mistakes to avoid while grilling chicken legs
Grilling chicken legs is not rocket science, but it does require some attention and patience. Many grillers make mistakes that can ruin the taste and texture of the meat. One common mistake is failing to marinate the chicken before grilling. Marinating helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Without marinating, the meat can be tough and bland. Another mistake is cooking the chicken over high heat for too long. This can result in burnt skin and dry, overcooked meat. It’s important to use medium heat and watch the chicken carefully to ensure it cooks evenly.
Another common mistake is failing to properly oil the grill grates before cooking. Chicken legs have a tendency to stick to the grates, especially if they’re not oiled. This can cause the skin to tear and the meat to lose moisture, resulting in dry chicken. Additionally, some grillers brush the chicken with sauce too early in the cooking process. The high sugar content in the sauce can cause it to burn and create a bitter taste. It’s best to wait until the last few minutes of cooking to brush on the sauce. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your grilled chicken legs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
Delicious BBQ chicken leg recipes to try out
Here are a few delicious BBQ chicken leg recipe ideas to try out:
1) Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Legs: Mix brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make a sweet and spicy sauce. Brush the sauce on the chicken legs and grill them until cooked through.
2) Lemon and Herb BBQ Chicken Legs: Make a marinade with lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken legs for several hours, then grill them until they are golden brown and juicy.
3) Korean BBQ Chicken Legs: Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make a Korean-style BBQ sauce. Baste the chicken legs with the sauce as they grill for a tangy, umami-filled dish.
No matter which recipe you choose, be sure to allow enough time on the grill to fully cook the chicken legs through – aim for around 30-40 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking and that perfect crispy skin.
Final Words
Grilling chicken legs on a barbeque can be a great way to cook them, as they are left with a slightly charred and smoky flavor. However, the key to cooking them perfectly lies in the timing and temperature. Overcooking or undercooking the chicken can result in a dry and tasteless meat. Therefore, determining the right time for grilling chicken legs is crucial.
In general, it takes about 30-40 minutes to BBQ chicken legs, but the time can vary based on the type of grill and the temperature used. While the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F, checking them with a thermometer is the only accurate way to ensure safe cooking. With patience, practice, and attention to detail, one can master the art of grilling chicken legs to perfection, making them a delicious addition to any BBQ party.