Grilled Chicken Leg Recipes: Delicious and Easy Ways to Prepare Them

Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Grilled chicken legs are an excellent way to add variety to your dinner menu. Not only are they tasty, but they’re also easy to prepare. In this article, we’ll explore different grilled chicken leg recipes that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

What are Chicken Legs?

Chicken legs are a cut of chicken that includes both the thigh and the drumstick. They are a popular choice for grilling because they are affordable, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Grilling Chicken Legs: Tips and Tricks

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s go over some tips and tricks for grilling chicken legs:

• Marinate the chicken legs for at least 30 minutes before grilling to add flavor and tenderize the meat.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) before adding the chicken legs.
• Cook the chicken legs for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to distribute evenly.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the recipes!

Recipe 1: Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken legs in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
5. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe 2: Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the honey, dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken legs in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
5. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe 3: Spicy Grilled Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the olive oil, paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.

2. Place the chicken legs in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
5. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe 4: Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken legs in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
5. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe 5: Smoky Paprika Grilled Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken legs in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
5. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe 6: Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken legs in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
5. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe 7: Cajun Grilled Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.

2. Place the chicken legs in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
5. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe 8: Greek-style Grilled Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken legs in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
5. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe 9: Spicy Korean Grilled Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken legs in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
5. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe 10: Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken legs in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
5. Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken legs are a tasty and easy-to-prepare meal that can be enjoyed year-round. With these

variations on marinades and seasonings, you can customize the flavor to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer spicy or sweet, savory or tangy, there’s a grilled chicken leg recipe for everyone.

When grilling chicken legs, it’s important to make sure they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures that any harmful bacteria are eliminated and the chicken is safe to eat.

So fire up the grill and give these recipes a try! Your taste buds (and stomach) will thank you.

FAQs

How long does it take to grill chicken legs?

1. A: It usually takes 6-8 minutes per side to grill chicken legs, but the exact time may vary depending on the heat of your grill and the thickness of the chicken legs.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken legs?

2. A: Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs in these recipes if you prefer.

How can I make sure the chicken legs are fully cooked?

3. A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs. They should reach 165°F before they are safe to eat.

Can I grill chicken legs without marinading them first?

4. A: Yes, you can grill chicken legs without marinading them first, but marinating adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.

Can I cook these recipes in the oven instead of on the grill?

5. A: Yes, you can bake the chicken legs in the oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes instead of grilling them if you prefer.