Description
Grilled Chicken Legs are juicy on the inside with crispy, smoky skin and a flavorful blend of garlic, paprika, and herbs. Perfect for summer BBQs, this easy-to-make recipe delivers tender meat with a robust smoky flavor that’s enhanced by a simple marinating process.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Instructions
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry thoroughly with paper towels to help achieve crispy skin during grilling.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional chili powder until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Rub the marinade evenly over all the chicken drumsticks, ensuring full coverage. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F to 375°F, preparing for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken legs on the grill. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes total, turning every 5 to 7 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Manage Browning: If the chicken skin starts to brown too quickly, move the legs to a cooler part of the grill to avoid charring while the inside cooks through.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the thickest part of a drumstick reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry helps the skin become crispier.
- Add BBQ sauce during the final 3 to 5 minutes of grilling for a glazed, sticky finish.
- Turn the chicken frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Serve grilled chicken legs with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, BBQ
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American