Grilling season is upon us, and there's no better way to celebrate than by learning how to cook delicious chicken legs on a gas grill. For many fans of summer barbecues, chicken legs are a favorite owing to their juicy, tender meat and the crispy skin they get when grilled to perfection. Our comprehensive guide dives deep into the best practices, tips, and secrets for grilling chicken legs that will make you the star of the cookout.

Why Choose Chicken Legs?

When it comes to grilling poultry, chicken legs have multiple advantages over other cuts. They are not only economical but also incredibly flavorsome. The combination of dark meat and a higher fat content ensures that the chicken remains moist during cooking, providing a rich, juicy result that's hard to beat. Furthermore, grilling chicken legs is versatileyou can customize them with your favorite marinades and spices.

Essential Ingredients and Tools

Before we delve into how to cook chicken legs on a gas grill, let's ensure you have everything you need. This recipe is simple and calls for ingredients and tools that are commonly found in most kitchens.

Preparing the Chicken Legs

Proper preparation is essential to ensure that your chicken legs cook evenly and absorb all the flavors of your chosen seasonings. Start by rinsing the chicken legs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to help the seasoning adhere to the chicken and reduce splattering on the grill.

Next, place the chicken legs on a cutting board and use a knife to make small incisions on the skin. This helps the seasonings penetrate deeper into the meat.

Seasoning the Chicken Legs

The right blend of seasonings can make all the difference. For a basic yet flavorful seasoning mix, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme in a bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Generously rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken legs, making sure to cover every inch of the meat. If you're a fan of more intense flavors, consider letting the seasoned chicken legs marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or even overnight if possible. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness.

Prepping the Gas Grill

Now it's time to get your gas grill ready. Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature, approximately 375F (190C), which is ideal for chicken legs. Cleaning the grates with a grill brush is an important step to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

For indirect grilling, turn off one burner of the gas grill while leaving the others on. The indirect grilling method helps the chicken cook thoroughly without burning the exterior. Arrange a drip pan beneath the unlit burner to catch any rendered fat and prevent flare-ups.

Grilling the Chicken Legs

With the grill prepped and the chicken seasoned, you're ready to start cooking. Place the chicken legs over the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat), leaving some space between each piece for even airflow.

Close the grill lid and let the chicken cook for about 30 minutes before checking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165F (74C). If you like your chicken extra crispy, crank up the heat and move the legs to the direct heat side for an additional 4-5 minutes per side.

Basting and Finishing Touches

While optional, basting the chicken legs with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking can add an extra layer of flavor. Brush the sauce generously, turn the legs occasionally, and let the sauce caramelize for that perfect sticky, smoky glaze.

Resting and Serving

Once the chicken legs reach the desired internal temperature and crispiness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Serve the grilled chicken legs hot off the grill, either as a standalone star dish or with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad. Don't forget to have extra napkins handyjuicy grilled chicken legs can be delightfully messy!

Cleaning Up

After enjoying your delicious chicken legs, it's time for cleanup. Proper maintenance of your grilling tools and accessories will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are always grill-ready.

• Clean the grill grates with a cookware cleaner to remove any burnt residue.
• Wash the cutting board thoroughly with warm soapy water and treat it with cutting board oil to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken legs on a gas grill is a straightforward yet rewarding process that anyone can master with a bit of practice. By following these steps, you'll achieve perfectly grilled chicken legs that are both juicy and flavorful, impressing your family and friends at your next cookout. So fire up that grill, enjoy the process, and happy grilling!

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