Name: Grilled Chicken Legs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 lb chicken legs (about 8 chicken legs); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp chili powder

Jump to Recipe Pin This Recipe

Need a simple grilled dinner that that whole family will love? Then you need to make a batch of Grilled Chicken Legs! They are so easy. Simply toss them in oil, seasonings and grill them. The results is a finger lickin’ good chicken leg. Grill up a big batch for a summer party and everyone will love them!

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Fingers holding grilled chicken leg with plate of chicken legs in background along with orange pepper and zucchinis

There’s something that just screams summer when you serve up hot, juicy Grilled Chicken Legs for dinner!

You guys, these are one of my go-to easy dinner recipes that my kids love. They are so easy to make, they are off the grill in 30 minutes and they are inexpensive to make.

What is better than that? Especially when they are dunked in this Alabama White BBQ Sauce!

These chicken drumsticks have a delicious seasoning on them that is a mixture of garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. All basic pantry ingredients, but when you mix them together it gives this chicken a burst of flavor in every bite.

White washed background with raw chicken legs and white bowls container oil, salt & pepper, onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder and smoked paprika

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Legs

See that right there. That’s all you need for this recipe. I love that I have everything on hand and just have to grab some chicken legs!

3 Steps to Prepare

Mix Seasoning – In a small bowl mix together all of the seasoning in ingredients and place aside.
Prep Chicken Legs – Pat chicken legs off with a paper towel and then place in a resealable plastic bag. Add olive oil to bag and toss to coat. Pour in seasoning mixture into bag and toss chicken legs until completely coated.
Grill – Place chicken legs on grill over direct heat that’s been preheated to 350 degrees F. Grill for 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature 165 degrees F. I actually prefer my chicken legs about 180-190 degrees so they fall off the bone and there’s no bloody spots around the bone.

Overhead image of a white bowl with mixed spices for chicken on a white washed background with a blue striped napkin in background

Overhead image of a ziplock back with raw chicken legs in it on a white washed background and blue striped napkin in background

How long to grill chicken legs

These chicken legs take about 30 minutes on the grill over direct heat.

They need to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, but we prefer them at 185 – 190 degrees F otherwise you sometimes end up with a little blood around the bone.

Cooking to the higher temperature will give you a crispy chicken leg that’s juicy and delicious!

Expert Tips!

Keep the grill temperature around 350 degrees F. This allows the meat to perfect cook but does not cause the skin to burn or torch.
Grill for about 10 minutes per side, flip over with a tongs and continue grilling. Do this for about 30 minutes.
When rotating the chicken legs gently lift off the grill grates with a pair of tongs to make sure the skin is not sticking to the grill grates.
Keep the lid closed as much as possible. This helps to cook the legs evenly.
Got a flare up? This can happen since chicken legs somewhat greasy. If this happens simply turn down the heat to low and move chicken away from flames.
Cook the legs over direct heat when you are grilling. You can cook it over indirect heat, but I think the skin is a lot more crispy when you cook over direct heat.
We recommend cooking until the chicken is about 185 – 190 degrees F. It’s safe to eat at 165 degrees F, but the higher temperature is better for darker meat. The chicken will fall off the bone and be so tender.

Landscaped photo of a stack of grilled chicken legs on a off white plate. A blue striped nakpin, orange pepper and zucchini background

Complete your meal!

We love pairing these healthy chicken legs with grilled vegetables. It’s the perfect way to use up the random assortment of vegetables in your refrigerator!
Since we have vegetables and chicken on the grill why not pair these baked potatoes on the grill too. They will take a little longer than the chicken so start them first!
Another great healthy option is this delicious grilled corn salad that’s packed with flavor!
Got a sweet tooth? Finish the perfect summer dinner with Lemon Blueberry Crisp!

If you love this easy dinner as much as we do, please comment with a five-star rating!

When you’re making a yummy recipe, be sure to tag me at @gimmesomegrilling or #gimmesomegrilling, enjoy!