Grilled Chicken Legs

These easy Grilled Chicken Legs are coated in oil and simple seasonings, then grilled to perfection with crispy, flavorful skin—making them a family-friendly dinner that’s always a hit!

There’s something that just screams summer when you serve up hot, juicy grilled chicken drumsticks for dinner. I love all kinds of grilled chicken recipes and these chicken legs are so good. Add some grilled corn on the cob and potato salad and everyone will be begging for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This is one of my go-to easy dinner recipes that my kids love. They are so easy to prep and they are off the grill in 30 minutes.
• They are an inexpensive recipe to make that’s always a hit. You just need basic pantry ingredients that you probably already have for the rub.
• Perfectly crispy skin! Don’t forget to pat the legs to dry them before putting the rub on to get that perfectly crispy skin.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Legs

• Chicken legs – I buy a two pound package that has about eight legs. Keep the skin on for extra flavor and a crispy outside. You can also use wings or thighs, just adjust your cook time.
• Olive oil – This adds flavor and keeps them from sticking to the grill.
• Seasoning dry rub – Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder are all you need. You can also use your favorite BBQ rub you keep on hand or our Gimme Some Grilling BBQ Rub.

Should I marinate chicken before grilling?

You don’t have to – the seasoning adds lots of flavor without waiting around for the legs to marinate. That said, feel free to coat them in the rub and then keep them in refrigerator – they’ll just absorb more flavor. You can do this up to 24 hours in advance.

How to Grill Chicken Legs

In a small bowl, mix together all of the seasoning ingredients.

Pat chicken legs dry with a paper towel and then place in a resealable plastic bag. Add olive oil and toss to coat. Pour seasoning mixture into bag and toss until chicken legs are completely coated. 

Place chicken legs on preheated grill over direct heat. Grill for 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. They’ll have a nice char on them by then, too.

Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Fridge: Store cooled grilled chicken legs in an airtight container up to three days.

Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before storing in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight prior to reheating.

Simply reheat grilled chicken legs in the microwave. To ensure they keep a crispy skin, you can bake or broil them for a few minutes after microwaving.

What Does It Mean to Grill On Direct Heat?

When it comes to grilling, cooking food on direct heat means that the heat source under the grate that the food is on is on. If it is indirect heat, the source is off.

These crispy, juicy grilled chicken legs are sure to be a grilling season staple in your house! Double (or triple!) up the recipe if you are hosting a cook out and you’ll have everyone asking you to share this recipe!

How To Serve Grilled Chicken Legs

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. Add leftover grilled chicken legs to salads or make a delicious chicken salad sandwich.

Got a sweet tooth? Finish the perfect summer dinner with Lemon Blueberry Crisp!

More Grilled Chicken Recipes

• BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are another easy dinner idea using pantry staples to make a super tasty marinade.
• We love making Greek Marinated Chicken, it’s one of our favorite marinades. You can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts.
• Southwest Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are seasoned with taco seasoning to add a super unique flavor to this juicy cut of chicken.
• Italian dressing and chicken are all you need to make super flavorful Italian Grilled Chicken Breasts. This is an easy one to add to the meal list this week.