Grilled chicken legs are a mouthwatering and flavorful dish that is perfect for a barbecue or a summer cookout. Here’s a simple recipe for delicious grilled chicken legs. Try different chrispy types of grilled chicken legs and more.
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken legs drumsticks skin on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your spice preference
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1/ In a mixing bowl combine these thing the olive oil lemon juice minced garlic paprika dried thyme dried oregano cayenne pepper salt and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2/ Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss them in the marinade ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap or a lid and put it in refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours. I prefer overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate in the chicken.
3/ Pre or low heat your grill to medium high heat. If using a charcoal grill wait until the coals are ashed over and spread them out evenly.
4/ Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and let theme get excess marinade drip off.
5/ Place the chicken legs on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have beautiful grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6/ Once the chicken legs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7/ Optionally garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.
8/ Grilled chicken legs pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy this tasty and satisfying meal with your family and friends!
Some Tips and Tricks for Perfect Grilled Chicken legs
Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the chicken legs for at least an hour or overnight to infuse them with delicious flavors. Use mixture of olive oil herbs spices and acid like lemon juice or vinegar in the marinade for enhanced taste.
Room Temperature: Keep the marinated chicken legs at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before grilling. This helps them cook more evenly and reduces the risk of uneven cooking.
Pre heat the Grill: Ensure that your grill is preheated to medium high heat before placing the chicken legs on it. This helps to sear the outside and lock in the juices.
Oil the Grill Grates: To prevent sticking, oil the grill grates before placing the chicken legs on them. You can use a folded paper towel soaked in oil and held with tongs to rub the grates.
Evenly Sized Legs: If you have chicken legs of different sizes, try to group them together by size to ensure they cook uniformly.
Avoid Direct Flames: While grilling, avoid placing the chicken legs directly over open flames. Excessive flames can cause flare ups and char the chicken unevenly.
Use Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken legs are cooked perfectly or not, you have to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat and check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) they are safe to eat.
Baste for Moisture: While grilling baste the chicken legs with any leftover marinade or a flavorful BBQ sauce. This not only adds moisture but also enhances the taste.
Let them Rest: Once the chicken legs are cooked remove them from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.
Experiment Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs spices and marinade ingredients to create your favorite flavor combinations
With these tips and tricks you’ll be able to grill delicious and tender grilled chicken legs that are sure to be a hit at any barbecue or gathering! Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for Grilled Chicken Legs
Serving Size: 1 Grilled Chicken Leg (approximately 3.5 ounces or 100 grams)
Calories: 165 calories
Total Fat: 9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
Cholesterol: 90 milligrams
Sodium: 75 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
Protein: 19 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A: 1% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 0% of DV
- Calcium: 1% of DV
- Iron: 4% of DV
Please note that these nutrition facts are approximate and can vary depending on factors like cooking methods and specific cuts of chicken. It’s always a good idea to check the packaging or consult a reliable source for precise nutritional information.
