These Best Damn Grilled Chicken Legs are full of flavor and super juicy! Marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, they will be the hit of your backyard BBQ.
Who could resist that crispy skin? I always end up eating more than I planned because they’re just too good! đđ„ Plus, the grill marks make them look fancy without the fuss.
I love serving these chicken legs with a side of fresh veggies or a simple salad. Theyâre easy to make, and your family will think youâre a grilling pro. Enjoy the yummy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Legs: Drumsticks are perfect for grilling due to their juicy meat. If youâre looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with chicken thighs or even chicken breasts, but adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they donât dry out.
Paprika: Regular paprika gives a nice color and flavor, but if you want extra smokiness, use smoked paprika. If you don’t have paprika, chili powder can also work, just keep in mind it may add more heat.
Cayenne Pepper: This adds heat, but you can easily adjust the amount or replace it with a mild chili powder for a tamer flavor if spicy isn’t your thing.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient caramelizes during grilling and adds a sweet balance to the spices. If you prefer, honey or maple syrup can work as substitutes, but watch for the grill time as they can burn quicker.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skin Gets Crispy?
Getting crispy skin on grilled chicken can be tricky, but itâs all about moisture and heat. First, make sure to pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture that can hinder crisping.
- Brush the legs with olive oil to help the rub stick. This also promotes browning.
- Use a medium-high heat to ensure that the skin crisps without drying out the meat. Aim for around 375°F to 400°F.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist while the skin stays crisp.
How to Make the Best Damn Grilled Chicken Legs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken legs recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 25-30 minutes for cooking on the grill. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes for resting after grilling. In total, youâll be looking at roughly 45-50 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. This will ensure that your chicken legs cook evenly and get that nice char on the outside.
2. Creating the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika (if youâre using it). This spice rub will give your chicken legs a burst of flavor!
3. Prepare the Chicken Legs:
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This step is really important because it helps the skin get crispy when grilling. After that, brush the chicken legs lightly with olive oil, which will help the spice rub stick nicely.
4. Seasoning the Chicken:
Now itâs time to flavor up those chicken legs! Generously sprinkle the spice rub over the chicken, ensuring that you coat them evenly on all sides. Donât be shyâmore spice means more flavor!
5. Grilling the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken legs on the grill. Cook them for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally so they cook evenly. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a lovely charred, crispy skin.
6. Resting Before Serving:
Once theyâre done, take the chicken off the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This is a crucial step because it helps the juices stay inside the chicken, making them even more delicious.
7. Serving Up the Goodness:
Your grilled chicken legs are ready! Serve them hot and enjoy! You can also pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra treat. Enjoy your meal!
Feel free to tweak the spice levels to suit your taste. Happy grilling!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for chicken legs, you can use chicken thighs or even breasts if you prefer. Just be aware that cooking times may vary; thighs will take about the same time, while breasts may cook faster. Make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure theyâre fully cooked!
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use any other cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil. For a flavor twist, try using melted butter or avocado oilâthey both work well and add a nice richness to the chicken!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes, marinating is a great way to enhance the flavor! Simply apply the spice rub and then wrap the chicken legs tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. You can marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for even more flavor. Just be sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Legs?
Store any leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help keep the skin crispy. Enjoy your grilled chicken again!
