Grilled Chicken Legs

These Grilled Chicken Legs are the perfect start to any backyard cookout! Tender, juicy and flavorful with the BEST crispy skin, they are bound to be a hit with the entire family. Plus, they are easy to make!

Jump to:

• What makes this recipe irresistible
• Ingredients you’ll need
• Creative variations to try
• Step-by-step instructions
• Essential tools for this recipe
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
• Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
• Storage
• More recipes you’ll love
• Perfect pairings: what to serve with
• The BEST Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

What makes this recipe irresistible

The juicy chicken drumsticks turn out crispy and golden on the outside, and tender inside. The best part of this chicken legs recipe is that drumsticks are extremely budget-friendly so you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money at the grocery store to make this meal.

This recipe is so easy that even beginners can make it! 

Ingredients you’ll need

Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements. 

• Chicken drumsticks, though you can bbq chicken legs, thighs or breasts as well. You'll need to adjust the cooking time.
• olive oil
• for the seasoning blend: garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper

Creative variations to try

• If you want to make bbq chicken drumsticks once the chicken has reached the temperature brush the legs generously with your favorite barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce or teriyaki sauce.
• You can add more flavor to the spice rub by adding a dash or two of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the chicken with the oil before you coat it in the seasonings. 
• Dry mustard would make a great addition to the dry rub for this chicken leg recipe.

Step-by-step instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.

1. Combine all of the spice ingredients.
2. Pat the chicken legs with a paper towel.
3. Place the chicken in a large ziplock bag and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle the spice ingredients over the chicken. Massage it in well. You want the chicken completely coated with the amazing spice mix.
5. Preheat the grill to 350 degrees. Make sure your grill is clean! Lightly spray the grates with nonstick cooking spray. 
6. Add the chicken, grill for about 25 minutes total, flipping the chicken every 3-5 minutes so it doesn't burn. 

Hey, if you want to catch all my videos, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. You'll be notified each time I share a new video!

Essential tools for this recipe

The following are affiliate links. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

• grill
• gallon storage bag
• tongs
• instant-read thermometer

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️

Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

• The chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees f in the thickest part of the meat. I recommend using a meat thermometer for the best results.
• Depending on the type of grill that you are using the cooking time will vary. A Charcoal grill will take a little longer than a gas grill.
• Make sure that you use well-oiled grill grates. You can use nonstick cooking spray or even grill spray to prevent these drumsticks from sticking to the grates.
• The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken legs so make sure that you test the chicken's internal temperature before you remove them from the grill.

Storage

Refrigerate - Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Freezer - To freeze, place chicken in a freezer-safe container and store for up to three months.

Reheating - Reheat your cooked chicken legs in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a microwave, using 30-second intervals until hot throughout. 

More recipes you’ll love

• If you love grilled chicken, then next time you feel like firing up the grill for dinner give this Grilled Honey Glazed Chicken recipe a try!
• Are you a fan of burgers but are trying to eat a little healthier? These Juicy Turkey Burgers are just what are you looking for. They pack all the grill flavor that you love from traditional burgers with less fat. 
• Ribs on the Grill are ALWAYS a hit - and this is the easiest recipe!
• The next time that you are craving some Asian inspiration in your meal, skip the restaurant takeout and make these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. They taste amazing and can you save money by eating at home.  

Perfect pairings: what to serve with

• A side of Alabama White Sauce for dipping is great with the juicy chicken drumsticks!
• This Deviled Egg Potato Salad is my go-to recipe to serve for cookouts with the family. I love that I can prep it ahead so that I don't have to worry about a side dish while grilling the meat. 
• These Grilled Potatoes and Vegetables in Foil are one of my favorite sides to make on the grill. You don't have to worry about dirtying more dishes when the foil and grill do the work. 
• I don't know about you but Steamed Corn on the Cob just screams cookout side dish to me! And, they pair so well with this simple meal! You can never go wrong with a fresh side dish like this one.

Double the recipe. I use it in place of season-all seasoning. Leave a comment below, I'd love to hear what you think!