Grill chicken legs 25–35 minutes over medium heat, until they reach 165°F internal temperature.
I’ve grilled hundreds of chicken legs on gas grills, and I know that timing, heat control, and a good thermometer matter most. This guide covers exactly how long to bbq chicken legs on gas grill, with clear times, step-by-step methods, temperature targets, and real tips from my backyard tests. Read on to master juicy, safe chicken legs every time.
Understanding why time and temperature matter
How long to bbq chicken legs on gas grill affects both safety and texture. Undercook and you risk foodborne illness. Overcook and the meat dries out. The right time at the right heat gives tender, flavorful meat with crisp skin.
Chicken legs are dark meat. They handle slightly higher temps than breast meat. But the USDA safe temp is 165°F. Many grill pros pull legs at 175–185°F for better tenderness. Use a probe thermometer to be sure.
Experience tip: I once pulled legs too early to chase crispy skin. They were safe but a bit rubbery. Waiting another 5–10 minutes changed the texture for the better.
Gas grill temps and what they mean for timing
How long to bbq chicken legs on gas grill changes with grill temp. Here are reliable settings and what to expect.
- Medium heat (350–400°F) — Most consistent. Cook time 25–35 minutes. Good for even browning.
- Medium-low (300–325°F) — Slower, gentler. Cook time 30–40 minutes. Helps tenderize larger legs.
- Medium-high (400–450°F) — Faster sear. Cook time 20–30 minutes. Watch for flare-ups and uneven doneness.
Grill layout matters too. Use direct heat to sear then indirect heat to finish. That mix controls how long to bbq chicken legs on gas grill and prevents burnt skin with raw centers.
Step-by-step: How long to bbq chicken legs on gas grill
Follow these steps for reliable results. The time guidelines below assume medium heat (350–400°F) and average chicken leg size.
- Prep and season
- Pat legs dry. Apply oil and rub or marinade. Let sit 15–30 minutes.
- Preheat grill
- Heat the gas grill to medium, about 350–400°F. Close lid to stabilize.
- Sear over direct heat
- Place legs over direct heat for 3–5 minutes per side to brown skin.
- Move to indirect heat
- Transfer legs to indirect zone. Close lid and cook for 15–25 minutes.
- Check temperature
- Use a probe thermometer in the thickest part without touching bone. Target 165°F minimum. For more tender meat, aim 175–185°F.
- Rest and serve
- Let legs rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Resting evens juices and finishes carryover cooking.
Total time: plan 25–35 minutes for most legs. Big or frozen-thawed pieces may need up to 40 minutes. Always rely on thermometer more than time.
Tips for juicy, flavorful results
These small moves change how long to bbq chicken legs on gas grill and the final result.
- Use a thermometer — it’s the only honest timer.
- Trim loose fat and skin tabs to avoid flare-ups.
- Open lid only as needed. Every peek drops temp and alters timing.
- Use a two-zone fire: sear then finish on indirect heat.
- Brine for 30–60 minutes to boost juiciness when time allows.
- If using sauce, apply in the last 5–10 minutes to prevent burning.
Personal note: I brine and sear every time. The legs stay moist and take on the perfect char without long cook times.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Knowing what goes wrong helps you keep good time and flavor.
- Relying on time alone — fix: use an instant-read thermometer.
- Cooking only on high — fix: sear, then move to indirect heat to finish.
- Overcrowding the grill — fix: give each leg space for even heat.
- Not letting the grill preheat — fix: preheat 10–15 minutes until stable.
- Applying sugary sauces too early — fix: add sauces in final minutes.
These fixes will shorten guesswork and make how long to bbq chicken legs on gas grill predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions of how long to bbq chicken legs on gas grill
How long should I grill small chicken legs on a gas grill?
Small legs usually take 20–25 minutes over medium heat. Use a thermometer to confirm they reach at least 165°F.
Can I cook chicken legs faster on high heat?
You can, but high heat risks burning the skin before the inside cooks. Sear on high, then finish on medium for best results.
Do I need to flip chicken legs often?
Flip once or twice. Flip after searing and again halfway through indirect cooking if needed. Fewer flips help form crisp skin.
Should I brine chicken legs before grilling?
Brining for 30–60 minutes helps keep legs juicy and speeds even cooking. It is optional but recommended for drier climates or leaner meat.
Is it safe to cook chicken legs to 175°F instead of 165°F?
Yes. The USDA minimum is 165°F. Cooking to 175–185°F often improves tenderness in dark meat and is safe.
Conclusion
Mastering how long to bbq chicken legs on gas grill comes down to heat control and using a thermometer. Aim for 25–35 minutes at medium heat, sear first, finish indirect, and rest before serving. Try the step-by-step method here on your next cookout and tweak times to your grill and leg size.
Get grilling, test with a thermometer, and share your results or questions below — I’d love to hear how your chicken legs turned out.
