Cooking chicken legs on the grill is not only a delicious summer meal, but it is also quite economical as legs are one of the cheapest parts of the chicken. Just because they are cheap, does not mean they have to lack in flavor. Actually, the dark meat of poultry has more flavor as it contains more fat.
One of the biggest problems grilling enthusiasts face however is knowing how long they should cook chicken legs on the grill.
It really isn’t possible to give an exact answer to this question as it really depends on the type of grill you are using, the grilling method and how big the chicken legs are.
It really is an excellent idea to invest in a good quality cooking thermometer. I personally own a voice alert electronic thermometer. It really is a fantastic little cooking gadget and I would be lost without it. It is extremely accurate and eliminates all guessing, and guessing is not an option when cooking meat, especially chicken.
CHICKEN GRILLING METHODS
Boil the Chicken Legs First
The goal with this method is to cook the meat all the way through before it goes on the grill. This greatly reduces the risk of any food born illnesses and also cuts down the grilling time significantly. The downside to this method is a serious lack of flavor. Since you will be cooking the meat on the grill for a much shorter period of time, the meat will not have a chance to pick up that delicious grilled flavor.
MARINATE THEN GRILL
Marinating your chicken legs first is always a good idea. Not only does it give your food a fantastic flavor, but it also keeps the meat moist during the cooking process. For the best results, marinate the chicken over night. Below is an excellent marinade that I use often and it is quite versatile. It works well with seafood like shrimp and scallops as well.
Citrus Herb Marinade
Ingredients:
4 Chicken Legs
1/4 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 1/2 Tablespoons of Fresh Lemon Juice
1 1/2 Tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice
1/3 Cup of Freshly Chopped Parsley
1/3 Cup Freshly Chopped Cilantro
2 Cloves of Garlic Minced
1 Teaspoon of Salt
1/4 Teaspoon of Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients except the chicken legs. Add chicken to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat. Refrigerate for several hours, over night if possible….
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