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Crispy Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe Easy Juicy Family Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy grilled chicken legs recipe featuring crispy skin, juicy meat, and a flavorful spice rub. Perfect for family dinners and budget-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 chicken legs, skin-on and bone-in, fresh or thawed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt or sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and brown sugar. Stir well to blend flavors evenly.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken legs and rub thoroughly to coat the skin. Toss the legs in the spice mix, ensuring each piece is fully coated (10 minutes).
  4. Preheat grill for two-zone cooking: one side with direct high heat and the other side with indirect medium-low heat. Let grill reach about 375°F (190°C).
  5. Place chicken legs skin-side down on direct heat side to sear for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden and crisp, watching carefully to avoid flare-ups.
  6. Transfer legs to indirect heat side, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove chicken legs from grill and let rest for 5 minutes under foil to redistribute juices before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Use two-zone grilling to avoid burning and cook evenly. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. For a sticky glaze, brush barbecue sauce during last 5 minutes on indirect heat. Oven baking alternative: bake at 425°F (220°C) on wire rack for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken legs, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, family dinner, barbecue chicken, smoky chicken, quick chicken dinner

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/crispy-grilled-chicken-legs-recipe-easy-juicy-family-dinner-idea/