Grilling chicken leg quarters is one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy a delicious, budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd. These cuts, which include both the thigh and drumstick, offer juicy dark meat with crispy skin when cooked right. If you’ve ever wondered how to grill chicken leg quarters perfectly, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, from prepping to serving, with tips to make your chicken juicy, flavorful, and beautifully charred.
What Are Chicken Leg Quarters?
Chicken leg quarters are a cut that combines the thigh and drumstick in one piece. They are dark meat, which means more flavor and moisture compared to white meat like breast. Because of their size and bone-in nature, they take a bit longer to cook but reward you with tender, juicy meat and crispy skin when grilled correctly.
Preparing Chicken Leg Quarters for the Grill
1. Pat Dry and Trim
Start by patting the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. Removing moisture helps the skin crisp up on the grill. Trim any excess fat or loose skin to avoid flare-ups during grilling.
2. Seasoning and Marinating
You can keep it simple or get creative with your flavors. A basic and delicious approach is to rub the chicken with oil and a mix of seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder. For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in Italian dressing or your favorite marinade.
If you like BBQ sauce, hold off on applying it until the last few minutes of grilling to prevent burning.
How to Grill Chicken Leg Quarters: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, preheat it to about 350-400°F (175-205°C). Set up two zones if possible: one side with direct heat for searing and the other side with indirect heat for slower cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Place the chicken leg quarters skin-side down over direct heat. Sear each side for about 2-5 minutes to get a nice char and crispy skin.
Step 3: Move to Indirect Heat
After searing, move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 20-30 minutes. This slower cooking allows the meat to cook through without burning the skin.
Step 4: Monitor the Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C), but some prefer cooking up to 175-180°F for extra tenderness.
Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce (Optional)
If you want saucy, sticky chicken, brush your favorite BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Flip the chicken every few minutes to caramelize the sauce evenly without burning it.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
– Oil the Grill Grates: Before placing chicken on the grill, oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.
– Control Flare-Ups: Trim excess fat and keep a spray bottle of water handy to manage flare-ups.
– Don’t Overflip: Flip the chicken every 4-5 minutes during searing and less frequently during indirect cooking to maintain a good crust.
– Use Two-Zone Cooking: Searing on direct heat and finishing on indirect heat gives you crispy skin and juicy meat.
– Let Chicken Come to Room Temperature: Before grilling, let the chicken sit out for about 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Flavor Variations
– Dry Rub: Mix paprika, chili powder, garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a smoky, spicy rub.
– Marinades: Italian dressing or a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs adds tang and moisture.
– Sauces: Try Alabama white BBQ sauce, classic tomato-based BBQ sauce, or a honey mustard glaze for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled chicken leg quarters pair wonderfully with classic BBQ sides like potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables. Don’t forget plenty of napkins-the crispy skin and flavorful sauce can get delightfully messy!
Grilling chicken leg quarters is straightforward and rewarding. With a bit of prep, the right heat management, and attention to temperature, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin every time. Fire up your grill and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!