Juicy Grilled Chicken Legs

Alright, listen up! We're making Juicy Grilled Chicken Legs that'll make your taste buds sing. This ain't your average dry-as-the-Sahara chicken. We're talking succulent, flavorful, and grilled to perfection. Let's get started.

Recipe: Juicy Grilled Chicken Legs

Yields: Approximately 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes marinating, longer is better) Cook time: 30-40 minutes (depending on grill temperature and size of chicken legs)

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 8 Chicken Legs (about 2-3 lbs total), skin on
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• For the Marinade (The Magic):
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed is best, but bottled is fine in a pinch)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced finely
  • 1 tbsp Paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice depth)
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Equipment:

• Large bowl or resealable bag
• Whisk
• Grill (gas or charcoal, your preference)
• Meat Thermometer
• Tongs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• In a large bowl (or a large resealable bag), whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, paprika, brown sugar, thyme, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure everything is well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better.
• Place the chicken legs into the bowl (or bag) with the marinade. Make sure all the chicken legs are thoroughly coated.
• Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight. The longer, the more flavor!

3. Prepare the Grill:

• Clean your grill grates. Nobody wants yesterday's salmon on their chicken.
• Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). If using a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side to create a cooler zone.

4. Grill the Chicken:

• Remove the chicken legs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Don't discard the marinade yet!
• Brush the chicken legs lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the chicken legs on the hotter side of the grill, skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned and slightly crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Flip the chicken legs and continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, searing the other side.
• Move the chicken legs to the cooler zone of the grill (if you have one). If not, lower the grill temperature slightly.
• Continue to cook the chicken legs, flipping them occasionally, until they are cooked through. This will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the legs and the grill temperature. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during the last 10 minutes of cooking. (Make sure the marinade has been thoroughly boiled and cooled before basting the chicken; otherwise, you risk cross-contamination).

5. Check for Doneness:

• The most accurate way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, avoiding the bone. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest and Serve:

• Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Chef's Notes:

• Marinade is King: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
• Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the grill temperature. You want a medium heat that will cook the chicken through without burning the skin.
• Don't Overcook: Overcooked chicken is dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Resting is Crucial: Don't skip the resting step! It makes a huge difference in the juiciness of the chicken.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different marinades and spices. You can add a touch of honey for sweetness, chili flakes for heat, or different herbs for a unique flavor profile.

Enjoy your juicy grilled chicken legs! Now get grilling!