Grilling chicken leg quarters offers a delicious and affordable way to enjoy this versatile cut of meat. Their bone-in, skin-on nature ensures juicy, flavorful results when cooked properly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, covering everything from preparation to achieving that perfect grill mark.
What You'll Need:
- Chicken Leg Quarters: The number will depend on how many people you're feeding.
- Grill: Gas, charcoal, or even a smoker will work.
- Grill Accessories: Tongs, spatula, meat thermometer.
- Marinade (Optional): A marinade adds incredible flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. See our marinade suggestions below.
- Basting Brush (Optional): For applying extra marinade or sauce during grilling.
Preparing Your Chicken Leg Quarters:
Before you even think about firing up the grill, proper preparation is key to juicy, flavorful chicken.
- Pat Them Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken skin. This helps achieve crispy skin.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with the seasoning! A simple salt and pepper blend is great, but you can also experiment with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite spice blend. Season the chicken generously, both under the skin and on the surface.
- Marinating (Optional but Recommended): Marinating for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, is highly recommended. It infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it moist during grilling.
Marinade Suggestions:
Here are a few simple yet effective marinade ideas:
- Lemon Herb Marinade: Combine lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), garlic, salt, and pepper.
- BBQ Marinade: Your favorite BBQ sauce works wonderfully as a marinade.
- Spicy Marinade: Mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil for a fiery kick.
Grilling the Chicken Leg Quarters:
Now for the fun part!
- Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F). Clean the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place Chicken on the Grill: Arrange the chicken leg quarters on the preheated grill grates, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Give them some space to cook evenly.
- Grill Time: The grilling time will vary depending on the size of the chicken leg quarters and the heat of your grill. However, you can expect to grill for approximately 45-60 minutes, turning them every 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Basting (Optional): For extra flavor and moisture, you can baste the chicken with your marinade or BBQ sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of grilling.
How Long Does it Take to Grill Chicken Leg Quarters?
The grilling time for chicken leg quarters varies based on several factors: the size of the quarters, your grill's heat, and whether you're using a marinade. Generally, expect to grill them for 45-60 minutes, but using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F is crucial for food safety.
What Temperature Should Chicken Leg Quarters Be Cooked To?
Chicken leg quarters are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Don't rely solely on visual cues; a meat thermometer is essential for ensuring food safety.
How Do You Keep Chicken Leg Quarters Moist When Grilling?
Keeping chicken leg quarters moist involves a combination of techniques:
- Marinating: Marinating beforehand helps tenderize the meat and lock in moisture.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked chicken is dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without overcooking.
- Brining (Optional): Brining the chicken before grilling adds even more moisture.
Can You Grill Chicken Leg Quarters on a Gas Grill?
Yes! Gas grills are excellent for cooking chicken leg quarters. Just ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat and maintain consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters:
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Overcrowding will lower the temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
- Let the chicken rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
- Experiment with different seasonings and marinades: Get creative and find your favorite flavor combinations!
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to grilling perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken leg quarters every time. Enjoy!
