How Long to BBQ Chicken Legs on Gas Grill

Grilling chicken legs on a gas grill is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy juicy, flavorful barbecue.

But the big question most people have is: how long should chicken legs stay on the grill?

Cooking time matters because undercooked chicken is unsafe, while overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough.

Let’s break it down in a simple way so you can get perfect results every time.

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The Right Temperature for BBQ Chicken Legs

Chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs) have more fat and connective tissue than chicken breasts.

This means they need a little more time to cook, but they stay juicy if done right.

On a gas grill set to medium heat (about 350°F – 375°F), chicken legs usually take 30 to 35 minutes to cook through.

The key is to use indirect heat for most of the cooking, then finish with direct heat for crispy, flavorful skin.

To be sure they are safe to eat, chicken legs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part, though many grill masters prefer cooking them closer to 175–180°F for more tender meat.

A quick way to check is by using a meat thermometer.

If you don’t already have one, a meat temperature guide magnet like the one from Easy Function is handy.

It sticks right on your grill or fridge so you always know the safe temps for chicken, pork, and beef.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grill Chicken Legs on Gas Grill

• Preheat your grill – Set burners to medium heat. Aim for 350–375°F.

• Prepare the chicken legs – Pat them dry and season with salt, pepper, or your favorite rub.

• Use indirect heat first – Place the chicken legs on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 25–30 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes.

• Finish over direct heat – Move the legs to the hot side of the grill for the last 5 minutes. This crisps up the skin and adds nice grill marks.

• Check the temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the leg reaches 165°F or higher.

• Rest before serving – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle.

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still enjoy flavorful chicken at home.

Check out our guide on how long to BBQ chicken thighs without a grill for an easy alternative method.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Legs

• Avoid flare-ups by keeping chicken away from direct flames until the end.

• Add sauce later – Brush BBQ sauce on in the last 5 minutes so it doesn’t burn.

• Rotate evenly – Turning the legs helps them cook more evenly and prevents burning.

• Clean your grill first – A dirty grate can cause sticking. A safe option is using a wood grill scraper like the Easy Function scraper. Unlike metal bristle brushes, it won’t leave behind sharp bristles that can end up in food.

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Want to step up your grill game even further?

Learn the best way to cook on a gas grill for great results and take your BBQ to the next level.

Final Thoughts

So, how long to BBQ chicken legs on a gas grill?

About 30 to 35 minutes at 350–375°F, with a final sear for crispy skin.

Always check with a thermometer to make sure they reach at least 165°F.

Following these steps will give you juicy, flavorful chicken legs that everyone will love.

Want to make grilling even easier?

Click the images below to explore our range of Easy Function BBQ tools — from safe grill scrapers to handy meat temperature guides.

They’ll help you cook smarter and safer every time you fire up the grill.