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Grilling chicken is a great way to enjoy the smoky and savory flavors of barbecued chicken while providing a healthier alternative to fried or breaded chicken. For those looking to make delicious grilled chicken with juicy, tender meat, one of the best cuts to use are leg quarters.
But how long should you grill leg quarters for the perfect, succulent dish? In this blog post, we’ll help you answer that question and guide you through grilling chicken leg quarters to perfection. So read on to learn how long to grill chicken leg quarters!
Ingredients for grilled chicken quarters
To make the most of your chicken leg quarters, it’s important to start with good ingredients. First and foremost, look for quality chicken legs — preferably organic or free-range — that have been raised humanely and not treated with hormones or antibiotics.
You’ll also want to season your chicken before grilling; try marinating leg quarters in a mixture of olive oil, spices, and herbs for maximum flavor. In addition to the marinade, you’ll also want to prepare your grill; make sure it’s clean, heated up properly, and adequately lubricated with oil or cooking spray.
Once your ingredients are ready and your grill is prepped, it’s time to start grilling. For the ideal chicken leg quarter, you’ll want to cook them over medium-high heat for roughly 15 minutes per side. Remember to check that your chicken is cooked through before serving — the internal temperature of a properly cooked leg quarter should reach at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
What’s the difference between chicken legs, thighs, and drumsticks?
When it comes to cooking chicken, there are three main parts that can be used—legs, thighs and drumsticks. All of these cuts come from the same area of the bird, but they vary a bit in terms of size and flavor.
Chicken legs are actually composed of two distinct pieces; the thigh (the upper part) and the drumstick (the lower part). Both of these pieces contain white meat and can be cooked similarly, but the thigh typically has more fat marbling which gives it a richer flavor.
Drumsticks are much slimmer than thighs and don’t contain as much fat; they tend to dry out faster during cooking, so they should be cooked briefly over high heat. Both of these cuts can be used for grilling, baking, roasting, and more!
When it comes to the leg quarter cut specifically, however, it’s composed of a thigh and drumstick that are connected at the joint. This cut is great for slow-cooking or barbecuing as it will remain juicy and flavorful due to the combination of fat and lean meat. The leg quarter is often one of the best value cuts you can buy, so it’s definitely worth considering for your next grilling session!
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing the best cut for your needs, it’s important to consider the cooking method and desired flavor profile. All of these cuts can be used in a variety of dishes; however, grilling chicken leg quarters can yield particularly delicious results!
How to grill chicken quarters
Before we get into how to grill chicken quarters, it is important to remember that you should always marinate them first. The marinade will help add flavor and tenderize the meat, as well as make sure that the skin doesn’t burn when you cook them. Once your leg quarters are thoroughly marinated, take them out of the fridge an hour before grilling. This will help them come up to room temperature and ensure even cooking.
When it’s time to fire up your grill, make sure that it is preheated to medium-high heat. Place the leg quarters skin side down on the grate and leave for about 8 minutes without moving them; this will help create a nice golden brown color and crispy texture. Flip the legs over, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for an additional 8 minutes. Check that the internal temperature of the thighs reaches at least 165°F with a meat thermometer before serving.
Enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken quarters! Serve them up with your favorite sides and sauces, or shred them up for tacos, salads, or sandwiches.
How long does it take to grill chicken leg quarters?
Grilling chicken leg quarters can take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. To ensure that your chicken is cooked through, you should use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F before serving.
Generally speaking, it’s best to cook them over medium-high heat for 8 minutes on the skin side, and then 8 minutes on the other side. Be sure to keep an eye on your leg quarters as they cook; you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on how hot your grill is.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that larger pieces will take longer than smaller ones, so be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Tips for perfectly grilled chicken legs every time
Grilling chicken leg quarters perfectly every time is possible with a few simple tips.
1. Start with the quality chicken. Look for chicken leg quarters that are firm and have a uniform color all over.
2. Marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade overnight before grilling; this will help tenderize and add flavor to the meat.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the leg quarters on the grate.
4. Cook the chicken legs' skin side down for 8 minutes before flipping them over and reducing the heat to medium.
5. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thighs reaches at least 165°F before serving.
6. Let your grilled chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it. This will help keep the juices inside the meat and ensure maximum flavor!
FAQs
1. Is it safe to grill chicken leg quarters?
Yes, as long as the internal temperature of the thighs reaches at least 165°F. It’s important to check with a meat thermometer before serving.
2. How do I know when my chicken leg quarters are done?
Your leg quarters are done cooking once the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature of the thighs reaches at least 165°F.
3. How long should I marinate my chicken before grilling?
It’s best to marinate your chicken leg quarters overnight for maximum flavor, however, an hour or two will also do the trick!
4. Do I need to preheat my grill before grilling chicken legs?
Yes, it’s important to preheat your grill so that the leg quarters cook evenly and don’t burn. Heat the grill to medium-high heat before adding the chicken to the grate.
5. What temperature should I cook my chicken leg quarters?
It’s best to cook chicken leg quarters over medium-high heat for 8 minutes on the skin side, and then 8 minutes on the other side.
Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F before serving.
6. How long can I store grilled chicken legs in the fridge?
Cooked chicken should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3 to 4 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
7. Can I freeze grilled chicken legs?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken leg quarters for up to 2-3 months. Wrap your leftovers tightly in freezer-safe bags and lay them flat in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, defrost the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I put the chicken directly on the grill?
Yes, you can put the chicken directly on the grill. However, it is important to remember that different types of meat require different cooking times and temperatures.
Chicken should be cooked over medium-high heat for 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. It is also a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked correctly before serving.
How long to grill chicken leg quarters at 400?
Grilling chicken leg quarters at 400°F is a great way to ensure perfectly cooked and flavorful meat. Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat for about 10 minutes before adding the chicken legs.
Place the leg quarters on the grate skin side down and cook for 8 minutes, then flip them over and reduce the heat to medium.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thighs, which should reach at least 165°F before taking them off the grill. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into it to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor.
How long does to grill a quarter chicken on a gas grill?
Grilling a chicken quarter on a gas grill is a great way to get perfectly cooked and flavorful meat. Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat for about 10 minutes before adding the chicken quarters.
Place them on the grate skin side down and cook for 8 minutes, then flip them over and reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature of the thighs reaches at least 165°F.
It is also a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into it to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor.
What temperature are leg quarters done on the grill?
Grilling chicken leg quarters is a great way to get perfectly cooked and flavorful meat. It is important to cook the legs at the right temperature in order to ensure that they are done properly.
The ideal internal temperature for chicken leg quarters on the grill should be 165°F or higher. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat and place the legs on the grate skin side down. Cook for 8 minutes before flipping them over and reducing the heat to low or medium-low.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thighs reaches at least 165°F before taking them off the grill. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into it to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor.
Final words
Grilling chicken leg quarters is a great way to get perfectly cooked and flavorful meat. It is important to cook the legs at the right temperature in order to ensure that they are done properly.
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, place the legs on the grate skin side down, and cook for 8 minutes before flipping them over and reducing the heat to low or medium-low. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thighs reaches at least 165°F before taking them off the grill.
Additionally, you can freeze cooked chicken leg quarters for up to 2-3 months and reheat them when ready to enjoy. Following these steps will help ensure that your chicken leg quarters are cooked to perfection every time.
