How to Grill Chicken Legs on a Big Green Egg

Are you ready to master the art of grilling chicken legs on your Big Green Egg? Look no further!

In this article, we’ll show you the step-by-step process to achieve perfectly grilled chicken legs every time.

From preparing and seasoning the chicken legs to preheating your Big Green Egg, we’ve got you covered.

So grab your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with your grilling skills.

Let’s get started!

Preparing the Chicken Legs

Before grilling, it’s important to marinate the chicken legs to enhance their flavor. There are various marinating techniques and brining methods that you can use to ensure juicy and delicious chicken legs on the grill.

One popular marinating technique is to create a simple marinade using a combination of oil, acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar), and seasonings. You can mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Place the chicken legs in a resealable bag or a shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and make sure they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken legs to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for even better flavor, you can marinate them overnight.

Another method to enhance the juiciness of the chicken legs is brining. Brining involves soaking the chicken legs in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and other flavorings. This helps to lock in moisture and infuse the meat with flavor. To brine the chicken legs, dissolve salt and sugar in a pot of water, add any desired herbs or spices, and submerge the chicken legs in the brine. Let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.

Seasoning the Chicken Legs

After you’ve gathered all your ingredients, make sure to thoroughly season your chicken legs with your favorite blend of spices. This step is crucial to enhancing the flavor of your grilled chicken legs.

Here are some marinating techniques and alternative seasoning options that you can try:

• Marinating Techniques:

• Overnight marination: Place the seasoned chicken legs in a ziplock bag or a covered bowl and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.

• Dry rub: Mix together a combination of herbs, spices, and salt, and rub it onto the chicken legs. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.

• Alternative Seasoning Options:

• Lemon and herb: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken legs and sprinkle them with a mixture of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano. This combination adds a bright and fragrant flavor to the meat.

• Spicy barbecue: Combine chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar to create a spicy and smoky barbecue seasoning. This option is perfect for those who enjoy a kick of heat in their grilled chicken.

Remember to adjust the amount of seasoning according to your taste preferences. Enjoy the delicious flavors of your perfectly seasoned grilled chicken legs!

Preheating the Big Green Egg

To ensure proper cooking temperature, you’ll want to preheat your Big Green Egg for at least 15 minutes before placing your seasoned chicken legs on the grill. Preheating is crucial because it allows your grill to reach the desired temperature and ensures even cooking throughout.

One of the main benefits of preheating your Big Green Egg is that it helps to eliminate any bacteria that may be present on the grill grates. As the grill heats up, it kills off any harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Preheating also helps to sear the chicken legs quickly, locking in the juices and creating a delicious crust on the outside. This high initial heat helps to achieve that perfect charred flavor that we all love.

To preheat your Big Green Egg, simply open the vents and light the charcoal. Let it burn for about 15 minutes until the charcoal is covered with a layer of white ash. This indicates that the grill is ready for cooking.

Grilling the Chicken Legs

Once the grill is preheated, you can start cooking the seasoned chicken legs for a delicious meal. Grilling chicken legs on a Big Green Egg can be a flavorful and satisfying experience. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Marinating the chicken legs: Before grilling, marinating the chicken legs can infuse them with extra flavor. You can use your favorite marinade or try a combination of spices, herbs, and oil. Let the chicken legs marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

• Different grilling techniques: There are various grilling techniques you can use to cook your chicken legs on a Big Green Egg. You can opt for direct grilling, where the chicken legs are placed directly over the heat source, or indirect grilling, where the chicken legs are cooked away from the direct heat. Both methods can yield deliciously juicy and tender chicken legs.

• Temperature control: It is important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the grilling process. Keep an eye on the thermometer and adjust the vents accordingly to maintain the desired temperature. This will ensure that the chicken legs cook evenly and avoid any risk of undercooking or overcooking.

• Grilling time and resting: The cooking time for chicken legs will vary depending on their size and the grilling technique used. Generally, it takes around 30 to 40 minutes to cook chicken legs on a Big Green Egg. Once they are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to settle.

Grilling chicken legs on a Big Green Egg can be a delightful experience with the right techniques and attention to detail. Enjoy your meal!

Serving and Enjoying the Grilled Chicken Legs

When you’re ready to enjoy the grilled chicken legs, make sure to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender bite.

Serving suggestions for grilled chicken legs are endless, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

First, you can serve the chicken legs as they are, hot off the grill. They make a delicious main course, perfect for a backyard barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner. You can accompany them with simple sides like a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy french fries.

If you want to add some extra flavor, consider brushing the chicken legs with a tasty marinade before grilling. Marinade options for chicken legs are plentiful, ranging from tangy and citrusy to sweet and savory. Some popular choices include teriyaki, honey mustard, lemon herb, or barbecue sauce. Let the chicken legs marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for a more intense flavor) before grilling.

Another serving suggestion is to shred the grilled chicken legs and use them as a filling for tacos, sandwiches, or wraps. Top them with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

No matter how you choose to serve them, grilled chicken legs are a versatile and delicious option that is sure to please. Enjoy!

Conclusion

So there you have it, grilling chicken legs on a Big Green Egg is a delicious and satisfying experience.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your chicken legs are perfectly cooked and full of flavor.

Remember to properly prepare and season the chicken legs, preheat the Big Green Egg, and grill them to perfection.

Once they are done, serve them up and enjoy the juicy and tender meat.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with your grilling skills!