How Long to Cook Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill (Perfectly Juicy Every Time!)

How Long to Cook Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill

Chicken legs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the most popular methods is to cook them on a pellet grill. Pellet grills use wood pellets to create a smoky flavor that is perfect for chicken.

Cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill is a relatively simple process. However, there are a few things you need to know in order to get the best results. In this article, we will discuss how long to cook chicken legs on a pellet grill, as well as some tips for making them extra delicious.

We’ll also provide you with a recipe for smoked chicken legs that you can try at home. So whether you’re a seasoned pellet griller or a novice, read on for all the information you need to know about cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill.

Time Temperature Notes
30 minutes 225 degrees F Preheat the grill to 225 degrees F.
1 hour 350 degrees F Flip the chicken legs and cook for another hour at 350 degrees F.
30 minutes 400 degrees F Increase the heat to 400 degrees F and cook for another 30 minutes.
Rest 10 minutes Let the chicken legs rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How Long To Cook Chicken Legs On Pellet Grill?

Pellet grills are a great way to cook chicken legs, as they can produce a delicious, smoky flavor. However, it can be difficult to know how long to cook chicken legs on a pellet grill, as the cooking time can vary depending on a number of factors.

In this guide, we will discuss the factors that affect cooking time, provide recommended cooking times for bone-in and boneless chicken legs, and offer tips for cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

The following factors can affect the cooking time of chicken legs on a pellet grill:

  • Size of the chicken legs: Larger chicken legs will take longer to cook than smaller chicken legs.
  • Temperature of the grill: The higher the temperature of the grill, the faster the chicken legs will cook.
  • Type of wood pellets used: Different types of wood pellets will produce different flavors and aromas in the chicken legs. Some woods, such as hickory and oak, will impart a stronger flavor than others, such as maple and cherry.
  • Whether the chicken legs are bone-in or boneless: Bone-in chicken legs will take longer to cook than boneless chicken legs.

Recommended Cooking Times

Based on the factors discussed above, the following are recommended cooking times for chicken legs on a pellet grill:

  • Bone-in chicken legs: 30-40 minutes per pound
  • Boneless chicken legs: 20-25 minutes per pound

Tips for Cooking Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill

Here are a few tips for cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill:

  • Preheat the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Season the chicken legs with your favorite seasonings.
  • Place the chicken legs on the grill and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Baste the chicken legs with barbecue sauce or another favorite sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following the tips in this guide, you can be sure to cook your chicken legs perfectly every time.

Additional Resources

  • [How to Cook Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill](https://www.bbqsmokerguru.com/how-to-cook-chicken-legs-on-a-pellet-grill/)
  • [Pellet Grill Chicken Legs Recipe](https://www.thehungryfoodie.com/pellet-grill-chicken-legs-recipe/)
  • [Tips for Cooking Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill](https://www.grillseeker.com/tips-for-cooking-chicken-legs-on-a-pellet-grill/)

How Long to Cook Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill?

Pellet grills are a popular choice for grilling chicken legs because they produce a delicious, smoky flavor. However, it can be difficult to know how long to cook chicken legs on a pellet grill so that they are cooked through but not dry.

The cooking time for chicken legs on a pellet grill will vary depending on the size of the legs, the temperature of the grill, and the desired doneness. However, a general rule of thumb is to cook chicken legs for 30-40 minutes per pound at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

To check if the chicken legs are done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are some tips for cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill:

  • Preheat the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Marinate the chicken legs in a flavorful liquid, such as buttermilk, Italian dressing, or a homemade marinade.
  • Place the chicken legs on the grill, skin side up.
  • Baste the chicken legs with the marinade every 10-15 minutes.
  • Cook the chicken legs until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill

Here are some tips for cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill:

  • Preheat the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the chicken legs cook evenly.
  • Marinate the chicken legs in a flavorful liquid. This will help to add moisture and flavor to the chicken.
  • Place the chicken legs on the grill, skin side up. This will help to create a crispy skin.
  • Baste the chicken legs with the marinade every 10-15 minutes. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
  • Cook the chicken legs until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the safe internal temperature for chicken.

Common Problems and Solutions

There are a few common problems that can occur when cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill. Here are some solutions to these problems:

  • Chicken legs are not cooked through. If the chicken legs are not cooked through, they will be pink in the center. To fix this, cook the chicken legs for longer until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Chicken legs are dry. If the chicken legs are dry, they will be tough and chewy. To fix this, marinate the chicken legs in a flavorful liquid before cooking them. You can also baste the chicken legs with the marinade during cooking.
  • Chicken legs are overcooked. If the chicken legs are overcooked, they will be tough and dry. To fix this, cook the chicken legs for less time. You can also check the chicken legs with a meat thermometer to make sure that they are cooked to the correct temperature.

Cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can be sure that your chicken legs will be cooked perfectly every time.

Here are some additional tips for cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Baste the chicken legs with the marinade or cooking juices every 10-15 minutes. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
  • Cook the chicken legs until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve the chicken legs with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Enjoy!

How long do I cook chicken legs on a pellet grill?

The cooking time for chicken legs on a pellet grill will vary depending on the size of the legs, the temperature of the grill, and your desired doneness. For small chicken legs (about 1 pound each), cook for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees F. For larger chicken legs (about 2 pounds each), cook for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees F.

What temperature should I cook chicken legs on a pellet grill?

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill is 350 degrees F. This will help to ensure that the chicken is cooked through without drying out.

How do I know when chicken legs are done cooking on a pellet grill?

There are a few ways to tell when chicken legs are done cooking on a pellet grill. The first is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. You can also check for doneness by looking at the color of the chicken. The skin should be golden brown and the meat should be white and opaque.

What can I do to prevent chicken legs from drying out on a pellet grill?

There are a few things you can do to prevent chicken legs from drying out on a pellet grill. First, make sure to not overcook the chicken. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Second, baste the chicken with cooking oil or butter every 10-15 minutes to help keep it moist. Finally, you can also wrap the chicken in aluminum foil after it has been cooking for about half of the time. This will help to lock in the moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.

What are some tips for cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill?

Here are a few tips for cooking chicken legs on a pellet grill:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  • Baste the chicken with cooking oil or butter every 10-15 minutes to help keep it moist.
  • Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil after it has been cooking for about half of the time. This will help to lock in the moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
  • Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to cook chicken legs on a pellet grill. We have covered everything from choosing the right type of chicken legs to preparing them for cooking. We have also provided detailed instructions on how to cook chicken legs on a pellet grill, including the temperature and time to cook them. Finally, we have shared some tips for making sure your chicken legs come out perfectly cooked and delicious.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you will be able to use the information we have provided to cook delicious chicken legs on your pellet grill. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for the best flavor and texture.
  • Preheat your pellet grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Marinate or brine your chicken legs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Cook your chicken legs for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Baste your chicken legs with barbecue sauce or your favorite glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Let your chicken legs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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