Grilling chicken leg quarters is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, affordable, and flavorful meal. These cuts are incredibly versatile, taking on smoky flavors beautifully and yielding incredibly juicy meat when cooked correctly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your next grilling session produces perfectly cooked chicken leg quarters every time.
What You'll Need:
- Chicken Leg Quarters: Aim for about 1.5-2 pounds per person.
- Grill: Gas, charcoal, or even a smoker will work. Make sure it's clean and prepped.
- Marinade (Optional): A marinade adds incredible flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. We'll explore some options below.
- Grill Tools: Tongs, spatula, meat thermometer.
- Aluminum Foil (Optional): For indirect grilling or wrapping to retain moisture.
Preparing the Chicken Leg Quarters:
Before you even think about firing up the grill, proper preparation is key. Here's what you need to do:
- Pat them dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken skin. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Remove excess fat: Trim away any excess fat from the leg quarters. This prevents flare-ups on the grill and promotes even cooking.
- Consider a marinade: Marinating adds flavor and helps keep the meat tender. A simple marinade could include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano are great choices), salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Grilling Methods and Temperature:
There are a couple of ways to grill chicken leg quarters, each with its advantages:
1. Direct Grilling:
This method involves cooking the chicken directly over the heat source. It's great for achieving crispy skin, but requires careful attention to prevent burning.
- Temperature: Aim for medium-high heat (around 350-400°F).
- Cooking Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Indirect Grilling:
This method uses a two-zone grilling technique where the chicken is cooked over indirect heat, reducing the risk of burning.
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature of around 300-350°F.
- Cooking Time: This method takes a bit longer, around 45-60 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How Long to Grill Chicken Leg Quarters?
The cooking time varies depending on the size of the chicken leg quarters and your chosen grilling method. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh to ensure it's cooked through and safe to eat.
What temperature should chicken leg quarters be cooked to?
The USDA recommends cooking chicken leg quarters to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they're safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm this temperature.
How do you know when chicken leg quarters are done?
Besides using a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by visually inspecting the chicken. The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork, and the meat should be opaque and no longer pink. The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
How to make sure chicken leg quarters are juicy?
Keeping chicken leg quarters juicy involves a few key steps:
- Don't overcook: Overcooking is the biggest culprit of dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you reach the safe internal temperature without going beyond it.
- Marinate: Marinades add flavor and help retain moisture.
- Indirect grilling: Indirect grilling helps cook the chicken evenly and prevents it from drying out.
- Basting: Basting the chicken with a little marinade or juices during cooking helps to keep it moist.
Can you grill chicken leg quarters in foil?
Yes, you can grill chicken leg quarters in foil. This method helps retain moisture and creates a sort of steam-baked effect. Simply wrap the chicken in foil and place it on the grill. Cooking time will be longer, but the chicken will be extra juicy.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your perfectly grilled chicken leg quarters with your favorite sides! Some popular choices include:
- Grilled vegetables (corn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini)
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Rice
- Pasta salad
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to grilling succulent, flavorful chicken leg quarters every time. Happy grilling!
