Juicy Chicken Legs on Pellet Grill – Easy Recipe
Chicken legs on pellet grill deliver that perfect smoky, savory, and finger-licking flavor every time. Whether you’re new to pellet grilling or already a backyard BBQ pro, this easy recipe guarantees drumsticks that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold flavor. It’s a go-to choice for weekend cookouts, casual weeknight dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make the best grilled chicken legs on your pellet smoker, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, time-saving tips, and even flavor variations to keep things interesting.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Pellet Grill Chicken Legs
Cooking chicken legs on pellet grill gives you the best of both worlds: slow, even cooking with that irresistible smoky flavor. Thanks to the indirect heat and steady temperature of a pellet grill, your chicken stays moist while the skin gets perfectly crisped.
Plus, it’s super hands-off—just season, smoke, and let the grill do its thing!
Here’s why this recipe rocks:
- Easy prep with minimal cleanup
- Kid-friendly and budget-friendly
- Works with any flavor wood pellets
- Fully customizable with your favorite rubs or sauces
- Great for meal prep or party platters
Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!
Ingredients for Pellet Grill Chicken Legs
Here’s everything you need for juicy, smoky chicken legs. This recipe serves about 4–6 people (depending on appetite!).
Main Ingredients:
- 10 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Optional Add-ons:
- Your favorite BBQ sauce (for basting in the final minutes)
- Lemon wedges or fresh herbs for garnish
Note: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought chicken seasoning or BBQ rub if you’re in a hurry!
Step-by-Step: How to Grill Chicken Legs on Pellet Grill
Ready to master pellet grill chicken legs? Follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Pellet Grill
Set your pellet grill to 225°F. You want low and slow to start so the chicken absorbs all that smoky goodness.
Recommended wood pellets: Hickory, apple, cherry, or pecan all pair beautifully with chicken.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken Legs
While the grill preheats, prep your chicken:
- Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix all your spices together.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub it in evenly.
- Sprinkle the spice mix all over the legs, coating them generously on all sides.
Tip: Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling. This helps them cook more evenly.
Step 3: Smoke the Chicken Legs
Place the chicken legs directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke at 225°F for 1 hour.
This slow phase infuses the chicken with smoke and begins the cooking process gently.
Step 4: Increase Heat to Finish
After the first hour, bump up the temperature to 375°F. Continue cooking the chicken for another 25–35 minutes, or until:
- Internal temp reaches 175°F to 180°F
- Skin is crispy and golden brown
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—it’s the best way to avoid dry or undercooked chicken.
🍗 Don’t Skip This: Higher heat at the end is key for crispy skin without drying the meat.
Step 5: Optional BBQ Glaze
If you like saucy chicken, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling. Let it caramelize for that sticky-sweet finish.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken legs from the grill and let them rest for 5–10 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute so each bite is moist and flavorful.
Serve hot with sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad.
Quick Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 people
Tips, Tricks & Variations
Get Crispy Skin Every Time
- Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning
- Don’t crowd the grill—airflow = crispiness
- Finish at high heat to tighten up the skin
Flavor Variations
- Sweet & Smoky: Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to your rub
- Lemon Herb: Use lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme
- Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or chipotle powder
- Asian-Inspired: Baste with teriyaki sauce at the end
Pellet Flavor Ideas
- Applewood: Mild and slightly sweet, great with BBQ sauce
- Cherry: Slightly fruity, beautiful reddish color on the meat
- Hickory: Classic, strong smoky flavor
- Pecan: Rich, nutty smoke that’s not too overpowering
No Pellet Grill?
You can adapt this for a gas grill or oven:
- For gas grill: Use indirect heat and a smoker box for wood chips.
- For oven: Bake at 375°F for 45–55 minutes until internal temp hits 175°F.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store Leftovers:
Let the chicken cool completely before storing.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
How to Reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes
- Air fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 6–8 minutes (great for crispy skin!)
- Microwave: Use for convenience, but the skin may get soft
🔄 Meal Prep Idea: Remove meat from the bone and use it in wraps, tacos, or salads!
What to Serve with Pellet Grilled Chicken Legs
Round out your meal with some of these classic BBQ sides:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Macaroni salad or coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttery cornbread
- Roasted vegetables
- Pickles and fresh cucumbers for crunch
Or keep it simple with chips and a cold drink!
FAQs: Chicken Legs on Pellet Grill
What temperature should chicken legs be cooked to?
Always cook chicken legs to an internal temp of 175°F–180°F. This breaks down the connective tissue for tender, juicy meat.
Can I cook frozen chicken legs on pellet grill?
It’s best to thaw them first for even cooking and better seasoning. If you must grill from frozen, add at least 50% more cook time and monitor closely.
Why is the chicken skin rubbery?
Rubbery skin is usually from too low a temperature. Always finish chicken legs at a higher heat (350°F–400°F) to crisp the skin.
How long does it take to cook chicken legs on pellet grill?
Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours total. One hour at 225°F to smoke, then about 30–40 minutes at higher heat to finish.
Can I marinate the chicken instead of dry rubbing?
Absolutely! Try a buttermilk marinade for tenderness, or something tangy like lemon and yogurt. Just be sure to pat the legs dry before grilling so the skin crisps up.
Final Thoughts: Try Chicken Legs on Your Pellet Grill Tonight!
If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward meal, chicken legs on pellet grill are your ticket to smoky BBQ heaven. They’re easy to season, hard to mess up, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd—or just yourself with leftovers to spare.
Whether you’re new to pellet smoking or just want a reliable go-to recipe, this one’s a keeper. So fire up your Traeger, Pit Boss, or whatever grill you’ve got, and give these juicy chicken legs a go. You’ll taste the difference—and probably come back for seconds.
Happy grilling, friend! 🔥🍗
