How Long to Grill Frozen Chicken Legs for Juicy, Tender Results

One of the most common ways to cook chicken is on a grill. The high heat helps seal in the chicken’s flavor and moisture on the outside. At the same time, the inside cooks slowly, keeping the meat nice and juicy. The skin on grilled chicken legs is crispy and charred, and the meat is soft.

But we’ve all been there – you take the chicken out to thaw and then life gets in the way Before you know it, it’s dinnertime and your chicken is still frozen solid Now what? Can you even grill frozen chicken legs?

The good news is that yes, you can grill chicken legs straight from frozen It just takes a bit more time and care Here’s what you need to know about how long to grill frozen chicken legs to end up with great results.

How Long Does it Take to Grill Frozen Chicken Legs?

It takes about 50% longer to grill frozen chicken legs than it does to grill thawed chicken legs. A good rule of thumb is:

• Boneless chicken thighs or legs: Grill for 8-12 minutes per side
• Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks: Grill for 15-20 minutes per side

These times are for grilling at medium-high heat, around 350°F. Allowing extra time is key for fully cooking frozen chicken and preventing foodborne illness.

The thicker the cut of meat, the more time it needs on the grill. Boneless legs and thighs will cook faster than bone-in. Chicken drums and thighs are thicker than chicken boneless thighs, so they require more time to fully cook through.

Why Does Frozen Chicken Need Longer to Grill?

Freezing chicken slows down the cooking process in a couple key ways:

The frozen exterior acts as an insulator. The temperature inside can’t rise quickly because the outside is frozen. Heat takes longer to penetrate into the center.

The meat loses moisture as it thaws. Ice crystals form within the meat when frozen. As the chicken thaws on the grill, these melt and evaporate, drying out the exterior. This puts you at risk of overcooking the outer portion before the inside finishes cooking.

The temperature begins lower. Room temperature raw chicken starts off at around 40°F. Frozen chicken begins at 0°F or below. It takes longer for frozen meat to heat through because there is a bigger difference between the first and last safe cooking temperature (165°F).

Giving frozen chicken extra time on the grill helps account for these factors. Letting it cook low and slow allows the interior to come up to temperature without burning the outside.

Tips for Grilling Frozen Chicken Legs

Grilling frozen chicken legs takes a bit more attention than grilling thawed meat. Here are some useful tips:

• Pat the chicken dry before grilling. Any moisture on the surface will cause flare-ups from the high heat.

• Use a lower grill temperature, around 280°F. This prevents the exterior from overcooking.

• Place the chicken skin-side down first. The skin helps protect the delicate meat as it thaws.

• Keep an eye on thicker parts. Meat near the bone often requires more time to cook through.

• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, not color. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F.

• Let it rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.

• Clean your grill after cooking. Frozen meat leaves extra residue behind, which can lead to flare-ups next time.

How to Tell When Frozen Chicken Legs Are Done Grilling

Checking the internal temperature is the most reliable way to tell when frozen chicken legs are fully cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to test the thickest part of a leg or thigh, avoiding the bone.

For bone-in chicken legs, aim for 165°F in the innermost meat, not just near the surface. Frozen meat often cooks unevenly.

Signs that frozen chicken legs are fully grilled:

• The internal temperature reaches 165°F
• The meat near the bone is opaque and cooked through
• Juices run clear when pierced with a fork
• The skin is nicely browned and crispy

If the chicken isn’t yet up to temperature, continue grilling until the thermometer hits 165°F when re-tested. Undercooked chicken poses a real health risk, so it’s worth taking extra time to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Choosing the Best Frozen Chicken Legs for Grilling

Not all frozen chicken legs are equal when it comes to grilling. Here are a few things to look for:

• Skin-on, bone-in chicken legs – the skin and bone help retain moisture and flavor

• Free of ice crystals – this indicates the chicken hasn’t been thawed and refrozen, which dries it out

• Unseasoned – season it yourself to control flavor and avoid burning

• Similar sized pieces – for even cooking

• Good marbling – streaks of fat keep the meat tender and juicy

High quality frozen chicken legs make the grilling process much easier. The better the starting point, the better the end result will be.

Grilled Frozen Chicken Legs Are Worth the Wait

Although it takes longer to grill frozen chicken legs, the extra time and care is well worth it. The frozen meat absorbs smoke nicely, adding flavor. Freezing actually tenderizes the muscle fibers as the ice crystals form.

While grilling thawed chicken may be quicker, with planning ahead and the right techniques, grilled frozen chicken legs can turn out just as juicy and delicious. The smoky, charred skin and succulent meat are well worth the wait. Just be sure to insert a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Next time you pull frozen chicken out to grill, don’t panic. With a little patience, you can enjoy amazing grilled chicken, even when thawed straight from the freezer. Give these frozen chicken legs plenty of time over moderate heat. In less than an hour you’ll be sinking your teeth into tender, smoky, juicy chicken.

So go ahead and grill that frozen chicken! With the right methods, frozen and thawed chicken legs can grill up equally tasty. The savory grilled flavors and tender texture are impossible to resist.