Perfect Chicken Leg Quarters on the Gas Grill: Timing Is Everything!

Did you ever put chicken leg quarters on a gas grill and end up with charred skin and undercooked meat? Or maybe you cooked them for so long that they turned into chicken jerky? Don’t worry, I’ve been there too! After years of trial and error (and some embarrassing dinner parties), I’ve finally figured out the best time to grill chicken leg quarters. Let’s get to it!

What Are Chicken Leg Quarters Anyway?

Before we jump into grilling times, let’s make sure we’re on the same page Chicken leg quarters are the lower part of the chicken that includes both the thigh and drumstick attached as one piece They’re economical, flavorful, and perfect for grilling because

• They have higher fat content than chicken breasts
• The bone-in nature helps maintain moisture
• They’re usually sold with skin on, which creates amazing flavor
• Each quarter typically weighs between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds

These pieces are a backyard griller’s dream because they’re forgiving and packed with flavor!

The Perfect Timing: How Long to Grill Chicken Leg Quarters

Here’s the straight answer – chicken leg quarters typically take about 35 to 45 minutes on a gas grill. But (and this is a big but) that timing depends on several factors

1. The size of your chicken quarters
2. Your grill’s temperature
3. Whether you’re using direct or indirect heat
4. If you’ve marinated the chicken beforehand

Combining checking the time and temperature is the best way to get perfect results every time.

Basic Grilling Timeline

Here’s my foolproof method that works every time:

Preparation Is Key!

Before you even think about timing, proper preparation makes all the difference:

Thawing and Marinating

Always start with properly thawed chicken. If you’re using frozen quarters, thaw them in the refrigerator for 24 hours or use the cold water method for quicker results (1-2 hours in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes).

Marinate those quarters for at least an hour, but 4-6 hours or overnight is even better for the best flavor. Adding acid to meat, like lemon juice or vinegar, makes it more tender and gives it flavor.

Some of my favorite marinades are:

• Herb and garlic: olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme
• BBQ style: your favorite BBQ sauce thinned with a little apple cider vinegar
• Spicy kick: hot sauce, honey, and lime juice

Essential Grilling Tools

Don’t start grilling without:

• A reliable meat thermometer (absolute must-have!)
• Long tongs for safe flipping
• A basting brush if you’re adding sauce
• A clean grill brush to prevent sticking

The Two-Zone Cooking Method for Perfect Results

Here’s the magic trick: use what we call the “two-zone” method to grill chicken leg quarters just right:

1. Create two heat zones on your grill:

   • Direct heat zone: Burner(s) turned on medium-high
   • Indirect heat zone: Burner(s) turned off

2. Start on direct heat:
   Place your chicken leg quarters skin-side down over direct heat for about 2-5 minutes per side. This creates those beautiful grill marks and starts crisping the skin.

3. Move to indirect heat:
   Transfer the chicken to the indirect heat zone, close the lid, and let them cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes.

4. Check and flip:
   After 20 minutes, flip the quarters and continue cooking on indirect heat for another 15-20 minutes.

5. Temperature check:
   Insert your thermometer into the thickest part of the meat (avoid touching bone). The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.

6. Optional sauce application:
   If you’re adding BBQ sauce or glaze, do it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

This method ensures crispy skin AND juicy, fully-cooked meat every time!

Common Mistakes That Mess Up Your Timing

I’ve made ALL these mistakes before, so learn from my fails:

1. Skipping the Preheat

Always, ALWAYS preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes. A cold grill leads to sticking and uneven cooking.

2. Too Much Direct Heat

Cooking chicken leg quarters exclusively over direct heat is a recipe for disaster. The outside will burn while the inside stays raw. That’s why the two-zone method is essential!

3. Constant Lid Opening

Every time you open the lid, you’re letting heat escape. This extends your cooking time and can dry out the chicken. Keep the lid closed except when absolutely necessary.

4. Overcooking Out of Fear

Many folks overcook chicken because they’re worried about foodborne illness. While safety is important, cooking beyond 165°F internal temperature just dries out your meat. That’s why a good thermometer is worth its weight in gold!

5. Skipping the Rest Period

After taking chicken off the grill, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of spilling out when you cut into it.

How to Tell When Chicken Leg Quarters Are Done

Besides timing, here are ways to check doneness:

• Temperature check: The most reliable method is reaching 165°F in the thickest part.
• Juices run clear: When you pierce the chicken, the juices should be clear, not pink.
• Meat pulling from bone: In well-cooked leg quarters, the meat starts to pull away from the bone.
• Firm but not hard: When pressed, the meat should feel firm but still have some give.

My Favorite Recipe for Juicy Grilled Leg Quarters

Here’s a recipe I use all the time that gets rave reviews:

Ingredients:

• 3-3.5 pounds chicken leg quarters (about 4 quarters)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients except BBQ sauce in a large zip-top bag
2. Add chicken quarters and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is better)
3. Preheat gas grill to medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes
4. Create a two-zone fire by turning off one burner
5. Grill chicken over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side until seared
6. Move to indirect heat, close lid, and cook for 20 minutes
7. Flip chicken, continue cooking for 15-20 more minutes
8. If using BBQ sauce, brush it on during the last 5 minutes
9. Check for internal temperature of 165°F
10. Remove from grill, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5-10 minutes

Serving Suggestions

These juicy leg quarters go great with:

• Classic coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Grilled vegetables
• Corn on the cob
• Green salad with vinaigrette

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Chicken is burning on the outside but raw inside
Solution: Your heat is too high or you’re using too much direct heat. Stick to the two-zone method!

Problem: Chicken skin is rubbery, not crispy
Solution: Make sure to start with direct heat to crisp the skin, and ensure your grill is properly preheated.

Problem: Takes longer than 45 minutes to cook
Solution: Your grill temperature is probably too low. Aim for 350-375°F with the lid closed.

Problem: Chicken sticks to the grill
Solution: Make sure grill is clean and properly preheated. You can also lightly oil the grates before cooking.

Final Thoughts

The key to perfectly grilled chicken leg quarters isn’t just about time—it’s about method. The 35-45 minute range works as a guideline, but always use your thermometer to confirm doneness. With the two-zone cooking method and proper preparation, you’ll be grilling perfect chicken leg quarters that’ll have your friends thinking you’re a grilling genius!

Remember, grilling is part science, part art. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades and techniques once you’ve mastered the basics. The more you grill, the better feel you’ll develop for timing and temperature.

Now fire up that grill and get cooking! Your perfect chicken leg quarters are just 45 minutes away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same method for a charcoal grill?
Yes! The concept is the same, but you’ll need to arrange your coals to one side to create the two heat zones.

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
While not ideal, you can check by cutting into the thickest part—the meat should be opaque and juices should run clear. But seriously, get a thermometer!

Can I use boneless chicken instead?
You can, but cooking times will be significantly shorter (around 15-20 minutes total).

How do I prevent flare-ups when grilling chicken with skin?
Trim excess skin/fat before grilling and keep a spray bottle of water handy to control any flare-ups that occur.

Can I prep these chicken quarters ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate them the night before for an easy next-day meal.

Happy grilling, friends!