How to Make Easy Grilled Chicken Legs~Easy Cooking
How to Make Easy Grilled Chicken Legs~Easy Cooking is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by TosTinMan EasyCooking on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 32 min | Total: 1 hr 2 min
Cost: $15.03 total, $3.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Legs (skin-on, bone-in; about 4.2 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil (for coating chicken and grill grates)
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (for seasoning)
- 2 teaspoons Johnny Seasoned Pepper (pepper blend with bell pepper, garlic, onion; can use regular black pepper)
- 0.5 cup Kinder's Mild Barbecue Sauce (for glazing at the end of cooking)
Instructions
Rinse and Pat Dry
Rinse the chicken legs under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Lightly Oil the Chicken
Place the chicken in a bowl and drizzle with avocado oil, tossing to coat all surfaces evenly.
Time: PT2M
Season Generously
Sprinkle kosher salt and Johnny Seasoned Pepper over the chicken, rubbing to cover each piece thoroughly.
Time: PT3M
Preheat Grill
Turn the gas grill to high and close the lid. Allow the cast‑iron grates to heat for about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: High
Grill on High Heat
Place the seasoned chicken legs on the grill. Cook for roughly 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to avoid flare‑ups and ensure even browning.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: High
Check Internal Temperature
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a leg. When it reaches at least 165°F (ideally 170‑175°F for extra tenderness), proceed to glazing.
Time: PT2M
Glaze with Barbecue Sauce
Reduce the grill to low. Brush each leg with Kinder's mild barbecue sauce, then cook another 5 minutes until the glaze caramelizes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low
Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free BBQ sauce), Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Soy (in BBQ sauce), Potential wheat (check label of BBQ sauce)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Legs: Chicken Thighs
- Instead of Avocado Oil: Olive oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Johnny Seasoned Pepper: Black pepper, Seasoned salt
- Instead of Kinder's Mild Barbecue Sauce: Any mild BBQ sauce
Equipment Needed
- Gas Grill
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer
- Basting Brush
- Small Bowl (optional)
- Serving Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pat the chicken completely dry before oiling.
- Season the chicken evenly with salt and pepper blend.
- Preheat the grill until the cast‑iron grates are hot.
- Turn the chicken every 5 minutes to prevent burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature.
- Apply barbecue sauce only after the chicken is mostly cooked.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky flavor, add a handful of wood chips to the grill during the high‑heat phase.
- If you like a spicier glaze, mix a pinch of cayenne into the barbecue sauce before brushing.
Troubleshooting
Chicken sticks to the grill grates.
Make sure the grates are hot and lightly coated with avocado oil before adding the chicken.
Barbecue sauce burns and becomes bitter.
Apply the sauce only after the chicken has reached near‑doneness and lower the grill heat to medium‑low.
Chicken is undercooked in the center.
Use a meat thermometer; if the temperature is below 165°F, continue cooking on low heat, turning occasionally.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked legs in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season the chicken up to 12 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated; this deepens flavor.
- Barbecue sauce can be brushed on the chicken after grilling and then reheated in a skillet for serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of grilled chicken legs in American barbecue cuisine?
Grilled chicken legs are a staple of American backyard barbecues, especially in the Southern and Midwest regions where quick, affordable protein is prized. They embody the casual, communal spirit of summer cookouts and have been popularized by fast‑food chains and home‑grilling enthusiasts alike.
What regional variations of grilled chicken legs exist within United States barbecue traditions?
In the South, chicken legs are often smoked low and slow with a dry rub, while in the Southwest they may be marinated in a chili‑lime mixture. West Coast versions frequently feature sweeter, milder sauces like the Kinder's sauce used in this recipe.
During which occasions or celebrations are grilled chicken legs traditionally served in American culture?
Grilled chicken legs are common at family picnics, Fourth of July celebrations, tailgate parties, and casual weekend gatherings. Their bite‑size nature makes them perfect for informal, outdoor meals.
How does the grilled chicken legs recipe from YouTube channel TosTinMan EasyCooking differ from other chicken grilling tutorials?
TosTinMan EasyCooking emphasizes a simple seasoning of kosher salt and a pepper blend, uses avocado oil to prevent sticking, and applies barbecue sauce only at the end to avoid burning. The tutorial also stresses frequent turning and temperature monitoring for consistent results.
What does the YouTube channel TosTinMan EasyCooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel TosTinMan EasyCooking focuses on straightforward, budget‑friendly recipes for everyday home cooks, with a strong emphasis on grilling, quick meals, and clear step‑by‑step instructions.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making grilled chicken legs from the TosTinMan EasyCooking recipe?
Common errors include applying barbecue sauce too early (the sugars will burn), overcrowding the grill (which causes uneven cooking), and not using a meat thermometer (which can lead to undercooked chicken). Following the timing and turning schedule in the video prevents these issues.
Why does the TosTinMan EasyCooking grilled chicken legs recipe use avocado oil instead of regular vegetable oil?
Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, which helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the cast‑iron grates while allowing the seasoning to shine. It also adds a subtle buttery richness without overpowering the pepper blend.
Can I make the grilled chicken legs ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. After grilling, let the legs cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on a low‑heat grill or in a skillet to retain moisture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the grilled chicken legs are done?
The skin should be golden‑brown and slightly crisp, with visible grill marks. The meat inside should be juicy and opaque, and a thermometer should read at least 165°F (ideally 170‑175°F for extra tenderness).
How do I know when the grilled chicken legs are fully cooked without a thermometer?
If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink. However, using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method recommended by TosTinMan EasyCooking.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
