Cooking Turkey Legs on the Grill: Tips for Perfectly Juicy and Flavorful Results

Grilling turkey legs can be a delicious and flavorful alternative to the traditional oven-roasting method. As an experienced cook, I’ve found that grilling turkey legs not only adds a smoky and charred taste, but also helps to retain the meat’s natural juices. However, one common question that arises is how long to cook turkey legs on the grill. In this article, I’ll share my expertise and provide you with the optimal cooking time to ensure perfectly grilled turkey legs every time.

When it comes to cooking turkey legs on the grill, timing is crucial to achieve that tender and juicy texture. Based on my years of grilling experience, I’ve determined the ideal cooking time for turkey legs on the grill. By following my recommended guidelines, you’ll be able to savor the succulent flavors of perfectly grilled turkey legs. So, if you’re ready to take your grilling skills to the next level, keep reading to discover the precise cooking time for those mouthwatering turkey legs.

Grilling turkey legs can be a delightful culinary adventure, but it’s essential to know the correct cooking time to achieve optimal results. As an expert in all things grilling, I’ve experimented with various techniques and timings to perfect the art of grilling turkey legs. In this article, I’ll share my tried-and-true method for cooking turkey legs on the grill, ensuring they are cooked to perfection. So, if you’re ready to elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with tender and flavorful turkey legs, let’s dive into the recommended cooking time.

Preparing the Turkey Legs

When it comes to grilling turkey legs, proper preparation is key to achieving the perfect end result. Here are some steps I take to ensure that the turkey legs are flavorful and juicy:

1. Thawing: Start by thawing the turkey legs if they are frozen. Place them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave for quicker results. Thawing the legs completely will ensure even cooking.
2. Seasoning: Seasoning the turkey legs is crucial for adding flavor. I like to keep it simple by rubbing them with a mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor.
3. Marinating: For an extra boost of flavor, consider marinating the turkey legs. You can use a marinade of your choice, such as a citrus-based marinade or a barbecue sauce. Let the legs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Preheating the Grill: Before placing the turkey legs on the grill, make sure to preheat it to a medium-high heat. This will ensure that the legs cook evenly and develop a nice char on the outside.
5. Oil the Grill Grates: Prevent sticking by oiling the grill grates. I like to use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil and run it along the grates. This will also help to create those appealing grill marks on the turkey legs.

Remember, proper preparation sets the foundation for a successful grilling session. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving delicious and juicy turkey legs on the grill.

Marinating the Turkey Legs

Marinating the turkey legs is an essential step to infuse them with flavor and ensure they stay juicy and tender while grilling. Here’s how I marinate my turkey legs to perfection:

1. Choose a marinade: Select a marinade that complements the flavor of the turkey legs. Popular options include teriyaki, BBQ sauce, lemon-herb, or garlic butter. Look for recipes online or experiment with your own combination of spices and flavors.
2. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients. This can include ingredients like olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, herbs, and spices. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Coat the turkey legs: Place the turkey legs in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them and thoroughly coat each leg. If using a bag, seal it and gently massage the marinade into the meat to ensure it is evenly distributed. If using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent any air exposure.
4. Marinate in the refrigerator: Transfer the marinated turkey legs to the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 2 hours. For even better flavor, marinate them overnight. Make sure to turn the legs occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly marinated.
5. Bring the turkey legs to room temperature: Before grilling, remove the marinated turkey legs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the meat to relax and ensures more even cooking.

Remember, marinating not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. The acidity in the marinade helps break down the proteins, resulting in more succulent and flavorful turkey legs. With the marinating process complete, now it’s time to move on to the next step: preheating the grill.

Preheating the Grill

Before grilling turkey legs, it’s important to preheat the grill properly. This step ensures that the grill reaches the right temperature, which is crucial for even cooking and preventing the meat from sticking to the grates. Here’s how I preheat the grill for cooking turkey legs:

1. Turn on the grill: Start by turning on the grill to its highest heat setting. I usually set all the burners to high to maximize heat.
2. Close the lid: Once the grill is turned on, close the lid and let it preheat for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the grill to reach the desired temperature of around 400-450°F (204-232°C).
3. Clean the grates: While the grill is preheating, I take the opportunity to clean the grates. I use a grill brush to remove any leftover residue from previous use. This helps prevent any potential sticking and ensures a clean cooking surface.
4. Oil the grates: After cleaning the grates, I oil them to create a non-stick surface. I use a pair of tongs, a folded paper towel, and a high-heat cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil. Simply dip the paper towel into the oil, grab it with the tongs, and brush the grates to lightly coat them with oil. This step helps prevent the turkey legs from sticking to the grill while cooking.
5. Adjust the temperature: Once the grill has preheated for the recommended time and the grates are clean and oiled, I adjust the burner knobs to the desired cooking temperature. This will depend on the size and thickness of the turkey legs, as well as personal preference. For turkey legs, I typically set the burners to medium-high heat, around 350-375°F (177-191°C).

By preheating the grill properly, cleaning and oiling the grates, and adjusting the temperature accordingly, you’ll be well-prepared to cook delicious, juicy turkey legs. Remember, proper preheating is an essential step for achieving successful grilling results!

Cooking the Turkey Legs

Now that we have properly prepared the turkey legs, it’s time to get them on the grill and start cooking. Grilling turkey legs is a fantastic way to infuse them with delicious smoky flavors and achieve that irresistible charred exterior. With the right cooking time and temperature, you’ll end up with tender, juicy turkey legs that will be a hit at any gathering.

When it comes to grilling turkey legs, the cooking time will depend on various factors, such as the size of the legs and the temperature of your grill. As a general guideline, you can expect to cook the legs for 30-40 minutes. However, it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to perfection.

To determine if the turkey legs are done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the leg without touching the bone. The temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. This temperature ensures that any potential bacteria are eliminated, making the turkey legs safe to eat.

Throughout the cooking process, I recommend using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature regularly. This will help you avoid overcooking the turkey legs and ensure they stay juicy and tender.

Remember, the grill temperature is key. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-204°C). This high heat will sear the outside of the turkey legs, creating that desirable crispy skin. Keep an eye on the temperature during cooking and make any necessary adjustments to maintain a consistent heat level.

Once the turkey legs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender end product.

Checking the Temperature

One of the most important steps in grilling turkey legs is to ensure they are cooked to perfection. Checking the temperature is crucial to ensure that the meat is safe to eat and cooked to the right level of doneness. Here are a few tips for checking the temperature of your turkey legs on the grill:

1. Use a meat thermometer: It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature of the turkey legs. This will help you determine if they are cooked thoroughly. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding contact with the bone. The thermometer should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the turkey legs are safe to eat.
2. Check multiple spots: To ensure accuracy, it’s a good practice to check the temperature in multiple spots of the turkey legs. This is especially important if the legs are of varying thickness or if you are grilling a larger quantity. By checking different areas, you can ensure that the entire leg is cooked evenly.
3. Avoid overcooking: It’s important not to overcook turkey legs, as this can result in dry and tough meat. Once the thermometer reaches the desired temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s time to remove the turkey legs from the grill. Remember, the internal temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while the meat rests.
4. Rest the meat: After removing the turkey legs from the grill, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meat. Use this resting time to prepare any additional side dishes or garnishes for your grilled turkey legs.

By following these guidelines and checking the temperature with a meat thermometer, you can ensure that your turkey legs are cooked to perfection on the grill. Remember, safety first when it comes to cooking poultry, and an accurate temperature reading is key to enjoying a delicious and enjoyable meal.

Resting and Serving the Turkey Legs

Once the turkey legs are cooked to perfection on the grill, it’s important to allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This crucial step gives the meat a chance to reabsorb its juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.

Resting the turkey legs also helps to even out the internal temperature of the meat. By allowing the legs to sit undisturbed for a few minutes, the heat from the outer layers redistributes throughout, ensuring that every bite is cooked to the perfect level of doneness.

During this brief resting period, I like to cover the turkey legs loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to trap the heat and keep the legs warm, so they’re ready to be served at the ideal temperature.

Once the resting time is up, it’s time to serve up those delicious turkey legs. I recommend serving them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

As you slice into the turkey legs, you’ll notice the beautiful golden-brown crispy skin on the outside, while the meat inside will be juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Each bite will be a delightful combination of smoky flavors from the grill and the natural juices of the turkey legs.

Remember, it’s important to check the temperature of the turkey legs one last time before serving to ensure they have reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will ensure that the meat is cooked through and safe to enjoy.

With a little bit of patience and the right techniques, grilling turkey legs can result in a delicious and satisfying meal. So fire up the grill, follow these steps, and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering turkey legs that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.

Tips on How Long to Cook

Grilling turkey legs is a delicious way to enjoy tender and flavorful meat with a smoky twist. By following the steps outlined in this article, including thawing, seasoning, marinating, and preheating the grill, you can achieve fantastic results. Marinating the turkey legs is crucial for infusing them with flavor and ensuring they stay juicy on the grill. Preheating the grill properly, cleaning and oiling the grates, and adjusting the temperature accordingly are essential for successful grilling. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Allowing the legs to rest after cooking helps enhance their flavor and tenderness. Covering them with foil during this time will keep them warm. Finally, serve the turkey legs with your favorite sides and savor the combination of smoky flavors and juicy meat. With patience and the right techniques, grilling turkey legs can result in a satisfying and mouthwatering meal.