Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these mouthwatering Ranch Grilled Chicken Legs! Perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends at your next cookout. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create juicy, tender chicken legs that are sure to be the star of the show. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice in the kitchen, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t miss out on the secret to grilling perfection—read on to discover how to make these irresistible ranch-infused delights!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken legs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing mix packet with olive oil, creating a marinade. Whisk thoroughly to blend the ingredients completely.
- Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes better browning.
- Season chicken legs with salt and pepper, then coat each leg entirely with the ranch dressing mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken legs on the grill, arranging them with some space between each piece to ensure even heat circulation.
- Grill chicken legs for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning every 7-8 minutes to ensure uniform cooking and prevent burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken is safe when it reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the leg.
- Once cooked, remove chicken legs from grill and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional ranch seasoning.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Allow your chicken legs to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps them cook more evenly and ensures juicy results.
- Marinade Magic: Mix the ranch dressing packet with olive oil thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade. The oil not only adds richness but also helps the seasoning adhere better to the chicken.
- Dry is Best: Pat your chicken legs dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture allows for better browning and a crispier skin.
- Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F) and make sure to oil the grates. This prevents sticking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Turn and Check: Grill the chicken legs for 25-30 minutes, turning them every 7-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Rest for Perfection: After grilling, let the chicken legs rest for 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and flavorful meat.
- Garnish for Flair: Serve your Ranch Grilled Chicken Legs hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra ranch seasoning for an added touch of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
