Name: Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-488154H32M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs whole chicken legs, skin-on, bone-in (about 6 legs with thighs and drumsticks); 2 Tbsp canola oil; Kosher salt and black pepper; 1/2 cup honey; 1 1/2 Tbsp honey mustard; 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 Tbsp rice vinegar; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; Minced chives or scallions, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something savory-sweet and finger-licking good, Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs are about to become your new obsession. Imagine crispy, smoky chicken skin brushed with a glistening, sticky glaze that’s both rich with honey and bright with a zing of mustard and vinegar. This recipe takes classic barbecue up a notch by balancing the juicy tenderness of bone-in chicken legs with just the right kick, and the result is a deeply satisfying main dish that begs to be shared at your next backyard cookout or cozy family dinner.

Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Only a handful of simple ingredients stand between you and Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs perfection. Every ingredient here matters: from the plump chicken legs to the smoky-sweet glaze, each piece comes together to create incredible depth of flavor and gorgeous color on the grill.

3 lbs whole chicken legs, skin-on, bone-in: These provide juicy flavor and stay tender on the grill, with the skin crisping beautifully when cooked.
2 Tbsp canola oil: Helps ensure the skin crisps up and prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; gives the chicken a savory base and brings out its natural flavors.
1/2 cup honey: Adds gorgeous sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully over the hot grill.
1 1/2 Tbsp honey mustard: Enhances the glaze with extra tang and keeps things interesting.
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Lends a subtle, savory backbone that complements the sweetness of the honey.
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Just the right amount of heat to balance out the sweetness — you can adjust up or down to taste.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds deep umami and a little saltiness to round out the glaze.
3 Tbsp rice vinegar: Brightens the glaze, cutting through the richness for a perfect flavor pop.
1/2 tsp kosher salt: Balances flavors in the glaze and makes sure the sweet isn’t overpowering.
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: A finishing touch of spice for the glaze.
Minced chives or scallions (for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp finish and a burst of color for serving.

How to Make Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and the Grill

Start by patting the chicken legs dry and letting them rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, brush the grill grates with oil or give them a quick mist with nonstick spray. Fire up all of your gas grill burners to high, close the lid, and let it preheat while you get the chicken ready. Starting with a hot, well-oiled grill is key for getting that coveted crisp skin — and prevents sticking, too.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub every inch of the chicken legs with canola oil so they develop a beautiful char and don’t dry out. Generously season on all sides with kosher salt and black pepper — this simple seasoning really lets the flavor of the chicken shine, setting the stage for that irresistible honey glaze later on.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Once the grill is nice and hot, turn off the burners on one half, and turn the other half to medium. Place the chicken skin-side down over the medium heat, and sear for about 10 minutes, flipping to get color on all sides. This step gives you maximum flavor and those amazing caramelized edges that make Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs so craveable.

Step 4: Cook Indirectly

After searing, move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill, skin-side up. Close the lid and let it cook gently for about 20 minutes until nearly cooked through (aim for about 150 degrees F). This indirect heat keeps the meat perfectly juicy while the skin finishes crisping up.

Step 5: Make the Honey Glaze

While the chicken basks on the grill, it’s time to whip up that luscious glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, honey mustard, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Resist the urge to shortcut this step — the glaze needs time on the stove to become glossy and syrupy.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish Cooking

Back to the grill — now comes the magic! With the chicken nearly finished, brush it all over with the warm honey glaze, turning a couple of times and brushing again for a deep, shiny coating. Let it cook for about 10 more minutes, with the glaze bubbling away and turning irresistibly sticky. The chicken should hit 160 degrees F at the thickest part when it’s done.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Transfer the beautifully glazed chicken legs to a tray, tent with foil, and let them rest for 10 minutes. This quick pause locks in all the juices, so every bite is tender and delicious. Right before serving, shower the platter with minced chives or scallions for a fresh burst of flavor and color.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle the Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs with plenty of minced chives or scallions. The pop of green isn’t just beautiful — it gives a gentle oniony crunch that pairs so well with the sweet and savory glaze. For a little extra zing, try a light dusting of sesame seeds or even a squeeze of fresh lime if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

These chicken legs are perfectly at home with all your favorite summer sides. Pile them high alongside grilled corn, a bright tomato salad, or classic coleslaw. They’re also dreamy with herby potato salad, warm rolls, and crisp pickles. Choose sides that complement the sweet heat of the glaze and you can’t go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the chicken legs on a big serving board with a bowl of extra glaze for dipping. Thread legs with fun decorative skewers for easy grab-and-go eating at picnics or BBQs. Or stack the legs on a platter over a bed of greens or grilled veggies to really show off their golden, sticky shine — they’ll be the star of the spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, let your Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, and they’ll easily keep their flavor and texture for up to four days. These are lovely cold as a quick lunch, or even sliced over salads.

Freezing

Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs can absolutely be frozen — perfect for planning ahead! Once cooled, wrap the chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. To prevent freezer burn, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm chicken legs on a baking sheet in a 325 F oven, loosely covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For the best skin, remove the foil at the end and broil for a minute to revive that sticky-sweet glaze.

FAQs

Can I use chicken drumsticks or thighs instead of whole legs?

Absolutely! Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs work wonderfully with just drumsticks or thighs — just adjust cook times slightly since smaller pieces may get done a bit faster. The glaze and technique are delicious on any bone-in, skin-on chicken cut.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should reach 160 degrees F at the thickest part. Letting it rest off the heat allows it to finish cooking gently and keeps it super tender.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries! You can make Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs in the oven. Use a broiler to sear and crisp the skin, then bake at 375 F until cooked through. Finish with the glaze under the broiler for a few extra minutes to caramelize.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Good news — this recipe is naturally dairy-free as written! Just double-check that your honey mustard and other condiments don’t contain unexpected dairy ingredients, and you’re good to go.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The honey glaze can be whisked and cooked ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. Gently rewarm before brushing onto the chicken for the best texture and shine.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs in your own kitchen! They’re a celebration of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that truly never get old. Fire up your grill and share with people you love — I’m certain they’ll become a go-to favorite for you, too.

Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 1 hr
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Legs are a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a sticky, flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Juicy and tender, these chicken legs are a crowd-pleaser for any outdoor gathering.

Instructions

Pat and Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and let rest at room temperature. Preheat the grill.
Season and Grill: Rub chicken with oil, season with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat.
Make the Glaze: Combine honey, mustard, garlic, red pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
Glaze the Chicken: Brush chicken with glaze, turning to coat evenly. Continue cooking until done.
Rest and Serve: Remove chicken, tent with foil, and let rest before serving. Garnish with chives or scallions.

Notes

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F for safe consumption.
Feel free to adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American