Butterflied Chicken Legs Recipe

Butterflied chicken legs are a fast, easy way to get crispier skin and more evenly cooked drumsticks on the grill, in the air fryer, or in the oven.

Course 30 minute meals, BBQ, dinner, Grilling, Main Course, Main Dishes

Cuisine American, BBQ, Cajun, Southern

Keyword butterflied chicken legs, comfort food, easy, grilled, spicy

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Servings Servings

Calories 17kcal

Author Bon Appeteach

Using a sharp knife, butterfly each drumstick by slicing down along both sides of the bone. Open the meat slightly so it lays flatter and cooks more evenly.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Drizzle with olive oil and coat all sides evenly with the Cajun seasoning or rub of choice.

Preheat the grill to medium heat, around 375-400°F.
Place the chicken legs directly over the heat grates. Cook for about 12-15 minutes total, flipping about every 3-4 minutes to help the chicken cook evenly and prevent burning.
Continue cooking until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 180°F. During the final 1-2 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with cowboy butter.
Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
Arrange the butterflied chicken legs in a single layer. Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches 180°F internally Brush with cowboy butter during the final 1-2 minutes before serving.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top if desired.
Arrange the chicken legs evenly spaced on the pan. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Cook until the chicken reaches 180°F internally and the skin is crisp.
Brush with cowboy butter during the final few minutes of cooking.

Cooking to 180°F gives drumsticks a more tender texture than stopping at 165°F.

Any BBQ rub works well here if you want to swap out the Cajun seasoning.