How Long to Grill Bone-In Chicken Thighs for Juicy, Flavorful Results

An increasing number of people enjoy grilling, and chicken thighs are often the best food to use to get better at it.

Let’s explore the ins and outs of grilling chicken thighs to help you always achieve mouthwatering results. Knowing how long to grill chicken thighs is essential for a successful grilling experience and ensuring your dish is flavorful and cooked safely.

Now let’s talk about everything you need to know about chicken thighs and how to grill them perfectly.

Many backyard cooks find it intimidating to grill bone-in chicken thighs. But if you know what to do and when to do it, you can always get perfectly cooked chicken thighs. In this detailed guide, I’ll show you how to prepare, grill, and know when bone-in thighs are done. Let’s get grilling!.

Why Choose Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are ideal for the grill. but opting for bone-in thighs offers some major advantages .

The bone adds moisture and flavor as the chicken cooks. Bone-in thighs are virtually foolproof against overcooking.
The meat stays tender and juicy even when it’s directly heated on the grill because it has more fat than chicken breasts.
The skin gets deliciously crispy, adding great texture.
They’re budget-friendly and readily available.

For the best results, choose plump thighs with skin and clean them just before grilling. Organic and free-range thighs offer superior flavor.

Proper Prep Is Key

Taking the time to prep your chicken thighs before grilling makes all the difference. Here are some top tips:

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Soaking the chicken in a marinade makes it taste better and make it more tender. Add vinegar, citrus juice, yogurt, oil, spices, and herbs to a dish that already has acidic tastes. Leave them to sit for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2 to 12 hours.

Pat Dry Before Grilling

Pat the thighs dry before grilling to help achieve crispy skin. Excess moisture on the surface can make it soggy.

Oil the Grill Grates

Lightly brushing oil on the hot grill grates prevents sticking. Use tongs to rub a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil across the grates.

Allow Thighs to Come to Room Temp

Let refrigerated thighs sit out for 20-30 minutes before grilling. Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly.

Grilling Methods for Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Grilling over direct high heat the entire time risks drying out the meat. A two-zone fire is best to get that perfect combo of juicy interior and crispy skin.

Use Direct Then Indirect Heat

Start by searing the thighs skin-side down over direct heat for 5-7 minutes until browned. Then move to indirect heat on the grill with the lid closed to finish cooking through.

Maintain Proper Temperature

Keep the grill temp between 350-400°F. Higher heat risks burning the outside before the inside cooks. Lower heat means you’ll miss out on that charred crispiness.

Close the Lid During Cooking

Closing the grill lid traps heat and moisture, leading to juicier meat. Open the vents to maintain proper airflow and temperature.

How Long Should You Grill Bone-In Chicken Thighs?

The ideal cook time for bone-in thighs on the grill is 30-40 minutes at medium-high heat. Here is a more detailed grilling time breakdown:

5-7 minutes searing skin-side down over direct heat
23-33 minutes finishing over indirect heat with grill lid closed

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. The safe minimum internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. Removing thighs at 160°F allows carryover cooking to 165°F as the chicken rests.

6 Ways to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done Grilling

It can be tricky to tell when bone-in thighs are fully cooked. Watch for these signs:

The internal temperature reads 160-165°F on a meat thermometer
Juices run clear when pierced with a knife
The meat pulls back from the bone easily
Skin is crisp and nicely browned
Flesh feels firm when pressed with tongs
No traces of pink in the thickest part of the meat

The thighs may need a few extra minutes if the grill runs cooler. For food safety, confirm doneness with a thermometer.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Bone-In Chicken Thighs

With the right techniques, you can master grilled chicken thigh perfection:

Use a flavorful marinade or dry rub
Grill over a two-zone fire for crispy skin and moist meat
Maintain a consistent grill temperature of 350-400°F
Cook until thermometer reaches 160-165°F internally
Allow thighs to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
Pair with grilled veggies, salads, baked potatoes, and other classic sides

Satisfying and Simple Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilling bone-in chicken thighs requires far less time and effort compared to grilling whole chickens or other cuts like breasts. With the ideal prep, grilling methods, and cook times outlined above, you can look forward to incredibly tasty, juicy chicken off the grill. Get creative with marinades and spice rubs, and enjoy this simple protein all summer long!

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How To Elevate Your Grilled Chicken Thighs with Tasty Variations

If you want to add an extra flavor to your grilled chicken thighs, experimenting with different seasoning blends and marinade flavors can take your dish to new heights.

Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

Lemon Herb: To make a zesty and fragrant marinade, mix fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.

For an Asian twist, make a teriyaki glaze by mixing soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, garlic, and a splash of sesame oil. It will be sweet and savory.

To make a spicy Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. This will give your food a strong, fiery flavor.

Mediterranean Delight: For a Mediterranean-style marinade that gives chicken thighs a burst of freshness, mix minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, olive oil, and a little white wine vinegar.

Honey Mustard: Mix Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and a little salt and black pepper in a bowl. This will make a sticky, tangy glaze that turns into a beautiful caramel on the grill.

You can combine these flavor profiles in any way you like, change the amounts of ingredients to suit your tastes, and make your own unique seasoning blends and marinades.

Grilling chicken thighs can result in juicy and flavorful dishes. If you know how long to grill chicken thighs, you can make them taste amazing and impress your family and friends.

Enjoy the grilling process, experiment with flavors, and let the aroma of grilled chicken thighs transform your outdoor gatherings.

Looking for more tasty recipes? We’ve got you covered — check out our blog.

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How To Grill Bone In Chicken Thighs

FAQ

How long do bone-in chicken thighs take to grill?

Bone-in chicken thighs take 30 to 45 minutes to grill, but this depends on how hot the grill is and how big the thighs are.

How long do you cook 2 chicken thighs for?

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place chicken thighs in a baking dish; season both sides with garlic powder and onion flakes. In a hot oven, bake until the meat is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 30 minutes.

Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400?

For grilling chicken, it’s generally better to use a medium-high heat, which translates to a temperature range of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This range allows for a good sear on the outside while ensuring the chicken cooks through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How long to grill bone-in chicken at 400 degrees?

Time, Temperature and TechniqueThighs (Bone-In) Time: 30 to 40 minutes. Temperature: Medium-high (400˚F) for direct heat, medium-low (300˚F) for indirect heat. Best technique: Sear chicken skin side down over direct heat until golden brown, about three minutes.

How long should a bone-in chicken thigh be grilled?

When it comes to grilling bone-in chicken thigh, one of the most important things to consider is the cooking time. On average, bone-in chicken thighs should be grilled for about 25-30 minutes over medium heat.

How long does it take to grill chicken thighs?

Grilled chicken thighs are an easy, flavorful dinner option that cooks quickly on a gas or charcoal grill. With tips on grilling time, temperature, technique, and seasoning, this recipe offers juicy, tender chicken with minimal preparation in under 30 minutes, whether using boneless or bone-in thighs.

How long do you Grill bone in thighs?

Grill for 5-6 minutes with the skin up, then flip to skin down and grill for about 4 minutes. Flip and continue the uneven grilling times. 5. Grill to 185° internal temperature—about 25-30 minutes for bone-in thighs. 6. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. For more details, keep reading.

How long to cook boneless chicken thighs?

When they reach 165 degrees on the inside, they’re done, but they can go up to 180 to 185 degrees and still stay tender and juicy. Quick cooking: boneless chicken thighs cook quickly on the grill – just 3-5 minutes per side. Flavorful: chicken thighs are considered dark meat and contain more fat than chicken breasts.

Can You Grill boneless skinless chicken thighs?

This grilling recipe – or method, really – is for boneless skinless chicken thighs, which can be grilled directly over medium-high heat on either a charcoal or gas grill. To grill bone-in chicken thighs we’d need to create two heat zones on the grill (like for my Grilled Pork Tenderloin).

What temperature should chicken thighs be grilled at?

Medium heat, around 375°F, provides the best balance for grilling bone-in chicken thighs, ensuring they cook through without burning. 11. Should I oil the grill before adding the chicken thighs?