How Long to Grill Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Chicken thighs are an underrated cut of meat that is often overlooked in favor of boneless, skinless chicken breasts However, chicken thighs have a lot going for them – they are more flavorful, cheaper, and remain incredibly moist and juicy even after grilling So if you’re looking to add chicken thighs to your grilling repertoire this summer, you’re making a wise choice. But knowing exactly how long to grill boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be tricky to nail down. This guide will provide tips, timing, and techniques to help you grill boneless chicken thighs perfectly every time.

Why Choose Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs for Grilling

I prefer using boneless skinless chicken thighs over chicken breasts when grilling for a few key reasons

• More forgiving – Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue than breasts, so they are harder to overcook and dry out. There’s more wiggle room when grilling thighs.

• More flavor – The fat and collagen in thighs makes them inherently more moist and juicy. The meat also has a richer, deeper chicken flavor.

• Better value – Chicken thighs are often far cheaper per pound than chicken breasts. You get excellent, grillable cuts of meat on a budget.

So if you’re looking for an easy, flavorful and budget-friendly option for grilling, chicken thighs fit the bill beautifully. Now let’s get into the timing.

How Long to Grill Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

To grill boneless, skinless chicken thighs just right, you need to make sure the outside has the right amount of char and caramelization and the inside doesn’t dry out. There are a few factors that determine the grilling time:

1. Size—Chicken thighs that are thicker will need a little more time on the grill. Very thin cuts may only need 6-8 minutes total.

2. Bone-in vs boneless – Boneless thighs will cook faster since the bone acts as an insulator.

3. Direct vs indirect heat – Cooking directly over the heat source cooks more quickly vs indirect or off-heat cooking.

4. Gas vs charcoal grill – Charcoal grills tend to cook hotter than gas grills, slightly reducing grill time.

With all of these things in mind, here are some general rules for grilling boneless, skinless chicken thighs:

• 8-10 minutes total for medium thickness thighs
• 10-12 minutes total for thicker, meatier thighs

These times are for direct, medium-high heat on a gas grill or charcoal grill at around 400°F.

Step-By-Step Guide for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Thighs

Follow these simple steps for grilling plump, juicy boneless chicken thighs every time:

1. Pat the thighs dry and coat with oil

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Wet meat won’t brown as readily.

• Coat both sides with a light layer of oil. This helps promote browning and caramelization.

2. Season the chicken thighs

• For maximum flavor, use a dry seasoning rub. Cajun seasoning and chili powder work very well.

• You can also marinate the thighs in a wet marinade for added flavor.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat

• Heat grill to around 400°F. The thighs need high enough heat to sear and caramelize.

4. Grill the thighs for 4-5 minutes skin-side down

• Lay the thighs directly over the heat and grill for 4-5 minutes, until nicely browned.

5. Flip and grill 4-5 minutes on the second side

• Flip the thighs and grill for another 4-5 minutes.

6. Check temperature and continue grilling if needed

• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Thighs are safely cooked at 165°F.

• If needed, move the thighs to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning.

7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving

• Once cooked, transfer thighs to a platter and let rest 5 minutes before digging in.

The succulent chicken thighs are ready to serve! Use them in sandwiches, salads, bowls, or enjoy them on their own.

Helpful Tips for Grilling Juicy Chicken Thighs

Here are some extra pointers to ensure your boneless, skinless chicken thighs turn out incredibly moist and flavorful:

• For thighs that brown too quickly, use indirect heat near the end of cooking. The ambient heat will finish cooking the inside gently.

• Resist the urge to move the thighs too much. Let them sear undisturbed to get the best browning.

• Brine the thighs in saltwater before grilling for added moisture and flavor.

• Infuse a burst of flavor by grilling lemon, lime, or other fruits/veggies alongside. The smoky char enhances their flavor.

• Apply a flavorful sauce or glaze in the last few minutes of grilling if desired.

• Allow the thighs to rest after grilling before cutting into them so juices redistribute.

With these handy tips and timing guidelines, you’ll be able to execute perfectly cooked, super juicy and tasty grilled boneless, skinless chicken thighs all summer long. Give chicken thighs a shot on your grill – you may find yourself choosing them over breasts more often!