Grilling has become a beloved pastime for many, and chicken thighs are often a top choice when it comes to perfecting the art of grilling.
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.
So, lets get into everything you need to know about chicken thighs and uncover the tricks to grilling them to perfection.
Chicken thighs are a tasty and juicy cut of meat that works great on the grill. But it can be hard to figure out how long to cook them for. If you don’t cook them long enough, you could get food poisoning. If you cook them too long, the meat will be dry and tough. This full guide will teach you how long chicken thighs need to be grilled and give you tips on how to make sure they always come out tender and juicy.
Understanding Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs come either bone-in or boneless Bone-in thighs take longer to cook but have more flavor The bone helps retain moisture during grilling. Boneless thighs cook faster since the meat is thinner.
Chicken thighs can also be skin-on or skinless. Skin-on thighs have a crispy exterior but are higher in fat. Skinless thighs are lower in calories but can dry out faster on the grill.
No matter what kind, chicken thighs are safe to eat when they reach 165°F (75°C) on the inside. When the connective tissue fully breaks down at 185–195°F, the texture is at its best.
Recommended Grill Times for Chicken Thighs
- Bone-in chicken thighs – Grill for 25-30 minutes, flipping every 5-10 minutes.
- Boneless chicken thighs – Grill for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Skin-on chicken thighs – Grill skin-side down first for crispy skin. Flip periodically and grill about 30 minutes total.
- Skinless chicken thighs – Grill approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping often to prevent drying out.
These are just suggestions; the cooking time depends on things like grill temperature, thickness, and more. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Pro Tips for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Thighs
Follow these tips for foolproof grilled chicken thighs every time:
- Marinate for added flavor & moisture – Soak thighs in an acidic, oil-based, or ready-made marinade for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling.
- Use medium-high heat – Preheat gas grill to 450°F or charcoal grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
- Flip frequently – Rotate thighs every 5-10 minutes to prevent burning. Move around the grill grates to avoid hotspots.
- Rest before serving – Let thighs sit 5-10 minutes after grilling so juices can reabsorb for maximum tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer – It’s the only reliable way to confirm chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Common Grilling Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to overcook or dry out chicken thighs with improper grilling methods:
- Grilling over too high heat leads to burnt exterior and undercooked interior. Stick to medium-high heat around 450°F.
- Neglecting to monitor temperature results in under or overcooked meat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Cooking frozen or partially frozen chicken makes it impossible to achieve proper doneness before burning. Always thaw chicken fully before grilling.
- Flipping too infrequently causes flare-ups and uneven cooking. Flip thighs every 5-10 minutes.
- Lack of marinade or oil for skinless thighs causes them to dry out quickly. Always marinate or oil prior to grilling.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken Thighs
The flavorful, juicy meat of grilled chicken thighs pairs perfectly with:
- Fresh green salads
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or peppers
- Roasted potatoes or pasta salad
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Tangy barbecue sauce for pulled chicken sandwiches
- Wrapped in lettuce leaves or tortillas for easy tacos
Is Grilled Chicken Thigh Good Cold?
Yes, grilled chicken thighs that are left over are great in salads, wraps, and other dishes. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The meat stays moist longer than grilled chicken breasts and does not get tough when chilled.
Reheating Leftover Grilled Chicken Thighs
To reheat grilled chicken thighs:
- Place in a baking dish, cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low, adding a bit of chicken broth or oil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave leftovers for 30-60 seconds to warm through.
Avoid overheating as this will lead to dry, rubbery meat. Warm just until heated through and serve immediately.
Mastering the art of grilled chicken thighs requires paying attention to details like proper grilling times, temperatures, and methods. Follow the tips outlined and you’ll be rewarded with juicy, flavorful chicken thighs off the barbecue every time.
The ideal finished internal temperature is 185°F. Allowing the thighs to rest before serving and proper reheating of leftovers will also ensure the best results. In about 30 minutes, you can enjoy the ultimate summer cookout treat. Grilled chicken thighs are easy, budget-friendly and sure to satisfy any barbecue craving.
How To Elevate Your Grilled Chicken Thighs with Tasty Variations
If you want to make your grilled chicken thighs taste even better, try using different marinade and seasoning blends.
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. By understanding how long to grill chicken thighs, you can achieve mouthwatering outcomes that will impress your family and friends.
Enjoy the process of grilling, try out different flavors, and let the smell of grilled chicken thighs change the mood at your outdoor events.
Looking for more tasty recipes? We’ve got you covered — check out our blog.
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Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings
Try out this simple and delicious recipe for grilled chicken thighs:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tools We Used
GIR Tongs: Nylon blades are delicate enough to not damage your nonstick surfaces yet durable enough to grip heavy foods.
Preparation:
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper together.
- Rub the chicken thighs all over with the mixture to coat them with the spice mix.
- Let the chicken thighs sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes so the flavors can soak into the meat.
Grilling Instructions:
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
- Put the chicken thighs on the hot grill with the bone side down.
- For six to eight minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) inside, place the meat on the grill.
- When the chicken thighs are done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions: Grilled chicken thighs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a refreshing cucumber, tomato salad, grilled vegetables, or fluffy couscous.
Beginners Guide to Grilling Chicken Thighs
FAQ
How long does it take to barbecue chicken thighs?
How long does it take to grill chicken thighs? Boneless skinless chicken thighs typically take 8-10 minutes to grill over medium heat. If you’re doing bone-in and skin on, they will take a bit longer like 20-25 minutes. Sep 11, 2024.
Is 30 minutes long enough to cook chicken thighs?
If the thighs you’re cooking are very small, check them after 30 minutes. If they’re very big, they may need 45 minutes to fully cook. Chicken thighs are pretty forgiving, so if they stay in your oven for an extra few minutes, chances are they’ll still be juicy.
Should I flip chicken thighs on the grill?
Do you flip chicken thighs when grilling? Yes! For even cooking, flip the chicken thighs. Get a good crust formed for about 5 minutes on each side, then continue to cover and cook, flipping every 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. How long do you grill chicken thighs?.
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. This recipe makes juicy, tender chicken in less than 30 minutes, with tips on how to grill it and how long, how hot, how to do it, and what spices to use. You can use boneless or bone-in thighs.
How long do you cook chicken thighs?
Grilling chicken thighs to perfection requires knowing the right cooking times. Achieving juicy, tender meat ensures a satisfying meal. Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Grill for 40 to 50 minutes. Flip them every 10 to 15 minutes for even cooking. Boneless Chicken Thighs: Grill for 20 to 30 minutes. Flip them every 5 to 10 minutes for the best results.
How do you cook chicken thighs on a BBQ?
Season your chicken thighs after coating them with either olive oil or mayonnaise. Toss with seasonings and then either let them marinate to absorb flavor or cook them right away. About 4 to 7 minutes per side at 425 degrees is how long it takes to grill chicken thighs that don’t have any bones or skin on them.
How do you Grill bone-in chicken thighs?
Like with my Grilled Pork Tenderloin, we’d need to set up two heat zones on the grill for bone-in chicken thighs. We would first sear the chicken thighs’ outsides over medium-high heat. Then we would cook them slowly over the side that wasn’t lit. Both are delicious but this grilling method is specifically for boneless, skinless thighs.
How do you cook chicken thighs on a gas grill?
Using a convection oven for crispy skin, these moist and tender chicken thighs will become a family favorite. The grill should be 450 ° -500 ° surface temperature. That is usually about medium-high heat on most gas grills. Preheat the entire grill, not just a section, so you can move the thighs around to prevent flare-ups.
How long do you cook bone in chicken thighs?
Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Grill for 40 to 50 minutes. Flip them every 10 to 15 minutes for even cooking. Boneless Chicken Thighs: Grill for 20 to 30 minutes. Flip them every 5 to 10 minutes for the best results. Skin-On Chicken Thighs: Grill for 30 to 40 minutes. Start skin-side down for crispy skin, flipping halfway.