These grilled chicken thighs are one of my favorite things to cook on the grill. They’re moist, tender, and infused with fresh herb flavor. Plus, they’re ready in less than 15 minutes, so you and your family can enjoy them for dinner during the week.
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful way to cook chicken, you can’t go wrong with grilled chicken thighs. Boneless chicken thighs are affordable, packed with flavor, and incredibly simple to prepare. They also offer a welcome change from the chicken breasts we often default to.
Chicken thighs, with their dark meat and slightly higher fat content, stay moist and juicy on the grill. They’re perfect for high-temperature grilling, allowing you to achieve a gorgeous, caramelized char on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
Another advantage of chicken thighs is their natural flavor. Thanks to their fat content, they’re already more flavorful than chicken breasts, even before adding seasonings or marinades.
When grilling chicken, I often recommend using two-zone grilling, meaning one side with indirect heat and one with direct heat. This method ensures even cooking and a perfectly crisp exterior. For these grilled chicken thighs, the marinade adds layers of fresh herb flavor while creating crispy, golden skin. Lemon and white wine bring brightness, while garlic provides a sharp, savory punch.
Unlike chicken breasts, thighs are thin enough to cook entirely over direct heat. The higher fat content ensures they won’t dry out, and the direct heat delivers that satisfying char while the interior cooks through.
Marinades are key to adding flavor and tenderness to your meat. A well-balanced marinade enhances the chicken’s natural juiciness and infuses it with complementary flavors. My go-to marinades always include these five essential elements: acid, fat, salt, sugar, and herbs and spices.
This marinade also tastes amazing with bone-in chicken thighs and all your other favorite cuts of chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great choice for quick and easy grilling. They cook faster than bone-in thighs or chicken breasts, making them ideal for busy weeknight meals. But nailing the timing is essential to prevent overcooking. So how long should you grill boneless thighs?
The answer depends on a few key factors
Grill Temperature
Aim for medium-high heat between 375°F and 450°F for chicken thighs without bones. This makes a good sear and cooks the thighs evenly, so the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is done.
A grill surface thermometer can be used to keep an eye on the exact temperature if your grill doesn’t have one built in. Consistent heat is important for properly grilling boneless thighs.
Average Grilling Time Per Side
At medium-high heat, boneless chicken thighs take around 6-8 minutes per side. The relatively thin cut lets them cook through quickly.
Flip the thighs once halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides You want nice grill marks without charring or burning
Check Internal Temperature
While grilling times are a useful guide, always rely on an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken thighs are safe to eat at 165°F, but the texture vastly improves around 185°F as the connective tissue melts.
For juicy, tender boneless thighs off the grill, cook to an internal temp of 185-195°F.
Grill For 10-15 Minutes Total
Adding up the per-side estimates, you’ll want to grill boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a total of 10-15 minutes at medium-high heat.
This is true for thighs that are 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch thick. Thinner cuts may cook slightly faster. It’s best to use a thermometer and cook to 185°F this time.
Tips For Perfectly Grilled Boneless Thighs
Follow these tips for flawless boneless chicken thighs every time:
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Trim excess fat to prevent flare-ups. Leave a thin layer for moisture.
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Brush with oil before grilling—this helps prevent sticking.
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Use a two-zone fire to move thighs away from direct heat if cooking too fast.
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Grill over direct heat for best searing and cook through. Avoid slow, indirect heat.
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Flip only once during cooking unless absolutely necessary.
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Let rest 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
How To Tell When Boneless Thighs Are Done
Checking temperature with an instant read thermometer is foolproof, but there are visual cues to look for as well:
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The meat should have nice grill marks but shouldn’t be charred or burnt.
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If you poke a hole in the chicken with a fork or knife tip, clear juices will come out. Cloudy juices indicate undercooking.
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The thighs will firm up and feel springy when poked.
Marinating Boneless Chicken Thighs
A quick marinade makes boneless thighs even tastier. The acid tenderizes the meat while the oil and seasonings add flavor.
Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours—any longer and the acid can start to break down the texture.
Try mixing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice or vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
The marinade prevents drying out and allows you to achieve juicy grilled boneless thighs consistently.
Should You Grill Bone-In or Boneless Thighs?
While boneless thighs are convenient, bone-in thighs have merits as well:
Benefits of bone-in chicken thighs:
- More pronounced chicken flavor
- Bones help retain moisture
- Skin gets extra crispy
Benefits of boneless, skinless thighs:
- Grill faster with no uneven cooking
- Easy to portion
- Less wasted weight
Both have a place—choose according to your needs. Boneless cook quicker but bone-in have unbeatable flavor.
Serving Suggestions
The rich flavor of boneless thighs matches well with a variety of sides:
- Grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or onions
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Roasted new potatoes or potato salad
- Rice or pasta salad
- Fresh green salad
They also work great in wraps, tacos, flatbreads, and sandwiches. Or slice and use in salads, grain bowls, or for meal prep.
The Takeaway
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For boneless thighs, grill at 375-450°F for 6-8 minutes per side, 10-15 minutes total.
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Rely on an instant read thermometer to check for 185-195°F internal temp.
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Marinate for added moisture and flavor.
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Allow to rest before cutting for juicier meat.
Mastering the ideal timing means you can enjoy tender and delicious boneless chicken thighs straight from the grill anytime.
How to Grill Chicken Thighs
Now that you have all your ingredients ready to make this chicken, let’s get to grilling them. Here’s how to grill chicken thighs:
- Marinate. Put all of the marinade ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Then add the chicken. Once the bag is closed, give it a light massage to make sure all the chicken pieces are evenly covered. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours.
- Preheat your grill. Get your gas or charcoal grill ready to go by setting it to medium-high heat (400 to 450 degrees F).
- Grill hot and fast. Put chicken thighs on the grill grates and cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the temperature inside the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F.
- Rest. Put the chicken thighs on a plate or serving tray, lightly cover them with aluminum foil, and let them rest for 10 minutes. Then serve them. This lets the juices move around, making every bite taste great.
- Enjoy. Grilled chicken thighs that are juicy and full of flavor should be served with roasted vegetables or rice and your favorite barbecue sauce.
How Long to Grill Chicken
Most boneless chicken thighs are going to take less than 15 minutes to finish cooking. Because chicken thighs can be cooked hot and fast on direct heat, they only require 6 to 7 minutes per side to get them to that perfect doneness.
It is extremely important to use a meat thermometer to keep track of your internal temperature when cooking chicken. The FDA recommends chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees F. I like using my ThermoWorks ThermoPop for quick and fast dinners to make sure my chicken thighs have reached 165 degrees F before removing them from the grill, but you can use any reliable food thermometer.
That’s when I take the chicken thighs off the grill and wrap them in foil to let them rest for 10 minutes. Chicken thighs contain connective tissue that starts to break apart at 170 degrees F. This resting period with the chicken wrapped in foil helps the meat get up to that higher temperature and also stay moist and juicy. The chicken basically steams itself in the foil, which breaks down the connective tissue and makes the meat very tender.
How To Grill Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
FAQ
How long do boneless skinless chicken thighs take on the grill?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs typically take 6-8 minutes per side on a medium-high heat grill, or about 12-16 minutes total.
How long to cook boneless chicken on the grill?
Chicken breasts without bones should be grilled over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thinner cuts like tenders may cook faster, while thicker pieces will need more time.
Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400?
This means that the temperature should be between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This is the best range of temperatures for grilling chicken. For a good sear on the outside, this range makes sure the chicken cooks all the way through to 165°F (74°C), which is a safe temperature.
How long does it take to grill chicken thighs with bones?
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
How long do you Grill boneless chicken thighs?
Let’s dive into the details to ensure your next grilling session is a success. Do you like this article? The ideal grilling time for boneless, skinless chicken thighs is approximately 6-8 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
How long to cook boneless skinless chicken thighs?
Aim to cook your chicken about 10 minutes per side, but the total cooking time will depend on how thick your chicken thighs are. Use a digital meat thermometer in the same way to make sure that it’s reached 165°F at the thickest part avoiding the bone. How long should you grill boneless skinless chicken thighs on a gas grill?
What temperature should chicken thighs be cooked before grilling?
To ensure that the chicken thighs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) before removing the chicken from the grill. 2. Can I grill frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
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).
How to cook chicken thighs before grilling?
Before grilling the chicken thighs, it’s essential to properly prepare them for cooking. Start by marinating the chicken in your favorite seasonings for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a delicious result.
How long do you cook a thighs on a grill?
1. Preheat the grill to 450° surface temperature. Let the meat rest at room temperature for 20- 30 minutes if you have time. 2. Trim the thighs of any trimmable fat and extra skin. 3. A light brush of olive oil is optional, then season to your taste. 4. Grill for 5-6 minutes with the skin up, then flip to skin down and grill for about 4 minutes.