How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs in Ninja Foodi Grill: Ultimate Guide for Juicy Results

Ninja Foodi Grill: Mentioned multiple times
Chicken thighs: Primary topic with multiple mentions
Cooking times: Frequently discussed with specific ranges
Temperature: Mentioned several times (375°F for grilling, 165°F internal)
Bone-in vs. boneless: Distinguished multiple times
Skin-on vs. skinless: Mentioned as different preparation methods
Marinades and seasonings: Various options mentioned

Now I’ll write the article using this information while maintaining the requested style.

I know what you’re thinking as you look at those chicken thighs and your Ninja Foodi Grill. When I first got my Ninja Foodi Grill, I had to guess when to cook things and ended up with either dry, overcooked chicken or (yikes!) undercooked meat that made me run back to the grill.

After a lot of trial and error (and some meals that my family ate anyway), I’ve figured out when to put chicken thighs in this amazing appliance. Today I’m going to tell you everything I know about making chicken thighs that are always juicy, crispy, and cooked just right!

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• Exact cooking times for different types of chicken thighs
• How to prep your thighs for maximum flavor
• Temperature settings that work best
• Tips to avoid common mistakes
• My favorite marinades and seasonings

Cooking Times for Chicken Thighs in Ninja Foodi Grill

Let’s get straight to the main question – how long should you cook those thighs? The answer depends on what type of chicken thighs you’re using.

Remember, these times are guidelines The most important thing is reaching that magic internal temperature of 165°F, which is when chicken is safe to eat according to USDA guidelines.

Understanding Chicken Thighs

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about why chicken thighs are amazing. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs are:

• More forgiving if slightly overcooked
• Naturally juicier due to higher fat content
• More flavorful
• Less expensive (usually)

Chicken thighs come in several varieties:

• Bone-in, skin-on: Takes longest to cook but offers maximum flavor and juiciness
• Boneless, skin-on: Cooks faster while still giving you that crispy skin
• Boneless, skinless: Fastest cooking option and healthiest (but least forgiving)

Prepping Your Chicken Thighs

Proper prep is crucial for delicious results. Here’s my process:

1. Pat dry – Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps get that crispy exterior!
2. Season or marinate – More on this below
3. Let come to room temperature – About 15-20 minutes (this helps with even cooking)

Marinating Options for Amazing Flavor

Marinating isn’t necessary, but wow does it add flavor! I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours is even better for deeper flavor penetration.

Some of my go-to marinades:

• Soy-Garlic: Soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, olive oil, and black pepper
• BBQ Style: Your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with apple cider vinegar
• Lemon-Herb: Lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic
• Cajun: Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Now let’s get those thighs cooking!

1. Preheat Your Ninja Foodi Grill

Always, ALWAYS preheat your grill for at least 5 minutes. This is non-negotiable for getting that perfect sear and crispy skin.

2. Prepare the Grill

Spray cooking spray on the grill grates just a little to keep food from sticking. Trust me, this saves so much cleanup hassle later!.

3. Arrange Chicken Thighs

Place your thighs in a single layer without overcrowding. If you’re cooking for a crowd, work in batches instead of piling them on top of each other.

4. Start Grilling

Close the lid and start the timer based on your thigh type (refer to the table above).

5. Flip Halfway Through

Open the grill and flip those thighs halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

6. Check Temperature

Check to see if they’ve reached 165°F by sticking a meat thermometer into the thickest part (avoid the bone if using bone-in thighs).

7. Rest Before Serving

Let the thighs rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

After making countless chicken thighs in my Ninja Foodi Grill, I’ve learned some tricks:

• Don’t skip preheating – This is crucial for proper searing
• Avoid opening the lid too often – Each peek releases heat and extends cooking time
• Watch for flare-ups with skin-on thighs as the fat renders
• Pat thighs VERY dry before seasoning for better browning
• Let thighs rest after cooking to keep juices from running out when cut

How to Know When Chicken Thighs Are Done

Beyond using a meat thermometer (which is the most reliable method), you can look for these signs:

• Clear juices when pierced (not pink)
• Firm texture when pressed
• Skin is crispy and golden brown
• Meat pulls away from bone easily (for bone-in thighs)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made all these mistakes so you don’t have to!

• Overcrowding the grill – This prevents proper air circulation and browning
• Not patting thighs dry – Wet chicken = steamed chicken, not crispy chicken
• Skipping the preheating step – Results in longer cooking and less crispy skin
• Using thighs straight from the fridge – Cold center means uneven cooking
• Cutting into them immediately – Let them rest to retain juices!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the Ninja Foodi Grill?

Yes, but add about 50% more cooking time and be extra vigilant with temperature checking. For best results though, I recommend thawing first.

How do I get extra crispy skin?

Pat the skin SUPER dry, brush with a tiny bit of oil, and consider finishing with 2-3 minutes on the highest temperature setting (watching carefully to prevent burning).

What if my chicken is done but not crispy enough?

Increase the temperature to high and cook for 2-3 more minutes, watching carefully.

How long can I store leftover cooked chicken thighs?

Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

My Favorite Chicken Thigh Recipe for Ninja Foodi Grill

Here’s my go-to recipe that always impresses:

Garlic-Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients except chicken in a bowl
2. Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly
3. Marinate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight
4. Preheat Ninja Foodi Grill to 375°F
5. Grill thighs for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway
6. Check temperature (165°F)
7. Rest for 5 minutes before serving

Conclusion

Cooking chicken thighs in your Ninja Foodi Grill doesn’t have to be complicated! With these timing guidelines and tips, you’ll be serving up perfectly juicy, crispy chicken thighs that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The most important things to remember:

• Bone-in, skin-on: 25-30 minutes at 375°F
• Boneless, skin-on: 18-22 minutes at 375°F
• Boneless, skinless: 15-20 minutes at 375°F
• Always check for 165°F internal temperature
• Let ’em rest before serving!

Do you have any favorite seasonings or marinades for chicken thighs? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!