How Long Do Chicken Thighs Take to BBQ? The Ultimate Grilling Guide

Chicken thighs are a barbecue staple for good reason – they’re juicy, flavorful, and so easy to cook on the grill. But figuring out exactly how long to barbecue chicken thighs can be tricky, especially if you’re new to grilling. Undercook them and you’ll end up with raw chicken, but overdo it and you’ll have dry, tough meat

So how long does it really take to grill chicken thighs to tender, mouthwatering perfection? Let’s break it down

Factors That Affect BBQ Chicken Thigh Cooking Times

There are a few key factors that will determine the grilling time for chicken thighs:

Bone-in vs Boneless

• Bone-in chicken thighs will take longer to cook than boneless thighs. The bones help retain moisture, but also shield some of the meat from direct heat.

• Boneless thighs cook faster since the meat is more exposed. They’ll grill up in less time.

Skin-on vs Skinless

• Skin-on chicken thighs will take a bit longer since the skin acts as an insulator But the payoff is deliciously crispy skin!

• Skinless thighs cook faster, but can dry out quicker. Keep a close eye on these.

Thickness

• The thicker the thighs, the longer they’ll need on the grill. Thinner cuts will cook faster.

• Try to pick thighs of equal size and thickness for even cooking.

Direct vs Indirect Heat

• Cooking over direct heat (right over the flames) sears the outside and cooks the thighs faster.

• Indirect heat (off to the side) distributes heat more gently for slower grilling.

Grill Temperature

• Higher heat speeds up cooking time. Lower heat lengthens it.

• For the juiciest results, use medium heat between 350-450°F.

Estimated BBQ Chicken Thigh Cooking Times

Now let’s get into some cooking time estimates based on the type of chicken thigh:

Bone-In Chicken Thighs

• Direct high heat (400-450°F): Grill for 35-45 minutes, flipping occasionally

• Indirect medium heat (325-375°F): Grill for 45-60 minutes, flipping occasionally

Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Direct high heat (400-450°F): Grill for 18-25 minutes, flipping halfway

• Indirect medium heat (325-375°F): Grill for 25-35 minutes, flipping occasionally

Skin-On Chicken Thighs

• Direct high heat (400-450°F): Grill for 30-40 minutes, starting skin-side down

• Indirect medium heat (325-375°F): Grill for 40-50 minutes, starting skin-side down

Skinless Chicken Thighs

• Direct high heat (400-450°F): Grill for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway

• Indirect medium heat (325-375°F): Grill for 30-40 minutes, flipping occasionally

These BBQ chicken thigh cooking times are general guidelines, not hard rules. Thickness, grill temperature, and heat control can all impact how long your thighs take to cook.

The best way to ensure they turn out perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs are safely cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Handy Tips for Grilling Juicy Chicken Thighs

Follow these useful tips for barbecue chicken thigh perfection:

• Brine or marinate: Soaking thighs in a salty brine or flavored marinade keeps them extra juicy.

• Pat dry: Blot thighs with paper towels before grilling to help browning. Wet meat won’t sear well.

• Use medium heat: High heat can burn the outside before the inside cooks. Medium heat is ideal.

• Start skin-side down: Get crispy skin by placing skin-on thighs skin-side down first.

• Flip once halfway: Only flip once during grilling unless burning. Frequent flipping hinders browning.

• Check temperature: Use an instant read thermometer to test doneness. Remove at 165°F.

• Let rest: Allow thighs to rest 5-10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute evenly.

Mastering the Perfect BBQ Chicken Thighs

With the right techniques, making mouthwatering barbecued chicken thighs is easy. Follow this simple process:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Thighs

Rinse thighs and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. If brining or marinating, submerge thighs in the liquid and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to overnight.

If not, generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you want. Rub the seasoning all over to evenly coat.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, around 375°F. Clean the grates and brush with oil to prevent sticking. The grill is ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above the grates for 4-5 seconds.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Carefully place thighs on the grill and close the lid. Cook bone-in thighs for 40-50 minutes, flipping every 10-15 minutes. Grill boneless thighs for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

For skin-on thighs, start skin-side down. Cook until browned then flip. Grill until done, monitoring with a meat thermometer.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Test doneness by inserting an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh without touching bone. It should register 165°F when ready.

The thighs will firm up and the juices will run clear. If underdone, continue grilling until fully cooked through.

Step 5: Allow to Rest

Transfer thighs to a clean platter and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute so your chicken stays tender and moist.

Step 6: Carve and Serve

Slice or shred the chicken thighs and serve! Pair with your favorite barbecue sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans.

Tips for the Best Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Grilling up tender, juicy barbecue chicken thighs is easy with these useful tips:

• For extra flavor, try a zesty bbq chicken marinade or jerk marinade.

• If using skin-on thighs, scoring the skin in a criss-cross pattern helps render the fat for deliciously crispy skin.

• To prevent drying, spritz thighs with a flavorful liquid like apple juice or beer every 15 minutes while grilling.

• For caramelized char, coat thighs with a spice rub before hitting the grill.

• If flare-ups occur, move thighs to a cooler part of the grill to avoid burning.

• Try pairing different sauces with your BBQ chicken like honey mustard, bourbon, or spicy buffalo.

Grilled chicken thighs make for amazing summer meals, tailgates, and cookouts. With the proper technique and timing, you’ll be a backyard barbecue pro in no time!

Grilling chicken thighs on a BBQ typically takes between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on whether they are bone-in or boneless, and how hot your grill is. Bone-in thighs will generally take longer than boneless thighs.

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).