Chicken thighs are a delicious and juicy cut of chicken that are perfect for broiling When properly broiled, chicken thighs develop a flavorful, crispy exterior while remaining moist and tender on the inside But broiling chicken thighs can seem tricky if you don’t understand the basics.
The exact broiling time for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is typically 15-20 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). However, the broiling time can vary based on several factors. Read on for a complete guide to mastering perfectly broiled chicken thighs every time
How Does Broiling Work?
Before we dive into specifics it’s helpful to understand what broiling is and why it’s an ideal cooking method for chicken thighs.
Broiling uses intense, direct radiant heat from above to cook food. Essentially, it turns your oven into an upside-down grill. This makes it perfect for developing a delicious crispy exterior full of caramelized, charred flavor on chicken thighs, without drying out the juicy meat inside.
Broiling requires close monitoring since the heat is so intense. But when done right, broiled chicken thighs develop an incredible texture and taste similar to grilled chicken, in a fraction of the time.
Essential Equipment for Broiling Chicken Thighs
Broiling chicken thighs only requires a few basics:
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Chicken thighs – Bone-in and skin-on thighs work best. Skinless boneless thighs can also be broiled but the results won’t be quite as crispy or flavorful.
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Rimmed baking sheet – Use a heavy-duty sheet with raised edges to prevent juices from dripping.
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Wire rack (optional) – Placing the thighs on a wire rack over the baking sheet allows for better air circulation and crispier skin.
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Cooking thermometer – This is essential for ensuring the thighs are fully cooked.
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Tongs – For safely flipping the thighs. Metal tongs withstand the high heat.
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Seasonings – Salt, pepper, spices, and herbs are perfect for enhancing flavor.
Step-by-Step Broiling Instructions
Follow these simple steps for flawlessly broiled chicken thighs:
1. Prepare the thighs – Pat them dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings. Allow any marinades to soak in for 30 minutes to an hour.
2. Position the oven rack – Place it 6-8 inches from the broiler heating element. This gives the thighs room to cook through without burning.
3. Preheat the broiler – Let it preheat for 5-10 minutes on high heat first.
4. Arrange the thighs – Place them skin-side up on the baking sheet or wire rack. Spread them out evenly.
5. Broil for 8-10 minutes – This allows the skin to start crisping up and browning.
6. Flip and broil 7-10 more minutes – Use tongs to carefully flip each thigh. Finish broiling until 165°F.
7. Check the temperature – Insert a thermometer in the thickest part without touching bone.
8. Let rest 5 minutes – This allows juices to redistribute before serving.
Mastering the Variables for Perfect Results
There are a few key variables that can impact the total broiling time for chicken thighs:
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Thigh size – Larger, thicker thighs will take longer. Smaller thighs may only need 12-15 minutes total.
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Bone-in vs. boneless – Boneless cooks slightly quicker. Reduce time by a few minutes.
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Skin-on vs. skinless – Skinless cooks faster but won’t brown or crisp as nicely.
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Oven broiler strength – Older ovens or weak broilers may need longer. Monitor closely.
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Rack position – Placing the rack closer to the broiler element speeds cooking. Move it down if browning too quickly.
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Marinades and seasoning – Sugary marinades may burn faster. Pay close attention.
Learn to adjust the broiling time as needed based on these factors, using a meat thermometer for guaranteed safety and perfect doneness.
Troubleshooting Common Broiling Problems
If you run into any of these issues, try these quick fixes:
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Chicken burning – Move rack down, reduce broiler temp, watch closely.
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Not browning – Move rack closer to broiler, broil a few minutes longer.
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Drying out – Don’t overcook, remove at 165°F, tent with foil before serving.
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Undercooked – Increase total broiling time, ensure chicken reaches safe 165°F.
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Uneven cooking – Position thighs evenly, flip halfway through.
With a little trial and error, you’ll master your specific broiler and start turning out amazing broiled chicken thighs effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to some common questions about broiling chicken thighs:
How long per side? For bone-in, skin-on thighs, broil for 8-10 minutes per side usually. Check temperature.
Can I broil frozen thighs? Always thaw thighs fully first for food safety and even cooking.
Do I need to flip them? Flipping once halfway through is recommended for even browning.
What temperature should thighs reach? Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I broil boneless thighs? Yes, they just cook faster. Reduce time to 12-15 minutes total.
Should I marinate them first? Absolutely! Marinade adds flavor and moisture.
What if my broiler burns them? Try a lower rack position, reducing heat, and watching diligently.
How do I get the skin crispy? Broil skin-side up first. Position rack closer to broiler.
Can I broil bone-in and boneless thighs together? Stagger their addition to account for different cook times.
How do I prevent dryness? Don’t overcook, remove at 165°F. Tent before serving.
The Takeaway
With high heat and close monitoring, broiling chicken thighs delivers incredibly juicy meat and satisfying crunch in minimal time. Adjust for the size of your thighs, strength of your broiler, and desired level of crispiness. Use a thermometer to guarantee doneness. In 15-20 minutes, you’ll have deliciously charred, caramelized chicken with grill-worthy flavor you can enjoy year-round.
Make This Recipe Kid Friendly
This chicken is flavorful but not overpowering for kid palates. The most popular way to serve this chicken to my kids is to offer it as part of a DIY platter. Add shredded cheese, beans, rice, salsa, sour cream, and more as options and to let the kids build their own burrito bowls.
DIY dinners are one of my favorite strategies for keeping the peace at dinnertime and feeding picky eaters.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
Store your cooked and cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to three days. Slice or cube the chicken for meal prep meals throughout the week!
If you’d like to get a head start on your dinner in the morning, marinate the chicken and allow it to chill in the refrigerator during the day. Just be sure to cover your bowl with plastic wrap to avoid the whole refrigerator smelling garlicky!
The cooking time for chicken thighs depends on how close the chicken is to the broiler heat source, the thickness of the chicken thighs, and how cold the chicken is when you place it in the oven. 4-5 minutes per side is a guide, check the internal temperature of the cooked chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F before slicing and serving.
Aluminum foil is safe to broil with if you follow this recipe. Don’t substitute parchment paper for lining your sheet pan. Parchment paper will burn!
Yes, preheat the broiler for the full 5 minutes for the most even cooking.
Using a wire rack elevates the chicken above the pan, bringing it closer to the broiler heat source. This gives the chicken thighs a bit of charring and allows the caramelized edges to stay crisp, not soggy, after flipping the chicken.