Chicken thighs are a grill favorite for good reason – they are flavorful, juicy, and budget-friendly. However, grilling chicken thighs to perfection requires knowing the right techniques Undercook them and you risk foodborne illness. Overcook them and you end up with dry, rubbery meat So how long does it really take to cook chicken thighs on the grill? Let’s break it down.
Factors That Affect Grilling Time
Several key factors impact how long it takes to grill chicken thighs:
Bone-In vs Boneless
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Boneless chicken thighs cook faster taking 6-8 minutes per side.
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Bone-in thighs can take 8-10 minutes per side since the bone conducts heat slower.
Thickness
- Thicker thighs need more time to cook through. Allow an extra 2-3 minutes per side for thighs over 1.5 inches thick.
Grill Temperature
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Ideal temperature is 350-450°F. Higher heat cooks faster but increases burning risk.
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Lower temperature cooks slower but dries out the meat.
Lid Open or Closed
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Keeping the lid closed holds in heat and moisture, reducing cook time.
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Cooking with the lid open increases cook time.
Recommended Grill Times
Using the correct grilling times ensures tender, juicy results:
Boneless Chicken Thighs
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6-8 minutes per side at 350-450°F with lid closed.
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Check internal temperature, cook until 165°F.
Bone-In Chicken Thighs
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8-10 minutes per side at 350-450°F with lid closed.
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Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Allow extra time for thicker thighs, watching closely to prevent burning.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs
Follow these tips for flawlessly grilled chicken every time:
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Use indirect heat – Place thighs on unlit side of grill to cook gently before searing. Prevents burning.
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Try a two-zone fire – Sear over direct heat then move to indirect heat to finish cooking. Maximizes flavor.
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Brine thighs – Soaking in a saltwater brine boosts moisture and seasoning.
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Apply rubs and marinades – Enhance flavor and tenderness. Let marinate 30 minutes up to overnight.
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Use a meat thermometer – Don’t rely on sight alone. Cook until 165°F for food safety.
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Allow thighs to rest – Let sit 5-10 minutes before serving to seal in juices.
Step-By-Step Guide for Grilling Chicken Thighs
Follow this simple process for perfect grilled chicken thighs every time:
1. Prepare the Grill
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For gas grills, preheat to 375-450°F.
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For charcoal, build a two-zone fire with direct and indirect heat areas.
2. Pat Chicken Dry
- Blot thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Apply Seasonings
- Coat both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper and spices or use marinades/rubs.
4. Grill Over Indirect Heat
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Place thighs skin-side up on unlit side of grill.
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Close lid and grill for 5-7 minutes until nearly cooked through.
5. Sear Over Direct Heat
- Move thighs over direct heat and grill skin-side down for 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Check Internal Temperature
- Insert thermometer into thickest part of thigh, cook to 165°F.
7. Allow to Rest
- Transfer thighs to a platter and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Follow this process while adhering to recommended cook times, and you’ll achieve perfect grilled chicken thighs every time. Juicy, flavorful chicken off the grill awaits!
Common Questions on Grilling Chicken Thighs
Are chicken thighs done at 165°F?
Yes, 165°F is the safe minimum internal temperature for chicken thighs according to food safety guidelines. Always use a meat thermometer.
Can I grill chicken thighs from frozen?
It’s not recommended. Thaw thighs in the refrigerator before grilling for food safety and even cooking.
How do I prevent burning?
Use indirect heat, keep lid closed, and watch closely. Reduce heat if flaring occurs. Avoid sugary marinades.
Why are my grilled thighs pink?
It can result from shorter cooking times, smoke exposure, or ingredients like paprika. Check internal temperature to confirm doneness.
How do I get crispy skin?
Grill skin-side down over direct heat. Flip only once. Use dry rubs instead of sticky marinades.
Conclusion
Perfectly grilled chicken thighs start with knowing proper cooking times. Allow 6-8 minutes per side for boneless and 8-10 minutes for bone-in, adjusting time as needed. Check internal temperature, shoot for 165°F. With high heat, indirect cooking, and a close eye on doneness, you’ll have irresistibly tender and juicy chicken thighs off the grill.
How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs
Let’s get into the specifics of how long to grill chicken thighs, whether they have bones or are boneless.
When grilling chicken thighs with the bone, its important to ensure thorough cooking while maintaining juiciness. Heres a guideline for how long to grill chicken thighs with bones:
- Safe Cooking Temperature: The internal temperature of grilled chicken thighs should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. This temperature kills potential bacteria and ensures the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
- Cooking Time Estimation: On average, bone-in chicken thighs take about six to eight minutes per side to cook on the grill. However, cooking time may vary depending on the thighs thickness and the grills heat. Its important to gauge the cooking time accurately to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.
- Monitoring the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken thighs reach a safe internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding contact with the bone. Once it reads 165°F (74°C), your chicken thighs are ready to be removed from the grill.
Grilling boneless chicken thighs allows for faster and more convenient cooking. Heres a guideline for how long to grill boneless chicken thighs:
- Recommended Internal Temperature: Just like bone-in thighs, boneless chicken thighs also need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature monitoring.
- Reduced Cooking Time: Since boneless chicken thighs lack the bones insulating effect, they require less time on the grill. On average, boneless chicken thighs take approximately four to six minutes per side to cook thoroughly. However, adjust the cooking time based on the thighs thickness and your grills heat intensity.
- Using a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee accurate doneness, measure the internal temperature of the boneless chicken thighs using a meat thermometer. As soon as the thermometer registers 165°F (74°C), your boneless thighs are ready to be taken off the grill, delivering succulent and safe-to-eat results.
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:
- Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, coating them with the spice blend.
- Let the chicken thighs marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate 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).
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the preheated grill, bone side down.
- Grill for about six to eight minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), as measured with a meat thermometer.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
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.