How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill?

Grilling chicken thighs on a charcoal grill results in juicy flavorful meat with a delicious smoky flavor. The high heat sears the outside of the thighs creating a tasty browned exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. But figuring out exactly how long to grill boneless chicken thighs can be tricky. Read on for tips on achieving perfectly cooked chicken thighs on your charcoal grill every time.

Getting Started with Charcoal Grilling

Charcoal grilling may seem intimidating for beginners, but mastering a few techniques makes it easy to grill tender, juicy chicken thighs. Here are some tips for lighting your charcoal and setting up your grill:

• Use a charcoal chimney starter to evenly light your charcoal Once the coals are covered in white ash, carefully pour them into your grill

• Create two heat zones – pile most of the lit coals on one side for direct high heat, The other side with no coals will be indirect low heat

• Let the grill preheat for 15-20 minutes with the lid closed until the grates are hot, around 400-450°F.

• Clean the grill grates well and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

• For smoky flavor, try adding wood chips. Soak them in water for 30 mins then scatter over the hot coals once ready to grill.

Choosing and Preparing Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for grilling. The dark meat stays moist and tender even when cooked over high heat. Look for thick, evenly sized thighs without excess fat or sinew.

• Pound the thighs to an even 1/2 inch thickness so they cook evenly.

• Brine or marinate the thighs for added moisture and flavor. Allow to marinate for at least an hour, or up to overnight.

• Pat the thighs dry before grilling to help achieve a nice sear. Lightly oil the thighs.

• For more smoke flavor, you can add wood chunks to the charcoal. Soak them in water for 30 mins first.

How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs

The ideal doneness for boneless chicken thighs is 160-165°F internal temperature. Grill them over direct high heat with the lid open. Follow these approximate guidelines:

• 4-6 minutes per side for thighs pounded to 1/2 inch thickness

• 6-8 minutes per side for 1 inch thick thighs

• Flip only once during grilling for better sear marks

• Check temperature early and often to prevent overcooking.

• Let thighs rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs

Follow these simple tips for moist, flavorful grilled chicken thighs every time:

• Grill over direct high heat between 400-450°F.

• Flip only once during grilling.

• Brine or marinate thighs for added moisture and flavor.

• Dry thighs well and lightly oil before grilling.

• Pound thicker thighs to even thickness.

• Cook to 160-165°F internal temperature.

• Allow 5 minutes rest before cutting for juicier meat.

• Add aromatic wood chips to coals for extra smoke flavor.

• Create sear marks by placing thighs diagonal to grates.

• Resist urge to flip frequently. Let sear develop on each side.

Common Grilling Mistakes

It’s easy to dry out chicken thighs by overcooking. Avoid these common grilling mistakes:

• Grilling over too low heat. Thighs need high heat for browned exterior.

• Cooking too long. Rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, not cook times.

• Flipping thighs too often. Let sear develop by only flipping once.

• Pressing thighs into the grates. Let thighs cook undisturbed once placed.

• Cutting thighs right after grilling. Let them rest 5-10 mins before cutting.

• Using old, dirty grill grates. Scrub grates well before each use.

• Forgetting to oil grates and thighs. Oil prevents sticking and promotes browning.

Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipe Ideas

These easy recipe ideas will make your grilled chicken thighs shine:

• Herb marinade – Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

• Jerk seasoning – For Caribbean flavor, coat thighs in a wet jerk marinade with allspice, brown sugar, and habanero peppers.

• Honey garlic – Combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Brush on thighs while grilling.

• BBQ chicken – Grill thighs in your favorite bbq sauce or slather with sauce during last few minutes of grilling.

• Teriyaki chicken – Marinate thighs in teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger before grilling.

• Tandoori chicken – For Indian flavors, marinate chicken in yogurt, tandoori spice mix, lemon, and garlic.

So fire up those coals! In less than 30 minutes, you can be biting into perfectly charred, juicy grilled chicken thighs hot off your charcoal grill.