Chicken thighs are a flavorful and juicy cut of meat that are perfect for grilling. When cooked properly, they come out moist, tender and full of smoky, charred flavor. One of the best methods for grilling chicken thighs is using indirect heat. But exactly how long does it take to grill chicken thighs this way?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide a detailed overview of cooking times, techniques, tips and tricks for grilling juicy, delicious chicken thighs using indirect heat on your barbecue.
What is Indirect Grilling?
Indirect grilling involves setting up your grill so that the food is not directly over the heat source. On a gas grill, this means turning some burners off to create a cooler zone. On a charcoal grill it means banking the coals to one side.
Cooking over indirect heat allows food to cook gently and evenly without risk of burning. The ambient heat circulates around the food, slowly raising its internal temperature. This slower cooking method is ideal for bone-in chicken thighs, helping to keep them incredibly moist and tender.
Indirect grilling chicken thighs allows you to
- Cook them evenly from all sides
- Infuse them with delicate smoke flavor
- Keep the meat incredibly juicy
So if you want to avoid dried out chicken thighs and achieve the perfect balance of juicy meat and crisp skin, indirect heat is the way to go.
How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs on Indirect Heat
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are quick and easy to grill using indirect heat. Here are some general guidelines for how long to grill boneless thighs:
- 25-30 minutes at medium heat (350-375°F)
- Flip halfway through cooking
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F
The relatively small size and thickness of boneless thighs allows them to cook quickly and evenly. Aim for a steady grill temperature between 350-375°F. Flipping halfway through is important to promote even cooking.
Always rely on an instant read thermometer to check for doneness, not just cooking time. The USDA recommends chicken reaches 165°F internally before consuming.
After grilling, let the boneless thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices for tender, flavorful chicken thighs.
How Long to Grill Bone-In Chicken Thighs on Indirect Heat
Bone-in chicken thighs take a bit longer on the grill because the bones help retain heat and moisture. Here are the standard guidelines:
- 35-40 minutes at medium heat (325-350°F)
- Flip once halfway through
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F
The bone conducts heat slower than meat, so bone-in thighs need more time over indirect heat. Grill them approximately 35-40 minutes, flipping once at the halfway point.
Monitor temperature closely and remove them once they hit 165°F internally. Let them rest 5-10 minutes before serving for increased tenderness.
Indirect Grilling Tips for Chicken Thighs
Follow these tips for perfectly grilled chicken thighs using the indirect heat method:
1. Create Two Heat Zones
Set up your grill with direct and indirect heat zones. Cook the thighs over indirect heat first to cook through, then move them over direct heat right at the end to crispen the skin.
2. Use a Drip Pan
A disposable foil pan under the chicken thighs catches the drippings and prevents flare ups.
3. Maintain an Even Temperature
Keep the grill’s temperature as steady as possible between 325-375°F.
4. Allow Thighs to Rest
Letting the thighs rest 5-10 minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute so chicken stays moist.
5. Take Temperature Often
Test the chicken’s internal temp in a few places to ensure even, thorough cooking.
6. Avoid Opening the Lid
Don’t peek or flip too often. Opening the grill drops its temperature.
7. Use a Water Pan
Adding a water pan provides extra moisture so chicken thighs stay juicy.
8. Brine or Marinate Thighs First
Soaking thighs in a brine or marinade makes them extra flavorful and tender.
9. Watch for Visual Cues
The thighs are done when juices run clear and meat is no longer pink.
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done
It can be tricky gauging when bone-in chicken thighs are fully cooked, but these methods help identify when they’re done:
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Use an instant read thermometer – Thighs are safely cooked at 165°F.
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Check internal color – Meat should no longer be pink when thoroughly cooked.
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Juices run clear – If juices are no longer red or pink when pierced, thighs are done.
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Texture changes – Meat becomes firmer and shrinking from the bone when fully cooked.
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Skin crisps – The skin browns and becomes crispy once chicken is cooked through.
Rely on multiple indicators to ensure chicken thighs are properly cooked without overdoing it. If in doubt, keep grilling until the thermometer displays 165°F internally.
Mastering the Perfect Indirect Grilled Chicken Thighs
Now that you know approximately how long chicken thighs take to grill using indirect heat, as well as helpful tips and tricks, it’s time to master this foolproof recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chicken rub or seasoning
- 1 lemon, zested
Instructions:
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Prepare the grill for indirect cooking by heating one side to medium-high heat (400-450°F) and keeping the other side low.
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Pat chicken thighs dry and coat all over with olive oil. Season generously with chicken rub.
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Place thighs skin-side down over indirect heat, close lid, and grill 25-30 minutes until 165°F.
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Flip thighs and move over direct heat. Grill 2-3 minutes until skin is crispy.
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Remove thighs from grill and sprinkle with lemon zest. Allow to rest 10 minutes before serving.
Additional Flavor Ideas:
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Baste with barbecue sauce or herb butter during last 5 minutes.
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Use your favorite poultry seasoning or dry rub.
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Marinate thighs 1-2 hours in sauce, dressing, or seasoned oil before grilling.
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Add aromatic woods chips like apple, cherry or mesquite for extra smoke flavor.
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Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or chives.
Properly grilled bone-in chicken thighs are one of life’s simple pleasures. Now that you know how long to grill them using indirect heat, you can savor juicy, smoky, flavorful chicken thighs any night of the week. Invite some friends over and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These grilled chicken thighs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They pair perfectly with rice and roasted vegetables for a hearty main dish. For a lighter option, slice the chicken and add it to a fresh salad, or incorporate it into soups and pastas for an extra burst of flavor. With their herb-infused marinade and juicy texture, these chicken thighs elevate any meal.
Leftovers are just as enjoyable as when freshly grilled. To keep them moist and flavorful, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave to preserve their tenderness. Whether as part of a quick lunch or a creative dinner addition, these chicken thighs are a convenient and tasty choice for busy weeknights.
How to Grill Chicken Thighs
Now that you have all your ingredients ready to make this chicken, let’s get to grilling them. Here’s how to grill chicken thighs:
- Marinate. Combine all ingredients for the marinade in a gallon-sized freezer bag and add the chicken. Massage the bag gently after sealing, ensuring all your chicken pieces are evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours.
- Preheat your grill. Preheat your favorite charcoal grill or gas grill to medium-high heat (between 400-450 degrees F).
- Grill hot and fast. Place chicken thighs on grill grates, and grill them for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F.
- Rest. Remove chicken thighs to a plate or serving tray, cover lightly with aluminum foil, and allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, so each bite is full of flavor.
- Enjoy. Serve your juicy, flavorful grilled chicken thighs with your favorite bbq sauce and some roasted vegetables, or a side of rice.
Beginners Guide to Grilling Chicken Thighs
FAQ
How long to grill chicken thighs on indirect heat?
How long to grill chicken at 350 indirect heat?
Temperature: Preheat your grill to a medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). If using a charcoal grill, set up for indirect heat. Cooking Time: – A 3-4 pound chicken usually takes about 1.5 hours. – A larger chicken (5-6 pounds) may take closer to 2 hours. Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Is 30 minutes long enough to cook chicken thighs?
If the thighs you’re cooking are very small, check them after 30 minutes. If they’re very big, they may need 45 minutes to fully cook. Chicken thighs are pretty forgiving, so if they stay in your oven for an extra few minutes, chances are they’ll still be juicy.
Should you grill chicken thighs with lid open or closed?
For grilling chicken thighs, it’s generally best to start with the lid closed, then open it as needed for searing or to adjust for flare-ups.
How long do you grill chicken thighs?
Grill chicken thighs for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
How do you grill boneless chicken thighs?
To grill boneless chicken thighs, bring the grill to around 400 degrees, which is medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and grill each side for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the meat and grill the other side.
What temperature should chicken thighs be grilled?
Whether you’re grilling bone-in or boneless thighs, your chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before it is safe to eat. Bookmark our meat temperature chart —and stock up on a meat thermometer to take an easy reading. Grilling bone-in meat typically works best with a low-and-slow approach.
How do you cook chicken thighs on a charcoal grill?
On a charcoal grill, you’ll light a chimney full of charcoal and wait until it’s all lit and covered with ash before dumping into the grill on one side, covering and preheating for 5 minutes. Once your grill is preheated, clean and lightly oil the grate. Step 3: To grill the chicken thighs, start on indirect heat.
Do you need to close a grill when grilling chicken thighs?
If you’re grilling chicken thighs over indirect or low heat, sure, you can close the grill to trap in heat. If you’re cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs over high or direct heat, you probably won’t need to close the grill, since it will take less than ten minutes. How do you grill chicken thighs without burning them?
How long do you cook chicken thighs with skin on?
Grill the bone-in skin-on chicken thighs for about 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. The approximate grilling time is 10 to 13 minutes. To sum up, keep the chicken thighs skin-side up for the last 7 minutes of grilling.