How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs for Perfectly Cooked Meat Every Time

Chicken thighs are a favorite for grilling. Their rich flavor and juicy texture make them ideal for getting great results off the barbecue. But nailing the right grill time can be tricky. Undercook them and you risk food poisoning from bacteria. Overdo it and you’ll end up with dry, leathery meat.

So how long should you grill chicken thighs? The time depends on a few factors, but following some simple guidelines will help you pull off perfectly cooked chicken thighs every time

Why Chicken Thighs Are Great for Grilling

Before getting into specifics on time it helps to understand what makes chicken thighs so good on the grill. Here are a few of the reasons thighs are ideal for barbecuing

• More forgiving – Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue than breast meat. This helps them stay moist and tender even if you accidentally overcook them a bit.

• More flavor – The fat in thighs keeps them from drying out. This produces juicier meat with a richer taste. The bones add flavor too.

• Holds up to grilling – Thighs can handle the high heat of the grill better than chicken breasts without drying out.

• Versatile – From simple salt and pepper to bold spice rubs, thighs take well to all kinds of seasoning.

So if you want flavorful, foolproof chicken off the grill, thighs are the way to go. You just need to know how long to cook them.

How Grill Temperature Affects Cook Time

The temperature of your grill significantly impacts how long it takes to cook chicken thighs. Here are some grill temp guidelines:

• **Medium heat (350°F to 375°F) **- Best for boneless thighs. Cook for a total of 14-18 minutes, flipping occasionally.

• Medium-high heat (375°F to 425°F) – Ideal for bone-in thighs. Cook for a total of 22-28 minutes, flipping every 5-7 minutes.

• High heat (425°F to 450°F) – Cooks thighs faster but increases risk of burning. Cook bone-in thighs for 18-22 minutes total, flipping often.

The thicker the thighs and higher the grill temperature, the less time needed. Shoot for an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done Grilling

Relying just on grill time is unreliable. The best way to ensure thighs are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer.

• For boneless thighs, insert the thermometer into the thickest part. They’re done at 165°F.

• For bone-in thighs, aim for the meatiest area without touching bone. 165°F means they’re safe to eat.

• For the juiciest results, cook to 175°F-180°F. The connective tissue will break down more for tender, moist meat.

If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small cut into the thickest part of a thigh. If the meat is white with no pink and the juices run clear, they’re done.

Average Grill Times for Chicken Thighs

While grill temperature and using a meat thermometer are ideal for guaranteed perfection, general time ranges can provide a good starting point.

Boneless Chicken Thighs

• At medium heat (350°F – 375°F), grill for 7-8 minutes per side, 14-16 minutes total

• At medium-high heat (375°F – 425°F), grill for 5-6 minutes per side, 10-12 minutes total

Bone-In Chicken Thighs

• At medium-high heat (375°F – 425°F), grill for 8-10 minutes per side, 16-20 minutes total

• At high heat (425°F – 450°F), grill for 6-8 minutes per side, 12-16 minutes total

These times are just estimates. Always use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness results.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs Every Time

Follow these handy tips for flawlessly grilled chicken thighs at home:

• Let thighs sit at room temp for 20-30 minutes before grilling

• Use skin-on, bone-in thighs for the best flavor

• Trim excess fat and loose skin to prevent flare-ups

• Oil the grill grates right before putting thighs on

• Move thighs around grill to avoid hot spots and flare-ups

• Flip thighs at least every 5-7 minutes for even cooking

• brush with sauce only during the last few minutes to avoid burning

• Allow thighs to rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat

Getting Creative with Flavor

The beauty of chicken thighs is that they absorb flavors readily. Consider using:

• Dry rubs – Cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, garlic & herb, lemon pepper

• Marinades – Italian dressing, teriyaki, pesto, chimichurri

• Sauces and glazes – BBQ sauce, honey mustard glaze, hoisin sauce

Experiment with wet and dry seasoning blends to discover new favorite flavors.

Pair with Delicious Side Dishes

Take your grilled chicken thighs to the next level with complementary sides like:

• Grilled vegetables – zucchini, squash, eggplant, peppers

• Fresh green salad or coleslaw

• Baked potatoes, fries, or roasted new potatoes

• Rice pilaf or cheesy polenta

• Grilled pineapple slices

• Warm dinner rolls or cornbread

Store and Reheat Leftovers

Properly stored, leftover grilled chicken thighs will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying them out.

• Store thighs in an airtight container, seasoned broth, or marinade

• Reheat in a 300°F oven or lightly sauté in a skillet

• Microwaving can make the skin rubbery – reheat at 50% power if necessary

• Freeze extras in an airtight bag for 2-3 months

Now you’re all set to grill juicy, flavorful chicken thighs like a pro. Mastering the ideal grill time and temperature is the key to success every time. Trust in your meat thermometer for perfect results. And get creative with flavors – the options are endless!