Perfect Chicken Thighs on a George Foreman Grill: The Ultimate Timing Guide

Ever stood in your kitchen staring at your George Foreman grill wondering exactly how long to cook those chicken thighs? I’ve been there! After years of trial and error (and some embarrassingly dry chicken) I’ve finally mastered the timing for juicy flavorful chicken thighs on this convenient countertop appliance.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about cooking times, temperature guidelines, and my personal tips for making your George Foreman chicken thighs absolutely delicious. Let’s get grilling!

Quick Answer: How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs on a George Foreman Grill

For those in a hurry, here’s the short answer:

Boneless chicken thighs Cook for approximately 6 minutesBone-in chicken thighs Cook for approximately 8 minutes

But remember, always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer showing 165°F internal temperature!

Why George Foreman Grills Are Amazing for Chicken Thighs

Before diving into specific cooking times, let’s understand why these grills work so well for chicken thighs. George Foreman grills have several features that make them perfect for this job:

• Non-stick cooking surface: Makes flipping and removing chicken easy
• Angled design: Drains excess fat away for healthier meals
• Indicator lights: Tells you when the grill is ready
• Dual-sided cooking: Cooks from top and bottom simultaneously
• Compact size: Fits easily on countertops

The biggest advantage is probably the speed. With heat coming from both sides, you can cook chicken thighs in about half the time of traditional grilling methods. Plus, the fat-reducing design helps create healthier meals without sacrificing flavor.

Preparing Your Chicken Thighs for the Grill

The way you prep your chicken thighs significantly impacts the final result. Here’s what I’ve learned works best:

Choosing the Right Chicken Thighs

You have a few options:

• Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in thighs have richer flavor but take slightly longer; boneless cook faster
• Skin-on or skinless: Skin adds flavor and crispiness but also more fat
• Size matters: Try to select thighs of similar thickness for even cooking

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

I can’t stress this enough – marinating makes a HUGE difference! Even a quick 30-minute marinade will elevate your chicken thighs. For best results:

• Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours
• Use a simple marinade with oil, acid (vinegar or citrus), herbs, and spices
• Remove from fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking

My go-to marinade is olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt and pepper. Simple but amazing!

The Dry Rub Alternative

No time to marinate? No problem! A good dry rub works wonders:

• Mix your favorite spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels
• Rub the spice mixture thoroughly into the meat
• Let sit for 10-15 minutes before grilling

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Chicken Thighs

Now for the main event – actually cooking those thighs! Here’s my foolproof method:

1. Preheat Your Grill

This step is super important! Always preheat your George Foreman for about 5 minutes. A properly preheated grill:

• Creates a better sear
• Prevents sticking
• Ensures more even cooking

Most models have an indicator light that tells you when it’s ready.

2. Oil the Grill (Optional)

Though George Foreman grills have non-stick surfaces, I sometimes lightly brush the plates with oil for extra insurance against sticking.

3. Place Chicken Thighs on the Grill

When adding the chicken thighs:

• Don’t overcrowd – leave space between pieces
• If using bone-in thighs, position them so they close evenly
• Close the lid gently but firmly

4. Cook to Proper Time and Temperature

Here’s where timing becomes crucial:

• Boneless chicken thighs: Cook for approximately 6 minutes
• Bone-in chicken thighs: Cook for approximately 8 minutes

However, these times are just guidelines! The true measure of doneness is internal temperature.

5. Check for Doneness

Always use a meat thermometer! Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding bone) and check for:

• 165°F – safe and juicy
• Less than 165°F – unsafe, continue cooking
• Much over 165°F – might be overcooked and dry

If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be opaque with no pink, and juices should run clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made all of these errors so you don’t have to:

• Skipping the preheat: Results in uneven cooking and sticking
• Overcrowding the grill: Causes steam instead of sear
• Checking too often: Opening repeatedly extends cooking time
• Guessing at doneness: Always use a thermometer!
• Using thighs straight from fridge: Cold chicken cooks unevenly

Serving Suggestions for Your Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs

Now that you’ve made amazing chicken thighs, how should you serve them? Here are my favorite ways:

• With fresh sides like garden salad or roasted veggies
• Sliced in wraps or sandwiches with avocado and tomato
• Paired with dipping sauces like BBQ or garlic aioli
• Chopped and added to pasta, rice bowls, or salads
• Garnished with fresh herbs just before serving

Troubleshooting Your George Foreman Chicken Thighs

Even with perfect timing, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix common issues:

Chicken Is Dry

• You likely overcooked it – next time, check temperature earlier
• Try brining the chicken before cooking (20 minutes in salt water)
• Use thighs with skin-on for more moisture

Chicken Is Undercooked

• Your thighs might be thicker than average – add 1-2 minutes
• Make sure your grill is fully preheated
• Check if your grill is heating properly

Chicken Is Sticking

• Ensure grill is preheated
• Try lightly oiling the plates
• Make sure marinade doesn’t contain too much sugar

Storage and Reheating Tips

Made too many chicken thighs? Lucky you! They store and reheat beautifully:

• Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in microwave with a damp paper towel on top to retain moisture
• Or reheat briefly on the George Foreman for 1-2 minutes
• Cold grilled chicken thighs make amazing salad toppers!

Health Benefits of George Foreman Grilled Chicken Thighs

One thing I love about using my George Foreman grill is how much healthier it makes my chicken:

• The angled design allows fat to drain away
• No need for additional cooking oils
• Retains more nutrients than some other cooking methods
• Chicken thighs provide protein, vitamins, and minerals

FAQs About Grilling Chicken Thighs on a George Foreman

Here are answers to some questions I get asked frequently:

Q: Do I need to flip chicken thighs on a George Foreman grill?
A: No! That’s the beauty of these grills – they cook from both sides simultaneously.

Q: Can I cook frozen chicken thighs on the George Foreman?
A: It’s not recommended. Thaw completely for safety and even cooking.

Q: How can I tell if my George Foreman is hot enough?
A: Most models have indicator lights, but you can also test with a few drops of water – they should sizzle immediately.

Q: Can I put foil on my George Foreman grill?
A: Yes, but it defeats some of the benefits like fat drainage and grill marks.

Q: How do I clean my George Foreman after cooking chicken?
A: Let it cool slightly, then wipe with damp paper towels. For deeper cleaning, many models have removable plates that can be washed.

Final Thoughts

Mastering chicken thighs on your George Foreman grill is all about timing, temperature, and technique. Remember these key points:

• 6 minutes for boneless thighs, 8 minutes for bone-in
• Always check for 165°F internal temperature
• Don’t skip marinating or preheating
• Give the thighs space on the grill

With these tips, you’ll be making perfect chicken thighs every time! My family constantly requests my “famous” George Foreman chicken thighs, and I’m happy to oblige because they’re so quick and easy.

What’s your favorite way to season chicken thighs? Have you tried any special techniques with your George Foreman grill? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!

Happy grilling!