Perfectly Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs on Charcoal: Timing Guide for Juicy Results

Grilling boneless chicken thighs on a charcoal grill is one of those cooking skills that seems simple but can be surprisingly tricky to master. I’ve spent years perfecting my technique, and I’m here to share exactly how long to grill boneless chicken thighs on a charcoal grill for that perfect balance of juicy interior and crispy, flavorful exterior.

The Quick Answer

For those who just want the straightforward timing

• Cooking time: 6-8 minutes per side at approximately 400°F
• Internal temperature goal: 165°F
• Total cook time: 12-16 minutes

But there’s much more to nailing the perfect grilled chicken thigh than just knowing the minutes. Let’s dive deeper!

Why Choose Boneless Chicken Thighs?

Before we get into timing let’s talk about why boneless chicken thighs are such a great choice for grilling

• They’re more forgiving than chicken breasts (higher fat content = harder to dry out)
• Dark meat has more flavor
• They cook relatively quickly
• The uniform thickness helps with even cooking
• They absorb marinades beautifully

Preparing Your Charcoal Grill

The key to perfect grilled chicken thighs starts with proper grill setup

Choosing Your Charcoal

You have two main options:

Lump Charcoal

• Burns hotter and quicker
• Provides excellent smoky flavor
• Great for searing

Briquettes

• Burns more consistently
• Retains heat longer
• Good for cooking multiple batches

Personally, I prefer lump charcoal for chicken thighs because I love that extra smoky flavor it imparts.

Setting Up Your Grill

1. Fill a charcoal chimney about 3/4 full with your chosen charcoal
2. Light the chimney using newspaper or lighter cubes
3. Wait until coals are ashy white (usually 15-20 minutes)
4. Create temperature zones by pouring hot coals on one side of the grill for direct heat, leaving the other side empty for indirect heat
5. Close the lid to preheat for about 5 minutes
6. Check temperature – aim for around 400°F (if you don’t have a thermometer, use the hand test – you should only be able to hold your hand over the grill for about 2 seconds)

Preparing Boneless Chicken Thighs

While your grill is heating up, prep your chicken:

1. Pat the thighs dry with paper towels (this helps with better browning)
2. Season generously with your preferred rub or marinade
3. Let them come to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes) for more even cooking

Marinades & Seasoning Tips

For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours will give you even better results. A simple marinade might include:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice or vinegar
• Garlic
• Herbs and spices

If you’re short on time, a simple dry rub of salt, pepper, and your favorite spices works great too.

Grilling Boneless Chicken Thighs: The Perfect Timing

Now for the main event – grilling those thighs to perfection!

Step-by-Step Grilling Process

1. Oil the grill grates using tongs and an oil-soaked paper towel (use a high smoke point oil like canola or avocado)
2. Place chicken thighs on direct heat portion of the grill
3. Grill for 6-8 minutes on the first side with the lid closed
4. Flip once and grill for another 6-8 minutes on the second side
5. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer – you’re aiming for 165°F at the thickest part
6. If needed, move to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning

How to Know When They’re Done

There are three ways to check for doneness:

1. Meat thermometer (most reliable): Insert into the thickest part of the thigh and look for 165°F
2. Visual check: Juices should run clear (not pink)
3. Texture test: The meat should feel firm but still have some give

I always recommend using a meat thermometer for food safety and best results.

Common Challenges & Solutions

Problem: Flare-Ups

Solution: Keep a spray bottle of water handy to tame flames. Alternatively, move the chicken to the indirect heat side until the flare-up subsides.

Problem: Chicken Sticking to Grill

Solution: Make sure your grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking. Don’t try to flip the chicken too early – it will naturally release when it’s ready.

Problem: Uneven Cooking

Solution: Make sure your thighs are a uniform thickness. If some parts are thicker than others, consider pounding them slightly to even them out.

Rest for Success

After grilling, don’t skip this crucial step! Let your chicken thighs rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in moister, more flavorful chicken.

Cover loosely with foil if you’re concerned about them cooling too much.

Recipe Ideas for Boneless Chicken Thighs

Here are some of my favorite ways to prepare grilled boneless chicken thighs:

1. Classic BBQ: Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then brush with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of grilling
2. Mediterranean: Marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic
3. Asian-inspired: Soy sauce, ginger, honey, and a touch of sesame oil
4. Cajun style: Use a cajun spice blend for a bit of heat
5. Simple herb: Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme

Tips from My Personal Experience

After years of grilling chicken thighs, I’ve learned a few things:

• Don’t overcrowd the grill – give each piece space for even cooking
• Marinate in a zipper bag for easy cleanup and better coating
• Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain consistent temperature
• Let the chicken do its thing – too much flipping or moving leads to tough meat
• Pay attention to hot spots on your grill and rotate pieces if needed

FAQ: Grilling Boneless Chicken Thighs

Q: Can I use this same timing for bone-in chicken thighs?
A: No, bone-in thighs take longer – about 10 minutes per side, plus additional indirect heat time.

Q: How can I tell if my grill is the right temperature without a thermometer?
A: Use the hand test – hold your hand about 5 inches above the grate. If you can only keep it there for 2-3 seconds, you’re at medium-high heat (around 400°F), which is perfect.

Q: How long should I marinate chicken thighs?
A: At least 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours is ideal for maximum flavor. You can marinate overnight in the refrigerator too.

Q: Why are my grilled chicken thighs dry?
A: You’re likely overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer and remove them at 165°F.

Q: Can I grill frozen chicken thighs?
A: I don’t recommend it. Thaw them completely first for even cooking and better flavor absorption.

Conclusion

Grilling boneless chicken thighs on a charcoal grill isn’t rocket science, but it does require attention to detail. With a cooking time of 6-8 minutes per side at around 400°F, and making sure you reach that critical internal temperature of 165°F, you’ll have perfect results every time.

Remember that practice makes perfect – don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t exactly right. Each grill has its own personality, and you’ll quickly learn how yours behaves.

So fire up that charcoal grill, grab some chicken thighs, and get grilling! Your taste buds (and impressed dinner guests) will thank you.

What’s your favorite seasoning for grilled chicken thighs? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!