How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs

How long to grill chicken thighs for perfect results? Grilled chicken thighs are a tasty choice for your next backyard barbecue. They can be boneless or bone-in, marinated or plain. The secret to great results is knowing the right grilling time. This guide covers everything you need to know: how to grill boneless chicken thighs, the best marinades for grilled chicken thighs, and the perfect grilling time for bone-in chicken thighs. You’ll learn how to get the grilled chicken thighs temp just right every time.

Key Takeaways

Understand the ideal grilling time for juicy and flavorful chicken thighs
Learn the benefits of grilling chicken thighs and why they are a great choice
Discover how to properly prepare and marinate your chicken thighs for maximum taste
Explore grilling techniques to achieve perfectly cooked chicken thighs
Find the perfect internal temperature for delicious and safe grilled chicken thighs

Why grilling chicken thighs is a delicious choice

Grilling chicken thighs is a great choice for outdoor cooking. They are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. This makes them perfect for grilling.

Juicy and Flavorful Meat

Chicken thighs stay moist and tender when grilled. They have more fat than breasts, which keeps them juicy. This makes every bite a delight, whether you’re cooking for a few or a crowd.

Easy to Prepare

Preparing grilled boneless chicken thighs is simple. They need just a few seasonings and a hot grill to become a hit. This makes them a favorite for easy, tasty meals.

“Chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of the grill, offering juicy, flavor-packed meat that’s a breeze to prepare. They’re the perfect choice for easy, crowd-pleasing outdoor meals.”

For a tasty and easy grilling experience, try grilled boneless chicken thighs. They offer great flavor and are easy to make. They’re perfect for any outdoor meal.

Preparing your chicken thighs for grilling

Before you start grilling, pick the right grilled chicken thighs. Choose thighs with fat and skin for moist meat. This makes the chicken juicy and tender.

Selecting the right chicken thighs

Choose grilled chicken thighs that look plump and even. Stay away from dry or discolored thighs. They might not cook right. Also, ask your butcher for the best grilling cuts.

Marinating for added flavor

Marinating grilled chicken thighs adds extra taste. Try different marinades to find your favorite. Lemon-garlic or smoky barbecue are great options.

To marinate, put the chicken in a bag or dish. Cover it with marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours. Turn the chicken to coat evenly.

Marinade Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	1/4 cup
Lemon juice	2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper	To taste

By picking the right grilled chicken thighs and marinating, you’re set for tasty and juicy results.

Grilling chicken thighs can take different times based on a few things. The type of chicken, its thickness, and the grill’s temperature all matter. These factors affect how long you should grill.

For boneless chicken thighs, grill them for about 12-18 minutes. Flip them halfway. If you have bone-in chicken thighs, grill for 18-25 minutes. Also, flip them halfway through.

To make sure your grilled bone-in chicken thighs are perfect, use a meat thermometer. Target an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are juicy and full of flavor.

“The secret to perfectly grilled chicken thighs lies in closely monitoring the internal temperature and adjusting the cooking time as necessary.”

By following these tips and using a meat thermometer, you can get amazing grilled bone-in chicken thighs. They will impress everyone at your table.

Grilling techniques for perfectly cooked chicken thighs

To get perfectly grilled chicken thighs, you need to know a few grilling tricks. It’s all about using both direct and indirect heat. This way, the meat cooks well inside while getting a tasty, charred outside.

Direct and indirect heat

First, sear the chicken thighs over direct, high heat. This step gives them a nice, caramelized crust. It also locks in the juices and adds a smoky flavor.

After searing, move the thighs to the indirect heat area of your grill. Here, they cook evenly to the center without drying out.

Basting for extra moisture

Regularly basting the grilled chicken thighs with a tasty sauce or marinade keeps them moist. It makes them juicy all the way through.
Choose a basting sauce with vinegar or citrus. These acidic ingredients tenderize the meat.
Start basting during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This lets the flavors blend and the sauce caramelize.

By using direct and indirect heat, and basting, you can make grilled chicken thighs that are both crispy and juicy. You’ll get a delicious exterior and a tender interior every time.

Grilled boneless chicken thighs marinade

Make your grilled chicken thighs taste amazing by marinating them first. A good marinade can turn simple chicken into a delicious dish. Let’s look at the key ingredients for a tasty grilled chicken thigh marinade.

Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Marinade

When making a marinade for your chicken thighs, remember these important ingredients:

Olive oil – It helps the marinade stick to the chicken and adds richness.
Lemon juice – It brings a bright, tangy taste that goes well with chicken.
Garlic – It brings a rich depth and complexity to the marinade’s flavor
Herbs – Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano add aromatic flavors.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and spices like paprika or cumin boost the taste.

Don’t be afraid to try different flavors to find your favorite grilled chicken thighs marinade. You can mix and match ingredients to create a marinade that you love.

“Marinating your chicken thighs before grilling is a game-changer. It’s the secret to juicy, flavorful meat every time.”

Be sure to let the marinade do its magic by refrigerating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.. This way, the chicken will soak up all the flavors, making your grilling experience even better.

Grilled chicken thighs temp

Getting chicken thighs grilled just right is crucial to ensure they are both thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. The goal is to get the internal temperature to 165°F (74°C). This is the target for the thickest part of the thigh.

A meat thermometer is your go-to tool for checking the temperature. Stick it into the thickest part of the thigh for the most accurate reading. Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be juicy and flavorful, not dry and tough.

Tips for Checking Grilled Chicken Thighs Temp

Use a digital or instant-read meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the chicken thighs.
Place the thermometer into the thickest section of the thigh, making sure to steer clear of the bone.
Ensure the thermometer is not touching any bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading.
Monitor the temperature and remove the chicken from the grill once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, giving the juices time to evenly redistribute through the meat for maximum flavor and tenderness.

By following these tips and keeping an eye on the grilled chicken thighs temp, you’ll get perfectly cooked and tasty chicken thighs every time.

How to tell when grilled chicken thighs are done

Finding out if your grilled bone-in chicken thighs are cooked just right can be tricky. But, there are a few important signs to watch for. These signs help you know your grilled chicken thighs are juicy, tasty, and fully cooked.

One key way to check if your grilled chicken thighs are done is by looking at the juices. When you pierce the meat, clear juices mean it’s cooked. Also, the skin should be crispy and golden when the chicken is ready.

Look for clear, not pink or cloudy, juices running from the chicken when pierced
The skin should be crispy and golden-brown in color
The thighs should be easy to move and separate from the bone (for bone-in)

Another good test is to gently move the chicken with tongs or a fork. If it’s loose and easy to move, it’s cooked. For bone-in chicken thighs, you should also be able to easily pull the meat away from the bone.

By watching for color and texture, and using your meat thermometer, you can make sure your grilled chicken thighs are always perfectly cooked.

Tips for juicy and tender grilled chicken thighs

To enjoy the best grilled boneless chicken thighs, follow a few simple tips. Resting and basting techniques are key to achieving that juicy and tender texture.

Resting the Chicken Thighs

After grilling your grilled boneless chicken thighs to perfection, don’t rush to eat them. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to spread evenly, making each bite moist and flavorful.

Basting for Added Moisture

While grilling, baste your grilled boneless chicken thighs with a tasty sauce or marinade often. This helps keep the meat juicy and prevents it from becoming dry. Try different marinades to find the perfect flavor that goes well with the chicken.

Baste the thighs every 5-7 minutes to keep them juicy and tender.
Try a tangy barbecue sauce or a savory herb-infused marinade for delicious results.

By following these tips, you’ll serve up perfectly cooked, grilled boneless chicken thighs that will impress everyone.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken thighs is easy and tasty. By following the tips in this article, you’ll get juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Try different marinades and grilling methods to find your favorite way to cook.

Whether you like basting or using direct or indirect heat, be patient and watch the chicken closely. Letting the chicken rest before serving makes it even more tender and juicy.

With a bit of practice, you’ll become a pro at grilling chicken thighs. You’ll impress everyone with your skills. Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade grilled chicken as you enjoy the outdoors.

FAQ

How long should you grill boneless chicken thighs?

Grill boneless chicken thighs for 12-18 minutes. Flip them halfway through.

How do you marinate chicken thighs for grilling?

Marinating chicken thighs before grilling makes them taste better and be more tender. Use olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Try different mixes to find your favorite.

How long should you grill bone-in chicken thighs?

Grill bone-in chicken thighs for 18-25 minutes. Flip them halfway.

What’s the perfect internal temperature for cooking grilled chicken thighs?

Grill chicken thighs until they reach 165°F (74°C) at their thickest part. Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures they’re cooked right and safe to eat.

How can you tell when grilled chicken thighs are done?

Check for clear juices when you pierce the meat. The skin should be crispy and golden. Bone-in thighs should be easy to separate from the bone.

What are some tips for juicy and tender grilled chicken thighs?

Let grilled chicken thighs rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices spread evenly. Basting with sauce or marinade keeps them moist and flavorful.

How long to grill chicken thighs for perfect results.