Chicken thighs are a favorite for grilling and barbecuing. Their richness and tenderness make them an ideal choice for cooking over an open flame. But figuring out exactly how long to barbecue chicken thighs can be tricky. Undercook them, and you’ll end up with raw, rubbery meat. Overdo it, and the thighs will be dry and tough.
So how long should you grill chicken thighs to perfection? Read on for tips, techniques, and timing to help you barbecue juicy, flavorful chicken thighs every time.
What Temperature is Best for Grilling Chicken Thighs?
The ideal temperature for grilling bone-in chicken thighs is between 350-450°F indirect heat. This relatively low temperature range allows the thighs to cook slowly and gently, ensuring they stay nice and moist.
If you are grilling boneless thighs, you can use slightly higher heat between 400-500°F. Since there is no bone, the meat will cook faster without drying out.
Here are some more temperature tips for grilling chicken thighs:
- If using a charcoal grill, build a medium heat fire with the coals spread evenly.
- For gas grills, preheat to the 350-450°F temperature range before placing the thighs on the grill.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check that your grill maintains the proper temperature.
- Avoid flare-ups from dripping fat by carefully trimming excess skin and fat before grilling.
- Consider using the 2-zone fire method, searing the thighs over direct heat before moving them to indirect heat to finish cooking.
Controlling the temperature correctly is key for tender, juicy BBQ chicken thighs every time.
How Long to Grill Bone-In Chicken Thighs
Bone-in chicken thighs typically take 18-25 minutes to grill over medium indirect heat. Aim for an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Here are more details on getting the timing right:
- Pat the thighs dry and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Arrange the thighs on the grill skin-side down and grill over indirect 350-450°F heat for 8-10 minutes.
- Flip and grill for another 8-10 minutes until browned.
- Brush with barbecue sauce in the last 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Test for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh without touching the bone. It should reach 165°F.
- Let the thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving. The residual heat will raise the temperature to 170°F for safe doneness.
- For extra-large thighs, extend the grilling time to 20-25 minutes total, flipping halfway.
- Cut into a thigh to check for visual doneness – the meat should be opaque and slightly pink, not red.
Following these boneless chicken thigh grilling times and temperature guidelines will deliver fully cooked, juicy meat off the grill.
How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs
Boneless chicken thighs grill faster than bone-in since the meat is exposed on all sides. Count on 12-15 minutes total cooking time for boneless thighs directly over medium heat.
Here are some tips for grilling boneless chicken thighs:
- Boneless thighs are small and can dry out quickly. Use moderate 400-450°F heat on the grill.
- Grill skin-side down first for 6-8 minutes until browned and crispy.
- Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
- Brush with glazes or sauces toward the end of grilling time if desired.
- Chopped boneless thighs cook faster than whole thighs. Reduce the grilling time by 2-3 minutes.
- Flattened boneless thighs also grill quicker. They only need about 8-10 minutes total.
- Take extra care not to overcook boneless thighs since they lack the insulation of the bone.
- Let boneless thighs rest for 5 minutes before eating for juicier, more tender meat.
Keeping a close eye on the grill time and internal temperature is important for perfect boneless grilled chicken thighs.
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done Grilling
It can be tricky to gauge doneness for chicken thighs by sight alone. Here are some foolproof ways to test when they are ready:
Temperature Method
Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. Chicken thighs are safely cooked when they reach:
- 165°F for bone-in and boneless thighs
- 170°F after resting for 5 minutes out of the grill
Insert the thermometer into the meatiest thickest part of a thigh, taking care not to touch any bones.
Piercing Test
A sharp knife or skewer can also determine doneness when pierced into the thickest portion of a thigh:
- Raw thigh meat will look translucent pink and release red juices.
- Perfectly cooked thigh meat will be opaque throughout and release clear or light pink juices.
Appearance
Visual signs that chicken thighs are done:
- The skin is nicely browned and crispy.
- The meat has turned from pink to white/light brown throughout.
- The meat feels firm when pressed with tongs instead of jiggly.
Use multiple tests to verify thighs are fully cooked without overdoing it on the grill. When in doubt, go by temperature!
How to Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs Every Time
Grilling incredible barbecue chicken thighs is easy with these top tips:
- Let the thighs sit out for 30 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
- Use the right temperature – 350-450°F for bone-in and 400-500°F for boneless.
- Clean and oil the grill grates well so thighs don’t stick.
- Arrange thighs skin-side down first, then flip halfway through grilling.
- Flip only once so the skin gets crispy instead of soggy.
- Brush on sauces or glazes just during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Check for doneness early and often to prevent overcooking.
- Let thighs rest before serving so juices redistribute evenly.
- Make sure to sanitize any platters and utensils that touched raw chicken before reusing.
With the proper technique, you can grill succulent barbecue chicken thighs that are crispy outside and juicy inside!
Common Questions About Grilling Chicken Thighs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting the best results when grilling chicken thighs:
Should I brine chicken thighs before grilling?
Brining is a great way to boost moisture and flavor in grilled chicken thighs. Dissolve 1/2 cup salt in 4 cups water, add thyme, garlic, or other seasonings if desired. Soak thighs for 30 minutes to 1 hour before patting dry and grilling.
Can I grill chicken thighs from frozen?
It is best to thaw chicken thighs before grilling for more even cooking. If needed, frozen thighs can be grilled but will require extra time. Grill for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked to 165°F.
Should I grill chicken thighs bone-side up or down?
For best results, start grilling chicken thighs skin-side down. The skin will get nicely browned and crispy. About halfway through, flip and finish cooking bone-side down which helps prevent overcooking.
How do I prevent chicken thighs from drying out on the grill?
Use moderate heat around 350-450°F and grill over indirect heat to prevent burning and drying. Brining adds moisture and flavor. Avoid flipping too often which can lead to losing juices. Glaze or mop thighs with sauce at the end of grilling time rather than at the start.
Can I grill chicken thighs on a skewer?
Yes, skewering boneless thighs makes them easy to maneuver on the grill. Double skewer for more stability. Grill kebabs over direct medium heat for 12-15 minutes, turning to cook all sides. Use wooden or metal skewers and soak wooden ones first to prevent burning.
Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipes to Try
Barbecued chicken thighs are delicious on their own, but also pair well with various marinades, rubs and sauces. Here are some must-try recipes:
Simple Grilled Chicken Thighs
For easy classic flavor, coat thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper and minced garlic before grilling. Goes great with grilled veggies.
BBQ Chicken Thighs
Slather thighs with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce for the last few minutes on the grill for irresistible results.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs
infuse exotic spice flavors into thighs by marinating for 1-2 hours in Jamaican jerk seasoning before grilling.
Coca-Cola Chicken Thighs
This unexpected ingredient makes a fabulous sticky, slightly sweet and acidic glaze for grilled chicken.
Thai Chicken Thighs
Liven up thighs with the sweet-spicy punch of traditional Thai flavors like ginger, chili sauce and lime.
Grilled chicken thighs transform into exciting new dishes with globally inspired sauces and marinades. Get creative!
Conclusion
Perfectly grilled chicken thighs require paying attention to temperature, timing, and technique. For bone-in thighs, use medium indirect heat around 350-450°F and grill for 18-25 minutes total, flipping halfway. Boneless thighs can handle higher heat from 400-500°F and only need 12-15 minutes to reach 165°F internal temperature.
Let thighs rest before serving for juicier results. Approach grilling with patience, use an instant read thermometer for accuracy, and avoid overcooking for tender, flavorful chicken thighs off the barbecue every time.