Barbecued chicken thighs are a classic summer favorite. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, chicken thighs handle the heat of the grill wonderfully. But knowing exactly how long to cook chicken thighs on the barbecue can be tricky. Undercook them and you risk food poisoning. Overdo it and you’ll end up with dry, rubbery meat.
So how long should you grill chicken thighs to achieve tender, mouthwatering perfection every time? This complete guide has all the tips, tricks, and timing you need for perfect barbecued chicken thighs, every time.
How Long Does It Take to Grill Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a quick and healthy choice for the grill. Getting the timing right is important to prevent dried out meat.
6-8 minutes per side over direct high heat is ideal for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This allows time for the interior to cook through without toughening the exterior.
Always use a meat thermometer to be sure the thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The total grilling time will be 12-16 minutes.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
Several factors impact how long boneless skinless chicken thighs take to grill:
- Thickness – Thicker thighs take longer than thinner pieces. Allow extra time for jumbo thighs.
- Temperature – Cooking over very high direct heat speeds the cooking process. Lower heat increases cook time.
- Quantity – Grilling a few thighs cooks faster than a crowded grill. Avoid overcrowding.
- Marinade – Acidic marinades like lemon juice tenderize meat and reduce time. Sugary marinades caramelize and may need longer.
Mastering the nuances of your grill’s temperature sweet spots results in perfectly timed boneless, skinless thighs every time.
How Long to Grill Bone-In Chicken Thighs
For ideal texture and flavor, bone-in chicken thighs do best cooked low and slow. The bone protects the delicate thigh meat from drying out.
25-35 minutes total over indirect medium heat allows bone-in thighs to cook through gradually without burning the outside.
Monitoring Doneness
With bone-in thighs, a thermometer inserted near but not touching the bone should reach 175°F.
The thick ends of thighs cook slower than the thinner ends. Rotate thighs and move them around the grill as needed to even out doneness.
Adding Crispy Skin
For crispy skin, do a quick 5 minute sear over direct high heat skin-side down at the end. Keep a spray bottle handy to tame any flare-ups.
How Long does Marinating Affect Cook Time?
Marinating chicken thighs before grilling offers big rewards for minimal effort. But does marinating impact cook time?
- Acidic marinades like lemon, lime, vinegar, yogurt, and buttermilk reduce grill time slightly by beginning to break down collagen in the meat.
- Oil-based marinades and sweet marinades add flavor but do not shorten grilling time. Their sugar content may increase chances of burning.
- Salt marinades improve flavor but lengthen cooking time slightly as the salt cures the meat. Account for a few extra minutes.
- Marinating more than 4 hours over-tenderizes the meat and leads to mushy results.
For food safety, always marinate in the refrigerator. And reserve used marinade instead of reusing to prevent cross-contamination.
How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Thighs at 375°F?
Cooking chicken thighs in a grill with a lid that closes, known as indirect grilling, allows you to precisely control temperature like an oven.
30-40 minutes at a steady 375°F indirect temperature ensures bone-in chicken thighs cook through gradually without scorching. Check for doneness at 30 minutes.
For boneless thighs, begin checking after 15-20 minutes. Look for an internal temperature of 165°F.
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done Grilling
Appearance and texture offer the best indications chicken is fully cooked:
- The meat near the bone reaches 175°F for bone-in or 165°F for boneless.
- The juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
- The meat begins shrinking back from the ends of the bones.
- Pressed lightly, it feels firm with no traces of pink.
Cut into a thigh to double check – properly cooked chicken is white throughout with no pink spots.
Trust your thermometer over the nick test for accuracy. Undercooked chicken is potentially hazardous.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It happens to everyone. But learning from the most common grilling mistakes goes a long way towards boneless, skinless chicken thigh perfection:
Burned exterior, undercooked interior – Thighs cooked over direct high heat too long char outside before inside cooks through. Use indirect heat and monitor temperature.
Overcooked and dry – Boneless thighs are small and cook quickly. Watch the clock and rely on a thermometer.
Uneven doneness – Thighs often cook unevenly. Strategic rotation fixes this. Pay attention to thinner parts.
Flare ups – Sugary marinades cause flare ups that burn the skin. Have a spray bottle ready to tame unwanted flames.
With the right techniques and a quality thermometer, you can avoid these pitfalls for tender, juicy results every time.
FAQs About Grilling Chicken Thighs
Grilling up delicious chicken thighs leaves many home cooks with questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Should chicken thighs be grilled skin side up or down first?
For crispier skin, start skin side down over direct heat. This renders the fat slowly without burning. Finish cooking skin side up.
Can you grill chicken thighs from frozen?
Yes, but thaw first for food safety and better texture. Thaw in the refrigerator 24 hours before grilling. Add 5 minutes to the cook time.
Should you brine chicken thighs before grilling?
Brining keeps thighs extra juicy but isn’t required. If brining, dissolve 1/4 – 1/2 cup salt in 2 quarts cold water. Submerge thighs 1-2 hours. Pat very dry before grilling.
Is it necessary to tenderize chicken thighs?
Tenderizing is unnecessary if thighs are properly cooked. Acidic marinades naturally tenderize. Over-tenderizing with a mallet or tool leads to mushy meat.
Can you grill chicken thighs on a pellet grill?
Yes, pellet grills like Traegers are wonderful for thighs. Cook at 375°F indirect heat for 30-40 minutes until 165°F. Some models have a dedicated poultry setting.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Thigh Recipes to Try
Using your perfect grilling timing, try these fantastic recipes for flavorful barbecued chicken thighs off the grill:
- Jerk Chicken Thighs – Spicy and authentic Caribbean flavor.
- Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs – Sweet heat magic.
- BBQ Chicken Thighs – Classic saucy barbecue.
- Thai Chicken Thighs – Thai spices and peanut dipping sauce.
- Chicken Shawarma Thighs – Middle Eastern marinade flavors.
The possibilities for incredible grilled chicken thigh recipes are endless. Use proper technique for perfect results every time.
Conclusion
Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs are a summer grilling staple for good reason. Properly smoked or barbecued, their flavor and affordability can’t be beat.
While chicken thighs are hard to overcook, mastering grill times and temperatures helps ensure tender and juicy results. For boneless skinless thighs, 6-8 minutes per side over direct heat is ideal. Bone-in thighs do best for 25-35 minutes using indirect heat.
Marinating thighs in an acidic mixture for 4 hours or less maximizes flavor and moisture. Oil and sugar-based marinades may need slightly longer grill time. Always use a meat thermometer for doneness.
Avoid common mistakes like flare ups and uneven cooking by paying close attention throughout grilling. With the proper methods, the possibilities for amazing chicken thigh recipes off the grill are endless. Your friends and family will be begging for your secret to the juiciest barbecued chicken thighs ever.