Barbecuing chicken thighs can result in juicy, flavorful meat when done properly. However, many home cooks wonder – how long does it take to barbecue chicken thighs to perfection? The cooking time can vary based on a few key factors. Follow the guidelines below for tips on determining the ideal barbecue time for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or thighs with skin and bones.

Preparation

• Thaw – If using frozen chicken thighs, make sure to thaw them fully before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on a microwave.
• Pat Dry – Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. Remove any excess moisture on the surface.
• Oil and Season – Coat the thighs lightly with olive oil or vegetable oil. Then, generously season them with your favorite spices like garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, etc. Rub the seasonings evenly over the entire surface.
• Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight in the fridge if desired. This allows the flavors to penetrate into the meat.

Grill Set Up

• Heat – Prepare your grill for direct high-heat grilling. Heat the grill to 450-500°F.
• Clean – Make sure grill grates are clean so chicken doesn’t stick. Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
• Direct Heat – Cook chicken thighs using direct high heat, placing them directly over the hot grates. Avoid flaming portions of the grill.

How Long to BBQ Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

• 6-8 minutes per side, flipping once halfway through. Total cooking time is 12-16 minutes.
• Thighs are done when internal temperature reaches 165°F. Juices will run clear when pierced with tip of a knife.

How Long to BBQ Chicken Thighs with Skin and Bones

• Skin-on, bone-in thighs take longer since the bone conducts less heat. Skin also shields meat from direct heat.
• Cook for 18-22 minutes total. Flip thighs once halfway through.
• Cook until skin gets crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Use tongs or spatula to flip chicken gently – don’t pierce meat.
• Avoid overcrowding the grill – leave space between thighs.
• Brush on barbecue sauce during last 5 minutes if using (avoid burning).
• Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving. Juices will redistribute.
• Take thighs off grill when slightly underdone since they continue cooking from residual heat.

Common Questions:

What temperature should I cook chicken thighs on the grill?

• Grill chicken thighs over direct high heat, 450-500°F. This sears the outside while keeping meat juicy. Avoid excess flare-ups.

Should I flip chicken thighs while grilling?

• Yes, flip thighs once about halfway through cooking. This ensures even cooking on both sides. Use tongs to gently flip.

Can I grill chicken thighs from frozen?

• It’s best to thaw chicken thighs fully before grilling for food safety and even cooking. If in a pinch, add a few extra minutes to compensate.

Can I use barbecue sauce on grilled chicken thighs?

• Yes, brush sauce on during last 3-5 minutes of grilling time. Avoid burning by not adding too early.

How can I keep chicken thighs moist on the grill?

• Pat thighs very dry before grilling. Oil and seasoning helps seal in moisture. Don’t overcook. Rest before serving.

With the proper technique, grilled chicken thighs are hard to beat for juicy, tender meat with a great charred flavor. Track your cooking times and internal temperatures and adjust as needed based on thickness. In no time, you’ll be an expert on how long it takes to barbecue chicken thighs to perfection.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken thighs allows you to achieve tasty, juicy meat in a relatively quick cooking time. Boneless, skinless thighs take about 12-16 minutes while bone-in, skin-on thighs need 18-22 minutes or so. The key is using high heat, monitoring temperature, avoiding overcrowding, and letting the thighs properly rest before serving. With the guide above and a little practice, you’ll be able to determine exactly how long it takes to barbecue chicken thighs to your liking.