Grilling has become a beloved pastime for many, and chicken thighs are often a top choice when it comes to perfecting the art of grilling.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of grilling chicken thighs to help you always achieve mouthwatering results. Knowing how long to grill chicken thighs is essential for a successful grilling experience and ensuring your dish is flavorful and cooked safely.
So, lets get into everything you need to know about chicken thighs and uncover the tricks to grilling them to perfection.
How Long Does it Take to Grill Bone-In Chicken Thighs for Perfectly Cooked Results
Grilling juicy, flavorful bone-in chicken thighs may seem daunting for many backyard grill masters. With the right technique, timing, and temperature control, you can achieve tender, mouthwatering results every time. In this article, I’ll walk through the complete process for grilling bone-in thighs, from preparation to grill times to doneness cues.
When it comes to grilling, chicken thighs are better than leaner breast meat in a few ways. The higher fat content keeps them juicy and tasty, and the bone helps the heat spread out evenly. The skin also becomes deliciously crispy. But bone-in thighs can quickly go from not done enough to dry because the meat is thick and the sizes vary. Monitoring temperature and cook times is key.
On average bone-in chicken thighs take 30-40 minutes to grill over medium heat, flipping halfway through. But several factors impact the time including thickness, bone size, grill type, and weather conditions. Understanding how these elements affect cook times allows you to adapt for perfect results.
Getting Chicken Thighs Ready to Grill: When you grill bone-in chicken thighs, the best and most consistent results come from being well-prepared. Here are some key steps:
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Choose quality chicken with visible fat. Opt for skin-on for added flavor and moisture.
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Trim excess fat or skin to even out thickness. Uniform pieces will cook evenly.
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Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or 2-4 hours ideally. Marinades boost juiciness.
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Pat dry before grilling. Excess moisture on the surface can inhibit browning.
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Generously season with spices, herbs, salt, and pepper. A flavorful crust develops.
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Allow thighs to come to room temp before grilling for more even cooking.
Taking the time to prep properly makes a noticeable difference in the end result.
How Long Does it Take to Grill Bone-In Chicken Thighs?
Once your grill is preheated to the ideal temperature (see below), use these cook times as a starting point for getting perfect bone-in thighs off the barbecue:
- 30-40 minutes over medium heat (350°F – 400°F)
- Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking
- Check temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness
The 30–40 minute range takes into account differences in bone thickness and size. Thicker cuts and meatier thighs need extra time. Instead of just looking at the time, use a thermometer to make sure the food is done.
Factors Impacting Grill Times
Several elements can lengthen or shorten the cook time for bone-in chicken thighs. Being aware of these allows you to modify accordingly:
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Thickness – Thicker thighs take longer to cook through. Monitor closely.
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Bone size – Larger thigh bones absorb more heat, increasing cook time.
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Grill type – Charcoal grills are less consistent in temperature than gas.
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Weather conditions – Wind and cold affect grill temperature and cook times.
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Marinade/brine – Wet surfaces mean slightly longer cook times.
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Flare-ups – Excess fat can cause flames, potentially burning the skin.
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Grill position – Distance from heat source impacts cook time.
Paying attention to these factors ensures you allow enough time for bone-in thighs to cook through without drying out.
How to Tell If Chicken Thighs Are Done: If the chicken is bone-in, you can’t just look at the color to tell if it’s done. Use these methods for accurately assessing when they’re ready:
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Temperature – Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part, away from the bone. 165°F indicates complete doneness.
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Juices – Pierce with a fork and check juices run clear with no pink color.
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Texture – Fully cooked meat feels firm when pressed. Undercooked still feels soft.
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Appearance – The meat pulls away from the bone slightly when properly cooked.
For safety and ideal texture, don’t depend on just one doneness indicator. Verify with multiple signs of completion.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Bone-In Chicken Thighs
Achieving tender, juicy results when grilling bone-in thighs requires a few special techniques:
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Grill over indirect heat first to help retain moisture before finishing directly over the flames.
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Baste during grilling and rest after cooking to boost juiciness.
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Allow thighs to rest at least 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute evenly.
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Cook skin-side down first for crispy skin that seals in moisture.
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Use a marinade with acid ingredients to help tenderize and prevent dry meat.
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Apply a flavorful dry rub if marinating isn’t your preference.
With the right prep, cook times, and techniques, you can master grilling succulent, delicious bone-in chicken thighs worthy of any barbecue spread. Get ready for your family and friends to request them again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Bone-In Chicken Thighs
- Why are bone-in chicken thighs good for grilling?
Bone-in thighs have more fat and connective tissue than chicken breasts, keeping them juicy on the grill. The bone also conducts heat for even cooking.
- How long should I marinate bone-in chicken thighs?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes but ideally 2-4 hours. Too long can make the meat mushy.
- What temperature should I grill bone-in thighs?
Aim for medium heat, around 375°F, to get a sear while cooking through without drying out.
- How do I know when bone-in thighs are done grilling?
Check for an internal temperature of 165°F with a meat thermometer. Juices will run clear when pierced.
- Should I grill bone-in thighs skin-side down first?
Yes, starting skin-side down helps render fat for moisture and gets the skin crispy. Flip once browned.
- Can I use a dry rub instead of marinating?
Yes, a flavorful dry rub works well too. It just doesn’t penetrate or tenderize as much.
- How long do grilled bone-in thighs last?
Properly stored in the fridge, grilled thighs keep for 3-4 days. They can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Perfectly cooked bone-in chicken thighs right off the grill are hard to beat in summer. With the right prep and techniques, you can achieve ideal results full of flavor and moisture every time. Grilling thighs requires a little more attention than chicken breasts, but it’s worth the effort.
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Published February 01, 2024
Reviewed by GIR: Get It Right
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Prep Time
10 minutes
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Cook Time
12-16 minutes
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Total Time
22-26 minutes
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Yield
4 servings
An increasing number of people enjoy grilling, and chicken thighs are often the best food to use to get better at it.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of grilling chicken thighs to help you always achieve mouthwatering results. Knowing how long to grill chicken thighs is essential for a successful grilling experience and ensuring your dish is flavorful and cooked safely.
Now let’s talk about everything you need to know about chicken thighs and how to grill them perfectly.
How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs
What we need to talk about is how long to grill chicken thighs, whether they have bones or not.
When grilling chicken thighs with the bone, its important to ensure thorough cooking while maintaining juiciness. Heres a guideline for how long to grill chicken thighs with bones:
- Safe Cooking Temperature: To make sure food is safe, the temperature inside grilled chicken thighs should reach 165°F (74°C). This temperature kills any bacteria that might be there and makes sure the chicken is fully cooked.
- How long does it take to cook? Bone-in chicken thighs usually take six to eight minutes on each side on the grill. But the cooking time may change based on how thick the thighs are and how hot the grill is. To keep the chicken from being undercooked or overcooked, it’s important to get the cooking time right.
- Keeping an eye on the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken thighs reach a safe temperature inside. Place the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. When it reads 165°F (74°C), it’s time to take the chicken thighs off the grill.
Grilling boneless chicken thighs allows for faster and more convenient cooking. Heres a guideline for how long to grill boneless chicken thighs:
- For safety reasons, boneless chicken thighs need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), the same as bone-in chicken thighs. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature monitoring.
- Less time spent cooking: Since boneless chicken thighs don’t have bones to keep them warm, they need less time on the grill. Boneless chicken thighs usually need four to six minutes on each side to cook all the way through. But change the cooking time depending on how thick the thighs are and how hot your grill is.
- Using a Meat Thermometer: To be sure the chicken thighs are cooked all the way through, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. Your boneless thighs are ready to be taken off the grill when the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). They will be juicy and safe to eat.
Beginners Guide to Grilling Chicken Thighs
FAQ
How long should a bone-in chicken thigh be grilled?
When it comes to grilling bone-in chicken thigh, one of the most important things to consider is the cooking time. On average, bone-in chicken thighs should be grilled for about 25-30 minutes over medium heat.
How long does it take to grill chicken thighs?
Grilled chicken thighs are an easy, flavorful dinner option that cooks quickly on a gas or charcoal grill. With tips on grilling time, temperature, technique, and seasoning, this recipe offers juicy, tender chicken with minimal preparation in under 30 minutes, whether using boneless or bone-in thighs.
How long do you cook bone in chicken thighs?
Bone-in chicken thighs should be grilled for 30 to 40 minutes over medium heat (350°F to 400°F), turning them over halfway through to make sure they cook evenly. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating safe and thorough cooking.
How long do you Grill bone in thighs?
Grill for 5-6 minutes with the skin up, then flip to skin down and grill for about 4 minutes. Flip and continue the uneven grilling times. 5. Grill to 185° internal temperature—about 25-30 minutes for bone-in thighs. 6. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. For more details, keep reading.
Should chicken thighs be grilled side down?
Grill skin side down first. If you want perfectly crispy skin on your chicken thighs, grill with the skin side down first to allow it to crisp up, then flip over to allow the meat to continue to grill thoroughly. How long does it take to grill a chicken thigh? It generally takes around 10 minutes to grill small, bone-in chicken thighs.
How do you cook boneless chicken thighs on a grill?
When you’re ready to throw your boneless, skinless chicken thighs on the grill, follow these steps for success: Heat the grill until it’s “hot enough that you can’t hold your hand 4 inches above it for more than five seconds,” says Matijevich. Cook the thighs over direct heat, flipping once during cooking.
How long do bone-in chicken thighs take to grill?
How long does it take to grill chicken thighs? Boneless skinless chicken thighs typically take 8-10 minutes to grill over medium heat. If you’re doing bone-in and skin on, they will take a bit longer like 20-25 minutes. Sep 11, 2024.
Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400?
The ideal grill temperature range for chicken is between 350 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is narrowed down by whether you’re grilling chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Oct 1, 2024.
Should I flip chicken thighs on the grill?
Do you flip chicken thighs when grilling? Yes! For even cooking, flip the chicken thighs. Get a good crust formed for about 5 minutes on each side, then continue to cover and cook, flipping every 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. How long do you grill chicken thighs?.
Does it take longer to cook chicken thighs with bone-in?
Chicken thighs with bones take about 20 to 25 minutes to grill, which is a little longer than chicken thighs without bones. But the crispy chicken skin makes it all worth it. The bone can slow down the cooking process because its heat.