
Chicken thighs are a great choice for a barbecue, whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. They're cheap, full of flavour, and remain moist and juicy when grilled. But how long do you need to cook them for?
The answer depends on the type of chicken thigh. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will take less time – likely between 8 and 15 minutes in total. Bone-in thighs, on the other hand, will take longer – somewhere between 10 and 30 minutes. You can also grill chicken thighs on direct heat, which will take around 6 to 7 minutes per side.
Regardless of the type of chicken thigh, it's important to ensure they're cooked thoroughly. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat has reached 165°F.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Grill temperature | 375-500°F |
Grill type | Gas, charcoal, pellet, air fryer |
Marinade time | 15 minutes to 12 hours |
Grill time | 8-15 minutes |
Rest time | 5-10 minutes |
Internal temperature | 165-195°F |
What You'll Learn
How to prepare chicken thighs for grilling
Choosing Your Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are a great choice for grilling—they're packed with flavour and stay nice and juicy. You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, but for the best results, opt for bone-in and skin-on thighs.
Marinating Your Chicken Thighs
To add even more flavour to your chicken thighs, you can marinate them before grilling. A simple marinade can be made by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, mustard, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Place your chicken thighs in a large bowl or plastic bag, pour over the marinade, and rub it into the meat. Leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for 2–12 hours.
Preparing Your Grill
Before grilling your chicken thighs, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat (around 400°F). You'll also want to clean the grill grates and grease them with a little oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Grilling Your Chicken Thighs
When it comes to grilling, place your chicken thighs on the hot grill, skin-side down. For boneless chicken thighs, grill for 3–4 minutes on each side. For bone-in chicken thighs, grill for 4–6 minutes on each side. Your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which you can check with a meat thermometer.
Resting and Serving Your Chicken Thighs
Once your chicken thighs are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is nice and juicy.
Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Thighs
If you have any leftover chicken thighs, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
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How long to grill chicken thighs
Preparation
Before grilling chicken thighs, it is important to prepare the meat. Blot the chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help to ensure that the skin becomes crispy, while the insides remain tender and juicy. You can also trim the thighs of any excess skin and fat to prevent flare-ups and burning when grilling.
Next, you can choose to season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, or a seasoning of your choice. You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of spices, oils, and herbs to add extra flavour. If you do choose to marinate the chicken, it is recommended to do so for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for the best results.
Grilling
When grilling chicken thighs, it is recommended to preheat the grill to a medium-high heat of around 400-450°F. It is also important to ensure that the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, place the chicken on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, place the chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs and the temperature of the grill. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Resting
Once the chicken thighs have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier, more flavourful chicken.
Serving
Grilled chicken thighs can be served on their own or with a variety of side dishes. Some popular side dish options include salad, potatoes, rice, pasta, or grilled vegetables.
Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- If using a charcoal grill, you can add wood chips or chunks to impart a smoky flavour to the chicken.
- For crispy skin, grill the chicken skin-side down first and cook for a longer period of time on that side.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken, as this can result in dry and tough meat.
- Marinating the chicken can add extra flavour and help to keep it moist and juicy.
- When grilling bone-in chicken thighs, it is recommended to use "uneven grilling" by grilling the skin side up for a longer period of time to prevent burning and flare-ups.
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How to grill chicken thighs with the skin on
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs with skin on
- 1-2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon of ground black pepper
Method:
- Pat the chicken dry with clean paper towels.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub it all over.
- Sprinkle both sides with the salt and pepper mixture (make sure to get some under the skin too).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450 degrees F) and ensure the grill grates are clean.
- Place the chicken skin-side down on direct heat (directly over the flame) and grill for 4-6 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and cook on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. (Use a meat thermometer).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For the best results, use bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours before grilling.
- When grilling, start with the skin side down to get a nice, crispy skin.
- If you don't have a meat thermometer, you'll know the chicken is cooked when its juices run clear once you remove it from the grill and let it rest for a minute.
Serving Suggestions:
- Grilled chicken thighs can be served with a variety of side dishes such as grilled potatoes, sweet corn, or a strawberry spinach salad.
- They can also be used in salads, sandwiches, or quesadillas.
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How to reheat chicken thighs
There are several ways to reheat chicken thighs, including using an oven, stovetop, air fryer, or microwave. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it right:
Using an Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. It's important to wait until the oven reaches the desired temperature before putting the chicken inside.
- Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. This setup ensures hot air circulates around the chicken, creating a crispy crust.
- Take the chicken out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Then, place the chicken pieces in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check.
On a Stovetop:
- This method is ideal for boneless, skinless chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken. Start by slicing the chicken into strips or picking the meat off the bone.
- Place a skillet over medium heat and add just enough water or chicken broth to cover the bottom.
- Once the water simmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Lower the heat and stir until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
- You can use the reheated chicken in various dishes like salads, wraps, or pasta.
In an Air Fryer:
- Let your chicken come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.
- Spray the chicken with a light coating of nonstick spray.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and place the chicken in a single layer in the basket.
- Set the timer for four minutes at 360°F, and then increase the temperature to 400°F and bake for another five minutes.
In a Microwave:
- Place the chicken in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, with smaller pieces towards the center and larger pieces towards the edge.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil and a teaspoon of water over the chicken to keep it moist. You can also use water, salsa, or chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Cover the chicken with microwave-safe plastic wrap and heat for two minutes. If it's not hot enough, flip it and heat in 30-second intervals until done.
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What sides to serve with grilled chicken thighs
Grilled chicken thighs are a juicy and tasty meal, and there are plenty of side dishes that can complement them. Here are some ideas to serve alongside grilled chicken thighs:
Salads
Salads are a refreshing option to serve with grilled chicken thighs. A simple cucumber salad is always a good choice, or you could try something more substantial like a Greek wedge salad or a spinach strawberry salad. If you want to add some crunch to your meal, a broccoli salad or a panzanella (bread salad) would be a great choice. For a more unique option, try a roasted beet and citrus salad, or a zucchini salad with marinated feta.
Starchy Sides
Starchy sides like potatoes and rice are always a good option to fill up hungry diners. You could keep it classic with some potato salad, or get creative with grilled potatoes in foil, cheesy grilled potato packets, or crispy smashed potatoes with horseradish and sea salt. If you're looking for something a little different, Spanish rice or quinoa are tasty alternatives to the usual potato or pasta sides.
Grilled Veg
If you're already firing up the grill for your chicken thighs, why not cook your veggies on there too? Grilled sweet potatoes, grilled broccoli, grilled carrots, and grilled corn are all tasty options. For something a little different, try grilling thick watermelon wedges and finishing them with lime zest, red pepper flakes, and Greek yogurt.
Other Sides
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you can't go wrong with a side of French fries or onion rings. Alternatively, you could try some cannellini beans simmered with herbs and garlic, or creamed spinach for a silky, cheesy side.
Breads
No meal is complete without some delicious bread on the side. Buttermilk biscuits or a slice of cornbread would be perfect for mopping up any juices from your chicken thighs.
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Frequently asked questions
Boneless chicken thighs will take approximately 8 minutes to grill, while bone-in chicken thighs will take approximately 10-13 minutes.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will take 8 to 10 minutes to grill on a gas grill.
For boneless chicken thighs, grill each side for 3-4 minutes. For bone-in chicken thighs, grill each side for 4-6 minutes, starting with the skin side down.
For bone-in chicken thighs on a gas grill, cook over direct heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat and continue cooking until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
The best way to grill chicken thighs for a BBQ is to grill them for about 15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.