Mastering Boneless Chicken Thighs On A Charcoal Grill

Boneless chicken thighs are a great option for a juicy, tender, and flavourful meal. They are cheap, easy to cook, and can be grilled in under 15 minutes, making them a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Chicken thighs have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, which helps them stay moist and juicy when grilled. They also hold up well to high-temperature grilling, allowing you to cook them quickly and get a gorgeous texture.

In this article, we will discuss the best way to grill boneless chicken thighs on a charcoal grill, including the ideal grilling time and temperature, as well as some tips and tricks for achieving the perfect result.

How long to grill boneless chicken thighs for

Boneless chicken thighs are a great option for a quick, tasty meal. They are cheap, full of flavour, and remain moist and juicy when grilled. They are also versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes.

It takes approximately 8 to 12 minutes to grill boneless chicken thighs. This will depend on the temperature of your grill and the thickness of the meat. If you are cooking at a temperature between 325°F and 350°F, the meat will need to cook for around 5-6 minutes on both sides. If you are cooking at a higher temperature, the meat will be ready in around 6 to 7 minutes per side.

Checking for Doneness

It is important to ensure that your chicken is cooked properly. The best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part of the meat. If you don't have a meat thermometer, the chicken is done when its juices run clear.

Resting

Once your chicken is cooked, it is important to let it rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and juicy. Cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 3 to 10 minutes.

Marinating

It is a good idea to marinate your chicken before grilling. This adds flavour and helps to keep the meat juicy. A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.

Grilling Tips

• Use indirect heat to ensure the chicken cooks at an even speed.
• Don't flip the chicken until it is ready—if it sticks to the grill, it's not ready to be turned.
• Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks, especially if your marinade contains honey, as the sugars can burn.

Serving

Boneless chicken thighs can be served with a variety of side dishes. Some options include Greek salad, cucumber tomato salad, roasted potatoes, garlic smashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a simple herb and lemon juice garnish.

The best grill temperature for boneless chicken thighs

Boneless chicken thighs are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and grilling is a fantastic way to cook them. Grilled chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and full of flavour. Here's a guide to help you get the best results when grilling boneless chicken thighs.

Choosing the right grill temperature

The ideal grill temperature for boneless chicken thighs is between 325°F and 350°F to 400°F. Grilling at this temperature range will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly without drying out. Boneless chicken thighs are thinner than bone-in chicken, so they don't require as high of a temperature. A hotter grill temperature could dry out the meat.

Preparing the chicken

Before grilling, it's important to prepare your chicken thighs properly. Here are some key steps to follow:

• Use a marinade: Marinating your chicken thighs will add flavour and moisture. You can use a variety of ingredients for your marinade, such as olive oil, lemon juice, honey, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Combine the ingredients in a sealable bag or container, add the chicken thighs, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
• Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to the desired temperature before placing the chicken on it.
• Clean and oil the grill grates: This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates.

Grilling the chicken

Once your chicken is prepared and your grill is preheated, you're ready to start grilling. Here are some tips for grilling boneless chicken thighs:

• Cook over direct heat: Place the chicken thighs directly over the flame or heat source.
• Grill for 3-6 minutes per side: The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken thighs, but generally, boneless chicken thighs will take around 8-12 minutes to cook.
• Use a meat thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked properly is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for at least 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat juicy.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to grill boneless chicken thighs like a pro and enjoy delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Marinade ingredients and prep

A good chicken marinade has a combination of five key elements: salt, spice, sweetness, acid, and umami. You can use any marinade you like, but here are some ingredients you can use to make your own:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parsley
• White wine vinegar
• White wine
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Lime
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Cumin
• Worcestershire sauce

Mix your chosen ingredients together in a sealable gallon bag or a Tupperware container with a lid. You can also use a large bowl or a Ziploc bag if you don't have a sealable container.

Once the marinade is combined, add the chicken thighs and seal the container. Put it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours. Leaving it overnight can work, but the lemon juice may start to break down the chicken. Be sure to flip the bag or container at least once to ensure both sides of the chicken are coated.

When you're ready to grill, preheat your grill to 350°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken on the grill grates. It's going to cook fast, so you'll only need to let it cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Try to keep the grill cover closed to maintain the heat.

Once the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 3-4 minutes before slicing. Your juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken is now ready to be served!

How to know when the chicken is cooked

When cooking boneless chicken thighs on a charcoal grill, there are several ways to know when the chicken is cooked. Firstly, it's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the temperature of your grill and the thickness of the chicken thighs. On a charcoal grill set to medium-high heat (375-400°F), boneless chicken thighs will take around 8 to 10 minutes to cook, but you should always check that they are done by using one of the following methods:

Checking the Temperature with a Meat Thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh and check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). This is the temperature at which the chicken is safe to eat, and it will continue to rise to around 180°F (82°C) as it rests.

Checking the Juices

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can pierce the chicken with a knife or fork and check the juices. If they are clear and not pink, the chicken is likely cooked. However, this method is not as accurate as using a thermometer and may dry out your chicken if it is not yet cooked.

Checking the Colour and Texture

Cooked chicken will be white in the middle, with no hint of pink. It will also be smaller than its raw state, firmer, and no longer shiny or glistening.

Resting the Meat

After you think your chicken is cooked, it's important to let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to finish cooking, reaching the desired internal temperature of 165°F.

Resting the chicken after grilling

The amount of resting time depends on the size of the meat. For boneless chicken thighs, 3 to 5 minutes of resting time is sufficient. For larger cuts of meat, such as a steak, 5 minutes is recommended. For a whole turkey, you'll need to rest the meat for 15 to 20 minutes.

While the chicken rests, it will continue to cook. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the chicken from the grill when it is 5 to 10 degrees away from your desired temperature. This will ensure the chicken reaches the perfect temperature while resting and locks in those delicious juices.

Resting the chicken also gives you time to prepare any sides or sauces to accompany your meal. It is a simple step, but one that makes a big difference in the final result of your grilled chicken.

Frequently asked questions