Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Thighs: Timing For Tender, Juicy Results

how long to bbq chicken thighs charcoal

Chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but how long does it take to cook them on a charcoal grill?

The cooking time for chicken thighs on a charcoal grill depends on several factors, including the type of chicken thigh (boneless or bone-in), the grill temperature, and the desired level of doneness. Bone-in chicken thighs generally take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs. The grill temperature should be maintained at around 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal cooking.

On average, boneless chicken thighs will take around 8 minutes to cook on a charcoal grill, while bone-in chicken thighs will take approximately 10-13 minutes. However, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety.

Additionally, the cooking method and preparation of the grill can impact the cooking time. Some recipes recommend using a two-zone cooking method, with one side of the grill at a higher temperature and the other side at a lower temperature. This allows for better control over the cooking process and helps prevent burning.

In conclusion, the cooking time for chicken thighs on a charcoal grill can vary depending on several factors, but with proper preparation and temperature control, you can ensure perfectly cooked and juicy chicken thighs every time.

Characteristics Values
Grill type Charcoal
Grill temperature 350°F to 450°F
Grill setup Two-zone fire: coals on one side, void in the middle for a water pan, and coals on the other side
Chicken type Boneless or bone-in chicken thighs
Chicken preparation Trim excess fat, pat dry, rub with olive oil, season with salt and pepper or a spice blend
Grill time 8 minutes for boneless, 10-13 minutes for bone-in, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
Rest time 5-10 minutes

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Seasoning and preparation

Trimming and Marinating

Before you start grilling, trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken thighs. This will help prevent flare-ups on the grill and minimise the amount of fat dripping into the charcoal. You can also remove the neck and gizzards and trim any excess fat from a whole chicken.

Next, coat the chicken thighs with a small amount of olive oil and season them with salt and pepper or your chosen spice rub. You can do this just before cooking, or let the chicken dry brine overnight in the refrigerator.

Lighting the Charcoal

Now it's time to prepare your charcoal grill. If you're using lighter fluid, follow the manufacturer's instructions for lighting the charcoal. If you're using a charcoal chimney, place the charcoal inside and light it. Once the coals are reliably burning, this should take around 3-5 minutes, pour them into the charcoal grill. Place the grill grate back on the charcoal grill.

Preparing the Grill

Wait until the charcoal is ashen or white before starting to cook. You can test whether the charcoal is hot enough by seeing if you can hold your hand over the grill for 2 seconds. Preheat the grill for at least 15 minutes before putting any chicken on it. Clean the grill grates with a brush and oil them with a high smoke point oil, like canola or avocado oil.

Temperature Zones

To create different temperature zones, place the charcoal on one or both sides of the grill for direct heat, and leave an empty space in the middle for indirect heat. This will allow you to move the chicken around to cook it evenly and prevent burning.

Testing the Temperature

You can test the temperature of the grill without a thermometer by holding your hand about 5-6 inches above the grate. If you can hold your hand there for:

  • 2-4 seconds, the temperature is high heat (450-550°F)
  • 5-6 seconds, the temperature is medium heat (350-450°F)
  • 8-10 seconds, the temperature is low heat (250-350°F)

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Grill temperature

The ideal grill temperature for chicken thighs is around 350–450 °F (176–232 °C). This temperature range is known as medium-high heat.

You can gauge the temperature of your grill without a thermometer by using the "hand test". Hold your hand about 3 inches (7.6 cm) above the grill cooking area and count the number of seconds you can keep it there without the heat becoming too uncomfortable.

  • Less than 2 seconds: approximately 450 °F (232 °C)
  • 2–3 seconds: approximately 400–450 °F (204–232 °C)
  • 4–5 seconds: approximately 350 °F (176 °C)
  • 6–7 seconds: approximately 300–350 °F (148–176 °C)
  • 7–9 seconds: approximately 250–300 °F (121–148 °C)

For boneless chicken thighs, your grill should be set to around 400 °F (204 °C). Bone-in chicken thighs require a slightly higher temperature of about 450 °F (232 °C).

It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the specific grill you're using. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken thighs have reached the recommended internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).

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Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken thighs on a charcoal grill will depend on whether they are boneless or bone-in, and whether you are cooking over direct or indirect heat.

For boneless chicken thighs, you will be grilling them for approximately 8 minutes. For bone-in chicken thighs, you will be grilling them for approximately 10-13 minutes. However, it's important to keep in mind that the internal temperature of the chicken needs to reach 165°F to ensure it is cooked through.

If you are using a charcoal grill, you will need to light a chimney full of charcoal and wait until it is all lit and covered with ash before dumping it into the grill. This will take around 3-5 minutes. Once the charcoal is ready, you can place your chicken on the grill.

For boneless chicken thighs, place them on direct heat and grill for 3-4 minutes per side. The total cooking time will be around 8 minutes.

For bone-in chicken thighs, place them on direct heat, skin-side down, and grill for 4-6 minutes. Then flip and cook on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The total cooking time will be around 10-13 minutes.

If you are using a combination of direct and indirect heat, you will first cook the chicken over indirect heat until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. Then, move the chicken to direct heat and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165-170°F. This process will take approximately 30-45 minutes in total.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the temperature of your grill, so it's always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through.

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Resting time

For boneless chicken thighs, a resting time of 5 to 10 minutes is recommended. This will allow the juices to settle and ensure the meat is cooked through.

Bone-in chicken thighs also benefit from a resting period of 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and gives the collagen and fat a chance to melt and render, resulting in juicier, more tender meat.

It is important to note that the chicken will continue to cook during the resting period due to carry-over cooking. This means that the internal temperature will rise a few degrees, so it's important to remove the chicken from the grill a few degrees before it reaches the desired temperature.

For example, if your target temperature is 165°F, you should remove the chicken from the grill when it reaches 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise during the resting period.

Additionally, it is recommended that you do not cover the chicken during the resting period. This will help prevent overcooking and ensure the skin remains crispy.

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Serving suggestions

There are endless ways to serve up your juicy, charcoal-grilled chicken thighs. You could keep it simple, serving the chicken as a main dish with some grilled vegetables, like corn, sweet potatoes, or broccolini.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you could try Mexican Street Corn (Elote), Grilled Potato Wedges, or a Strawberry Spinach Salad on the side. For a real summer barbecue vibe, why not try a potato salad?

For a fresh, light option, a crisp, cool salad is a great choice. You could also serve the chicken with sweet-and-salty watermelon skewers, or a batch of savory melted onions for something a little different.

If you're feeling creative, you could even chop up leftover chicken thighs and add them to a salad, stir fry, or soup.

Don't forget to let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the internal juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

Boneless chicken thighs will take around 8 minutes to grill, while bone-in chicken thighs will take closer to 10-13 minutes. The total time will depend on the size of your chicken thighs, but you should always ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

The best way to tell if your chicken thighs are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. When the internal temperature reaches 165°F, your chicken is ready.

For boneless chicken thighs, your grill should be at approximately 400°F. For bone-in chicken thighs, aim for a temperature of around 450°F.

To avoid burning your chicken thighs, cook them slowly over indirect heat. This will prevent the fat from causing flare-ups, and the flames won't have a chance to burn the meat. Make sure to oil the grill grate before cooking to prevent sticking.

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