How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs: Bone-in vs. Boneless (Easy Guide!) Love the juicy taste of grilled chicken thighs? Mastering the cook time for both bone-in and boneless cuts is key to getting them perfectly cooked every time.
This guide, ensures delicious and flavorful grilled chicken thighs that are never dry!
Choosing Chicken
There are two main types of chicken thighs: bone-in and boneless. Bone-in thighs have more flavor due to the bone and connective tissue, but take longer to cook (30-35 minutes).
Boneless thighs are more versatile for various recipes and cook faster (about 12-15 minutes). Both come with or without skin. Skin-on thighs offer crispy skin and extra flavor, while skinless thighs are leaner.
Boneless, skinless: Faster cooking, versatile, leaner (less flavorful, can dry out).
Skin-on: More flavorful, crispy skin, juicy (longer cooking, higher fat).
Choose boneless, skinless for speed, leanness, or chopping. Choose skin-on for flavor, juiciness, and crispy skin.
Getting Ready to Grill
For the best results, take your chicken thighs out of the fridge 30 minutes before grilling to bring them to room temperature. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
Consider using a simple marinade or dry rub with ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, and black pepper for added flavor!
Grilling Techniques
Bone-in Chicken Thighs:
- Sear for Flavor: Preheat your grill (charcoal or gas) to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Place the bone-in, skin-on thighs skin-side down on the hot grates. Grill for 3-5 minutes, letting the skin crisp up.
- Indirect Heat for Cooking Through: Move the chicken thighs to a cooler zone of the grill (indirect heat) or lower the heat to medium. Close the lid and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, as measured with a meat thermometer. This is the most crucial step for juicy, cooked-through chicken.
Boneless Chicken Thighs:
- Quick and Easy: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F). Place the boneless, skinless thighs directly on the hot grates. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
Grilling on Charcoal for Smoky Goodness
Charcoal grilling offers a unique smoky flavor that many people love. Here's how to achieve perfectly cooked chicken thighs on your charcoal grill:
Bone-in Chicken Thighs:
- Sear and Sizzle: Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Once the coals are hot and ashy, place the bone-in, skin-on thighs skin-side down directly on the grill grates. Sear for 3-5 minutes, allowing the skin to develop a beautiful char.
- Indirect Heat for Perfect Finish: Move the chicken thighs to an area of the grill with less direct heat (indirect heat). This can be achieved by pushing the coals to one side or using a two-zone grilling method. Close the lid and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F, as measured with a meat thermometer.
Boneless Chicken Thighs:
- Quick and Flavorful: Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat (around 350°F). Once the coals are hot and ashy, place the boneless, skinless thighs directly on the grill grates. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Smoky Flavor: For a smoky flavor on charcoal grills, add soaked wood chips like cherry wood to the coals just before grilling.
Gas Grill Convenience
Gas grills offer a convenient and consistent heat source, making them perfect for grilling chicken thighs. Here's how to achieve delicious results:
Bone-in Chicken Thighs:
- Sear for Flavor: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Place the bone-in, skin-on thighs skin-side down on the hot grates. Sear for 3-5 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up nicely.
- Indirect Heat for Cooking Through: Reduce the heat to medium (around 350 degrees F) and close the lid. Cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F, as measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs:
- Fast and Easy: Preheat your gas grill to medium heat (around 350°F). Place the boneless, skinless thighs directly on the hot grates. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Beyond the Grill
While grilling is a classic way to cook chicken thighs, there are other options if you don't have a grill or prefer an alternative method. Here are two quick ideas:
- Air Fryer: Air fryers offer a convenient and healthy way to cook chicken thighs. Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the boneless, skinless thighs for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Oven-Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the bone-in, skin-on thighs on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F. For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking.
Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer: It's essential to ensure your chicken is cooked safely and avoid dry meat. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let it rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful and tender result.
- Leftovers: Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They're perfect for salads, sandwiches, or enjoying cold!
Cooking Time Chart
How Long To Grill Chicken Thighs
| Type of Chicken Thigh | Cooking Method | Estimated Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in, Skin-on | Gas Grill (Indirect Heat) | 30-35 minutes |
| Bone-in, Skin-on | Charcoal Grill (Indirect Heat) | 35-40 minutes |
| Boneless, Skinless | Gas Grill | 12-15 minutes |
| Boneless, Skinless | Charcoal Grill | 15-20 minutes |
Note: These are approximate cooking times and may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the exact temperature of the grill.
No matter your preferred method, with a little practice and these helpful tips, you'll be grilling (or cooking!) delicious and juicy chicken thighs in no time.
Grab your favorite chicken thigh recipe, choose your cooking method, and fire up the grill (or oven)! With its versatility and flavor, chicken thighs are perfect with BBQ baked beans, or potato salad, pasta salad or citrus fruit salad. Enjoy!
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