Cooking Time for Grilled Chicken Thighs

Updated at: 19/12/2024

Grilled chicken thighs: a culinary classic loved for their juicy texture and rich flavor. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a kitchen novice, achieving perfectly cooked chicken thighs hinges on one crucial factor: precise cooking time. Overcook them, and you're left with dry, tough meat; undercook them, and you risk compromising food safety. The ideal cooking time, however, isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, varying depending on the thickness of your thighs, the heat of your grill, and even your preferred level of doneness.

This guide aims to demystify the grilling process, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how long to grill chicken thighs to achieve succulent perfection. We'll explore various factors influencing cooking time and offer a clear, step-by-step process to ensure your chicken is cooked through and bursting with flavor. Let's dive in and learn how to master the art of grilling chicken thighs, every time.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Visual inspection alone is unreliable.
  • Never reuse marinades that have been in contact with raw chicken unless you bring them to a rolling boil first.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling before cutting and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Marination

    • Marinate skinless and boneless chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika.
    Marinate skinless and boneless chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika.
    Marination

  2. Grilling

    • Add chicken thighs to a hot grill.
    • Turn chicken thighs about halfway through cooking.
    Turn chicken thighs about halfway through cooking.
    Grilling

  3. Checking for Doneness

    • Check chicken thighs for doneness by touch; they should be soft and firm when pressed.

  4. Removal from Grill

    • Remove chicken thighs from grill once cooked through (approximately 7-10 minutes for boneless, skinless thighs).
    Remove chicken thighs from grill once cooked through (approximately 7-10 minutes for boneless, skinless thighs).
    Removal from Grill

  5. Plating and Serving

    • Plate the grilled chicken thighs.
    • Garnish with paprika (optional).
    Garnish with paprika (optional).
    Plating and Serving

Read more: Fire Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe

Tips

  • Bone-in chicken thighs will take longer to cook than boneless, skinless thighs.
  • The hotter the grill, the quicker the chicken will cook.
  • If you don't want char marks, move the chicken to a lower flame.
  • Check for doneness by feel, not by using a thermometer, to avoid puncturing and losing juices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Grill

Reason: Overcrowding lowers the grill temperature, leading to uneven cooking and longer cook times. Steam builds up instead of allowing for proper browning and searing.
Solution: Ensure adequate space between chicken thighs for even heat distribution and faster cooking.

2. Not Checking for Doneness

Reason: Undercooked chicken can be dangerous. Relying solely on time estimations can result in foodborne illness.
Solution: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing from the grill.

3. Using Too High Heat Initially

Reason: High heat can lead to burning the outside of the chicken before the inside is cooked through, resulting in dry, tough meat.
Solution: Start with medium heat to ensure even cooking and then increase if needed towards the end for a nice sear.

FAQs

How long does it take to grill chicken thighs?
Grilling time for chicken thighs depends on their thickness and your grill's heat. Generally, bone-in, skin-on thighs take 25-35 minutes at medium heat, while boneless, skinless thighs take 15-20 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What's the best way to prevent my chicken thighs from drying out on the grill?
Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling to add flavor and moisture. Also, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and remove them from the grill as soon as they reach 165°F (74°C). You can also baste them with a little sauce or marinade during cooking.
Can I grill frozen chicken thighs?
It's not recommended to grill frozen chicken thighs directly. They will cook unevenly and may not reach a safe internal temperature. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before grilling for best results.