There's nothing quite like the satisfying sizzle of chicken hitting a hot grill, especially when it's juicy, flavorful chicken thighs. Forget dry, bland poultry; these thighs are about to become your new summer grilling obsession. The rich, dark meat of the thigh naturally retains moisture, making it the perfect cut for grilling, and its forgiving nature means even grilling novices can achieve perfectly cooked results. Forget complicated marinades and fussy techniques – we’re focusing on simple methods to unlock the incredible flavor potential of this versatile ingredient. The intense char from the grill adds a delightful smoky note, complementing the chicken’s natural richness.
This guide will walk you through each step, from selecting the perfect chicken thighs to achieving that perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and discover the joy of perfectly grilled chicken thighs – follow along for a mouthwatering journey!
Preparation and Safety Guidelines
- Pet grill or Weber kettle grill
- Charcoal
- Charcoal basket
- Paper or other fire starter
- Gallon Ziploc bag (or large bowl)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Bare Mountain's Gourmet Blend pellet tube
- Cherry wood chunk
- Always ensure your chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part.
- Avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other foods. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken.
- Never leave grilled chicken unattended. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Charcoal
- Light the charcoal. Use a heaping amount of charcoal in your charcoal basket, place a piece of paper underneath and light it.
- Let the charcoal burn for 10-15 minutes to get a ripping hot fire (until you see flames bursting from the coals).
Prepare the Charcoal Make the Marinade
- Make the marinade. Combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, crushed garlic cloves, and olive oil. Mix well and let it sit for a few minutes.
Make the Marinade Marinate the Chicken
- Marinate the chicken thighs. Place chicken thighs in a gallon Ziploc bag (or large bowl), pour the marinade over, seal, and shake/massage to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
Marinate the Chicken Preheat the Grill
- Preheat the grill. Start the grill using Bare Mountain's Gourmet Blend pellet tube and add a cherry wood chunk for extra smoky flavor.
Preheat the Grill Grill the Chicken Thighs
- Grill the chicken. Place chicken thighs on the preheated grill, ensuring to use the cooler side to prevent burning the marinade. Actively cook, spinning the grates every 30 seconds to prevent burning and achieve even cooking. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side.
Grill the Chicken Thighs Rest and Serve
- Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Rest and Serve
Read more: How to Grill a Turkey
Tips
- Always start with the longest process, in this case, lighting the charcoal.
- Use the cooler side of the grill to prevent burning the marinade.
- Actively cook by spinning the grates to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Chicken thighs are forgiving, but 5-6 minutes per side is ideal to prevent drying out.