Perfectly Grilled Barbecue Chicken Thighs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 20/12/2024

The aroma of perfectly grilled barbecue chicken thighs, smoky and sweet, is the quintessential summer scent. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, these aren't your dry, overcooked chicken disappointments. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can elevate your backyard barbecue to legendary status. Forget complicated marinades and fussy preparations; this recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of char and tenderness, resulting in chicken thighs so delicious, they'll disappear faster than you can say "more barbecue sauce!"

This guide will walk you through each step, from preparing the chicken to mastering the grill, ensuring your barbecue chicken thighs are flawlessly cooked every single time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a recipe that’s as easy as it is undeniably delicious. Let’s get grilling!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh.
  • Handle raw chicken carefully to avoid cross-contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the chicken and use separate cutting boards and utensils.
  • Never leave grilled chicken unattended. Maintain consistent heat and monitor cooking time to prevent burning or undercooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken Thighs

    • Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help seasoning adhere.
    • Season chicken thighs generously with olive oil and barbecue seasoning (or poultry seasoning with salt and pepper).
    Season chicken thighs generously with olive oil and barbecue seasoning (or poultry seasoning with salt and pepper).Season chicken thighs generously with olive oil and barbecue seasoning (or poultry seasoning with salt and pepper).
    Prepare Chicken Thighs

  2. Preheat Grill

    • Preheat gas grill to high (around 500°F). Ensure one side of the grill has high heat (direct flame) and the other has no flame (indirect heat).
    Preheat gas grill to high (around 500°F). Ensure one side of the grill has high heat (direct flame) and the other has no flame (indirect heat).
    Preheat Grill

  3. Initial Grilling (Direct Heat)

    • Grill chicken thighs skin-side down over direct heat for 5 minutes, lid closed.
    • Flip chicken thighs and grill for another 5 minutes over direct heat, lid closed.
    Flip chicken thighs and grill for another 5 minutes over direct heat, lid closed.Flip chicken thighs and grill for another 5 minutes over direct heat, lid closed.
    Initial Grilling (Direct Heat)

  4. Indirect Grilling & Sauce

    • Move chicken thighs to indirect heat and grill for 10 minutes, lid closed, until internal temperature reaches 150°F.
    • Add barbecue sauce to chicken thighs and continue grilling over indirect heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    Add barbecue sauce to chicken thighs and continue grilling over indirect heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.Add barbecue sauce to chicken thighs and continue grilling over indirect heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    Indirect Grilling & Sauce

Read more: Fire Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe

Tips

  • Use gloves to easily season the chicken thighs.
  • If using a poultry seasoning, ensure it contains salt and pepper. Otherwise, add them separately.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Grill

Reason: Overcrowding prevents proper airflow and even cooking, leading to unevenly cooked chicken and flare-ups.
Solution: Ensure adequate space between chicken thighs to allow for even heat distribution and prevent flare-ups.

2. Not Reaching Internal Temperature

Reason: Undercooked chicken is unsafe to eat. Using a meat thermometer is crucial for food safety.
Solution: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing from the grill.

3. Grilling Too Hot or Too Cold

Reason: High heat can burn the outside before the inside is cooked, while low heat leads to dry, tough chicken.
Solution: Maintain a medium-high heat (around 350-400°F) for even cooking and juicy results.

FAQs

What's the best temperature to grill chicken thighs?
Aim for a grill temperature of 350-400°F (175-200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long does it take to grill chicken thighs?
Grilling time depends on the thickness of your thighs and your grill's temperature. Generally, it takes about 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
How do I prevent my chicken thighs from sticking to the grill grates?
Oil the grill grates well before placing the chicken on them. You can also use a grill mat or soak the chicken in a marinade for extra flavor and to help it from sticking.