Easy grilled chicken thighs (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to grill a chicken thigh? ›

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (between 400-450 degrees F). Grill hot and fast. Place chicken thighs on grill grates, and grill them for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F. Rest.

Baking Temperature and Timing

While chicken thighs only need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees as read by a meat thermometer, I recommend you bake them until they reach 180 – 190 degrees. This takes 30-40 minutes at 400 degrees.

Spices like smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and thyme will make the most flavorful spice rub for your chicken, so make sure to always have your pantry stocked with some spices. Preheat a cast iron or non-stick pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes with 1 tablespoon of oil.

Cook the thighs over direct heat, flipping once during cooking. "Boneless thighs don't have any skin to worry about burning over direct heat, like you would a bone-in version," says Perry. Perry says most boneless thighs will cook to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees in eight to 10 minutes.

For bone-in chicken thighs on the grill, cook over direct heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat and continue cooking until the meat registers 165 degrees F.

For addictive, crispy skin, start grilling the thighs skin-side down first for 3-5 minutes. Then, flip them over so they can cook evenly without burning or overcooking. The skin crisps up nicely when grilled first, but you'll find that if it's on for too long, it will become overly crispy and tough to eat.

As a general guideline, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are often baked at around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs:Bake at 375°F (190°C): 35-45 minutes. Bake at 400°F (200°C): 30-40 minutes. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs:Bake at 375°F (190°C): 25-30 minutes.

Unlike chicken breasts, chicken thighs and drumsticks actually become more tender the longer they cook. That's because of their makeup. Dark meat has an abundant amount of connective tissue, which dissolves into gelatin as the meat cooks, rendering it juicy and tender.

Using a meat thermometer to gauge your progress is the best way to make sure your meat is cooked to a safe 165 degrees F without worrying about overcooking. Use your favorite spice rub and marinade, follow the instructions above, and you'll have delicious grilled chicken thighs in no time.

Pat the chicken dry.

If using a dry rub, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure the dry rub properly sticks to the meat. Rubbing olive oil or butter onto the dry chicken first can also help seasonings stick.

What tenderizes chicken thighs? ›

Restaurants use marinades made from a combination of acidic ingredients (such as vinegar, citrus juice, or yogurt) and flavorful herbs and spices. The acid in the marinade helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender. Put it in a double boiler and steam it.

Add a touch of spice to your chicken breast by combining paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic and olive oil to create a paste. Then cover your chicken breast with the paste and pat down to secure.

Place the chicken on a hot grill and close the lid. (On my propane powered grill I have the heat on high.) I grill the first side for 5 minutes with the lid closed, which I've found gives me a lot of char - something I love. Then I flip, cook for three more minutes, and remove from the grill.

We season our chicken well before cooking it, and yes, it makes chicken that much better. If there's a way to make chicken taste better than it already does, we'll do it. Which is why, whenever we've got time, we dry brine chicken with plenty of kosher salt before cooking it—and so should you.

To grill: preheat your grill to medium high and lightly oil the grates. Cook your chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping once. When the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F your chicken is done.

Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks:

Thigh and leg meat are rich in flavor. They take longer to cook than breast meat, about 25 to 30 minutes on the grill. Cook to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.