How Long To Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs

Do Boneless Chicken Thighs Cook Faster

How To Grill Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

When it comes to cooking time, boneless chicken thighs are the shortest choice, and roasting skin-on chicken thighs in the oven might result in a crispy surface even if the chicken skin is not used. The bone-in version may also be cooked uniformly in an oven, thanks to the even heat produced by the oven.

How Long To Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs

Last Updated on 5th August 2022 by Pauline Loughlin

You can make grilled boneless chicken thighs that are tender and succulent and that everybody in the family will enjoy. This is a great meat to cook up on the grill when youre having cookout, and its not too difficult to make.

I want to share with you some important tips and directions on how to cook your boneless grilled chicken so that it comes out perfectly on the grill.

One of the most important aspects to cooking this kind of chicken is how long to cook it for. Once you know how long to grill boneless chicken thighs, theyll be less likely to dry out or to turn tough. No one wants to eat dry , overly chewy chicken, so knowing how long to cook it for is very important.

Why To Use The Low And High Heat For Grilling

Grilling meat and poultry is such a popular activity and there are many methods to do it. Most commonly, we grill meat by creating a heat source by cooking it on a gas burner or a charcoal grill. There are three different heat settings we can use on the grill. One is the low heat, one is medium heat, and the last one is high heat. When using the low heat, we can use a gas burner or charcoal to create a low heat that is more like broiling. On the other hand, using the high heat would be closer to the kind of heat a grill is designed for. Now that we know the difference between the three heat settings, we can use them to our advantage. When cooking on a high heat setting, the chicken needs to be seasoned well. The chicken is not done when it is fully cooked and the juices are flowing. Its more of a combination of done and un-done. However, the chicken needs to be cooked over the low heat for a longer time. When cooking chicken thighs on a low heat, we can cook it in the oven. It will be done when the juices are flowing. If you are cooking a lot of chicken thighs, this will allow you to quickly prepare the chicken in the morning and cook it in the evening.

Also Check: What Is The Best Pellet Smoker Grill

Take The Chicken Thighs Out Of The Grill

Grab the digital thermometer and check the internal temperature of the meat. If 165°F, pull the meat out of the grill and let it sit for 3-4 minutes. The rest period will allow the meat to attain the final temperature, and the spices will be redistributed into the meat evenly. Hence, locking the moisture and flavors inside your chicken thighs. Carve and serve!

Pay Attention To Size

Parmesan Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

Unlike chicken breasts, which consist of a single muscle, chicken thighs contain multiple pieceswhich is why they tend to have more irregular shapes and sizes, especially after the bone is removed. Also, the weight of a package of thighs can vary considerably depending on where and how they were raised.

In general, free range methods produce thighs that are more petite than their industrially-bred counterparts. Larger pieces of meat will require more seasoning and longer cooking times, so know what you’re working with before you fire up the bbq.

You May Like: Ram 1500 Honeycomb Grille Inserts

How Do You Know When Boneless Chicken Is Done Cooking

Thats the really important question when it comes to cooking chicken on the grill. You want to make sure its cooked fully and definitely not undercooked. You dont want to put yourself or others at risk of food poisoning from salmonella. So, how long to grill boneless chicken thighs for?

You could look at the outside of the chicken and see if it looks golden brown if it has the crispy black char marks on it when cooking it.

These are all pretty good indicators that it is cooking as it should on the outside, but what about the inside of the chicken?

The best way to determine if the inside of the chicken has cooked all the way and is becoming white instead of pink is to use an internal thermometer. You could cut the chicken open, but that ruins the look of it, and you dont need to do that if you have a kitchen thermometer.

Check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the chicken is it at least that hot, it means it is fully cooked. Its not a good idea to cook it much longer than that, since that can dry out the chicken and make it less tender and succulent.

Of course, if the chicken hasnt reached that internal temperature yet, you should let it cook for a bit longer.

It is very important that you check the thickest part of the chicken to get a temperature reading. That is the part that will take the longest to cook thoroughly.

What Temperature To Grill Chicken Thighs

Bone-in and boneless chicken thighs should be cooked at different temperatures. Bone-in chicken thighs are best grilled at 450°F whereas boneless thighs should be cooked at 400°F.

Preheating your grill beforehand is imperative. You do not want to put raw chicken on cold grill grates.

Its important to note what type of grill you are using also. Charcoal grills tend to cook hotter. If you are using a charcoal grill reduce the temperature by about 25°F.

You want to make sure that your grill isnt too hot otherwise your chicken thighs will burn up on the outside before they cook all the way through.

Cooking your chicken to 165°F is the most important factor when cooking raw chicken.

If you like spicy check out my mouthwatering grilled buffalo chicken thighs recipe!

Recommended Reading: Whats Good To Grill Tonight

Don’t Miss: Camp Chef 24 In. Wifi Woodwind Pellet Grill

Setting Up The Gas Grill

If you are going to use the gas grill this summer and have stored the appliance somewhere far, it is imperative to clean it before use. Ensure that the cooking grates are clean because rust in the grates and residue of previous grilling adventures can affect the food you are about to cook.

An essential aspect of grilling all foods is the temperature you grill the food at. The time the meal takes to grill invariably depends on the temperature you have set for heating it.

Like all other barbecue items, it is crucial to adjust the temperatures according to the needs of the chicken thighs. To make the perfect grilled chicken thighs, make sure that you have set the gas grill at medium-high flame this will give you a temperature within the 350 to 400 °F range.

Some grills are more comfortable to control than others, with outdoor temperatures playing a role as well. However, keep in mind that the average temperature required for pre-heating the gas grill is 350-400 °F this is regardless of grill type and the ease of use.

Faqs And Tips For Making The Best Grilled Chicken Thighs

How To Grill Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipe

How long can I marinate chicken?

The ideal time for marinating chicken is anywhere from 12 24 hours. The longer you marinate the more flavor you will add to your chicken, but even 1 hour of marinating will make a huge difference in the flavor of the chicken.

What happens if you marinate chicken too long?

If you marinate chicken for more than 24 hours, it will eventually become tough and rubbery. For optimal texture, you want to marinate your chicken between 12-24 hours.

Do you rinse marinade off chicken before cooking?

You should discard marinade before cooking chicken, but you dont need to rinse it. Simply remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with a paper towel before cooking.

How long should I grill boneless chicken thighs?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs generally take about 12 15 minutes to grill over medium-high heat, but that time can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

What temperature should my grill be to cook chicken?

To prevent food borne illness always cook your chicken to an internal temperature of 165F.

How can you tell if chicken thighs are cooked?

I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of chicken thighs, but the chicken will no longer be pink in the center and juices should run clear.

You May Like: What To Season Grilled Chicken With

Read Also: What Weber Genesis Grill Do I Have

Grilled Chicken Thigh Cooking Time

A good estimate for bone-in chicken thigh cooking time is 25 minutes, but the exact grill temperature, the thickness of the thighs, and their temperature at the start of grilling will make the exact time variable.

Boneless thighs will be about 5 minutes less and tend to be thinner, so watch your internal temperature starting at 15 minutes.

Always cook to a final internal temperature. Please, never by time alone.

Do You Grill Chicken Skin Side Down First

Usually cook chicken skins side up first before cooking the entire chicken, especially if it comes from a broiler. You want the skin to be crisp and brown, which means it will cook evenly throughout the whole chicken. Plus, youll get the best flavor out of every bite. If youre cooking a whole bird, however, take the time to cook it all over, so the bones are brown and the flesh is tender. This will ensure that the inside is cooked well, too. And remember, this is a great way to make sure the breast meat is fully cooked, since it needs to stay moist during the cooking process. Also, dont forget to remove the giblets from the carcass after cooking, either. They add a nice crunchy texture to any dish.

Dont Miss: What Temp For Medium Steak

You May Like: How To Grill With Charcoal And Lighter Fluid

How Long To Grill Chicken Thighs

CONTENTSTimothy Woods

Chicken breasts are a favorite part of the chicken for many people. But chicken thighs are a close runner-up, especially if you know how to prepare them properly.

The key to grilling the chicken thighs and ending up with juicy, flavorful meat every time is knowing how long to grill them.

I admit Ive gone through a trial and error process myself when grilling chicken thighs.

But now, I can say with certainty that Ive perfected my grilling skills. Today Ill explain exactly how long you should grill your chicken thighs for best results. Lets fire up the grill!

How Do You Know When Chicken Thighs Are Done Grilling

How Long To Grill Chicken Legs And Thighs

In order to achieve the best results, check the internal temperature of the meat using a meat thermometer before cooking. Your chicken thighs will be properly cooked when the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheat your grill over medium heat until it is hot . Grill each side for 4-5 minutes on each side of the grill.

Read Also: Are Char Broil Gas Grills Good

Timing Grilled Chicken Thighs

You dont want to depend on time alone when grilling chicken thighs. It isnt recommended to set a timer and expect them to be cooked perfectly when the buzzer goes off.

Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster than bone-in chicken so stick around and keep an eye on them when you grill.

You want to grill boneless chicken thighs for about 3-5 minutes at 400°F with the grill lid closed. Then flip them over and continue to cook them for another 3-5 minutes.

In total it will take about 10 minutes to grill boneless chicken thighs.

When grilling bone-in chicken thighs you want to grill them a little hotter at 450°F for 5-7 minutes on each side.

About 10-15 minutes in total. If you have skin-on thighs, be sure to grill them skin side down first to get a nice crisp on the skin.

The most important thing to look for when determining if your chicken thighs are done grilling is by checking the internal temperature.

Be sure to cook them to at least 160°F and then allow for them to rest for about 5 minutes and come up to 165°F.

How Do You Grill Chicken Without Drying It Out

Prevent dry, rubbery chicken by brining it before grilling it. Brining is simply the process of immersing chicken in a salt-water solution before grilling it. It also aids in the creation of beautiful grill marks, since the increased surface moisture and sugars brown the chicken rapidly on the grill, preventing it from overcooking on the grill.

Don’t Miss: How To Grill Pork Spare Ribs

How Long Does It Take To Grill Chicken Thighs With Bone

Generally, boneless chicken thighs will cook in 7-8 minutes, while bone-in chicken thighs will need around 10-15 minutes. Now, this all depends on the SIZE of the cut, so dont just set a timer and forget about your chicken! For the BEST results, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature.

How To Serve Boneless Chicken Thighs

Beginners Guide to Grilling Chicken Thighs

You can prepare any of your favorite dishes alongside chicken thighs. But if you are clueless, we have got some worth trying ideas for you:

Garlic Smashed Potatoes: This is the simplest side dish you can prepare within an hour. Place and smash boiled potatoes on a baking tray using a fork or potato masher. Transfer them to an oven preheated at 400°F. Sprinkle with salt & pepper and top with some olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes.

Next, make garlic spread by mixing minced garlic cloves and olive oil. Spread it over the baked potatoes. Sprinkle some paprika, oregano and chopped chives. Serve.

Greek Salad: If you want to prepare something healthy and refreshing along with chicken thighs, Greek salad is the answer. Rinse 3 tomatoes, 2 green peppers, cucumber and onion. Start by removing the hard part of tomatoes and cutting them into quarters. Next, cut these quarters into halves. Chunk cucumber and slice pepper after removing the seeds and veins. Cut onion rings.

Add all vegetables to a large bowl. Mix and add ½ cup of pitted olives. Season with salt, pepper and olive oil to taste. Serve chilled.

Also Check: Does Walmart Assemble Grills For Free

How To Store And Use Leftovers

Any leftovers should be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator and used within three days. To rewarm, use either the microwave or place in a 300° F oven for about 10 minutes. Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to three months.

Use the leftovers to make a great meal the next day. Slice them and add to a big, fresh crispy salad topped with homemade blue cheese dressing. Or serve them on a hamburger bun with a drizzle of barbecue sauce and Lemon Dill Potato Salad on the side.

Serve It Up On a Personalized Grilling Plate from Etsy!

Etsy

How Much Fat Is There

Since we are dealing with a natural product, there is some variability but think of a thigh having about two to three times the fat of chicken breasts.

Here are the numbers from the National Chicken Council. Cooked skin-on thigh has 15.5 grams of fat, while a skin-on split chicken breast is 7.8 grams.

Also Check: Grilled Wings On Gas Grill

What To Serve With Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thighs have the power to make any night more special and scrumptious.

I know youre going to love them, and I hope they are a steadfast answer to your own Whats for dinner???? question too.

How To Season Grilled Chicken

Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

While you can always use a , my go-to method of seasoning grilled chicken is with a generous sprinkling of spices.

Cajun Seasoning and Taco Seasoning are the two spice blends I reach for most often. However a combination of Crazy Salt and Italian Seasoning is also delicious.

My friend Deborahs Jerk Seasoning Mix looks like another great option too!

Dont have a spice blend ready to use? Just sprinkle each piece of chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika for an easy and very tasty option.

Im not including spice amounts here, because its subject to a number of factors size of the chicken pieces, amount of meat youre cooking, how spicy you like to make things etc.

You just want to sprinkle the spices generously enough to cover each piece without coating it completely and causing it to become salty.

Once youve made this a few times, you wont even need to think about it.

You May Like: Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Wifi Grill Bronze

Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

Follow the recipe, and Ill teach you the simple steps to making your own grilled chicken thighs at home. You can find more of my smoking and grilling recipes and videos on , , or our . Lets make some good food together!

This post was originally published in May 2019. We recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. The recipe remains the same.

Why Should You Preheat Your Grill Before Cooking Chicken Thighs

First, you should preheat your grill to the recommended temperature if youâre using a charcoal grill or a pellet smoker. Itâs always best to preheat your grill on high settings and gradually lower the temperature. Doing so will ensure that you get the right temperature from the start and that the cooking time remains the same as estimated. It is because charcoal grills and pellet smokers take longer to reach the desired temperature.

On the other hand, a gas grill doesnât take much time to prepare. However, it would be best if you also preheated a gas grill with its lid close to the desired temperature for more accuracy.

If you donât preheat your grill before putting your food onto the grill grates, the estimated cooking time can go irrelevant or altogether invalid. Consequently, you may end up undercooking your food and exposing yourself to food-borne illnesses.

Read Also: What Is The Best Propane Grill To Buy

Popular Articles

More Recipes Like This