Do you love the smoky taste of grilled chicken, but don’t know how long to cook it for? Not to worry! We’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how long to cook chicken thighs on the grill so that they come out juicy and flavorful every time.
So fire up your grill and let’s get grilling!
Introduction to Grilling Juicy Chicken Thighs
Grilling chicken thighs can be a delicious way to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
It is important to choose the right chicken thighs and make sure they are cooked to the correct temperature.
The key is to cook them on direct heat, remove them before overcooking, and check for an internal temperature of 165ºF.
It is also important to grill them hot and fast, over a medium-high flame, for 7-10 minutes per side.
To ensure they are cooked through, place the chicken thighs presentation side down and cover the grill for 4-5 minutes.
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With these tips, you can easily make your next meal with grilled chicken thighs a success!
Choose the Right Chicken Thighs
It’s important to choose the right chicken thighs for grilling. The size of the thigh will affect the cooking time, so opt for smaller thighs that are about the same size.
Using an instant-read thermometer is a good way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
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 size should be taken into account.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will cook faster, usually in 8-10 minutes depending on the grill temperature.
For optimal results and food safety, be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a thermometer before serving.
Grill on Direct Heat
Once you’ve chosen the right chicken thighs and preheated the grill, it’s time to start grilling. For bone-in chicken thighs, the best way to cook them is over direct heat.
This means that the flame should directly hit the chicken thighs and cook them quickly. The heat should be medium-high and you’ll want to make sure that your grill is clean before you start cooking.
Grill each side for approximately 7-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the chicken over a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.
Remember to cover the grill for a few minutes if it starts to flare up too much.
Remove Before They’re Overcooked
It is important to remove the chicken thighs from the grill before they become overcooked.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F, and if it is higher than that, the chicken may be dry and tough.
To ensure that the chicken thighs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer and check the temperature after 7-10 minutes of grilling on direct heat.
Once this temperature is reached, turn off the heat, cover the grill with the lid, and continue cooking for 4-5 more minutes.
This will provide a golden crust on the outside and keep the inside juicy and tender.
Know Your Grill Temperature
When grilling chicken thighs, it’s important to know the temperature of your grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (between 400-450 degrees F).
For boneless chicken thighs, use a lower temperature of 400 degrees, and for bone-in chicken thighs, use a higher temperature of 450 degrees.
This will give you the extra boost of direct heat needed to cook the chicken evenly and quickly.
You should also check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s at least 165°F before serving.
This will guarantee that your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. With the right temperature on your grill and the proper cooking times, you can achieve perfectly grilled chicken thighs every time.
Grill Hot and Fast
Grilling chicken thighs hot and fast is the best way to ensure that they are cooked through and not dry.
To do this, place the chicken thighs on the grill grates, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side.
This will depend on the size of your chicken thighs, so if you’re unsure how long to cook them, use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once the chicken has reached this temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest before serving.
Grill for 7-10 Minutes Per Side
Once you have chosen the right chicken thighs and have set up your grill with direct heat, it’s time to get cooking.
Grill boneless, skinless chicken thighs for 7-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through to 165° F.
If you are using an instant-read thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the thigh to check for doneness.
It is important to keep an eye on your chicken while it is cooking to prevent overcooking.
Keep in mind that depending on the size of the thigh, it may take longer than 10 minutes per side to cook.
Also, as with any grilled item, make sure to use caution when flipping and removing chicken from the grill.
Presentation Side Down
Once the grill is hot and the chicken has been seasoned, it’s time to put it on the grill. To ensure even cooking, place the thighs presentation side down, or smooth side down.
This is the side that was facing up when you were seasoning them. Grill for 7-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of 165ºF is reached.
When flipping the thighs, make sure to shake off any excess marinade. Closing the lid of your grill helps lock in heat and flavor, so use it if you wish.
The result will be a delicious meal with perfectly cooked chicken thighs!
Cover the Grill and Cook for 4-5 Minutes
Once the chicken thighs are flipped over and skin-side down, close the lid of the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes.
During this time, the skin will be able to crisp up and develop those classic grill marks.
Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature of the grill and adjust as needed to ensure that the chicken is cooked through without burning.
The internal temperature should reach 165ºF. Once it does, the chicken thighs are ready to be removed from the heat and served.
Can the Same Grilling Techniques Be Applied to Brats and Chicken Thighs?
When it comes to grilling, can you use the same techniques to grill brats and chicken thighs? Absolutely! With the right know-how, you can grill brats in under 20 mins and achieve juicy perfection. The key lies in ensuring that you cook both meats to their recommended internal temperatures while adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Check for an Internal Temperature of 165ºF
Once you’ve cooked your chicken thighs for 7-10 minutes per side, it’s important to check the internal temperature before serving.
Using a digital thermometer, insert the probe into the thickest part of the thigh and make sure it reads at least 165ºF.
This will ensure that your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
If the internal temperature is not high enough, cover the grill and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, then check again.
Once at the proper temperature, remove from the heat and let rest before serving.
Can the Same Grilling Techniques for Chicken Thighs be Applied to Cooking Burgers on the Grill?
Yes, the same grilling techniques for chicken thighs can be applied to cooking burgers on the grill. However, it’s important to adjust the cooking time for burgers as they require shorter time to cook compared to chicken thighs. Be mindful of the different internal temperatures for each type of meat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grilling chicken thighs is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a summertime meal.
When choosing your chicken, opt for bone-in thighs with the skin on. Grill them on direct heat for 7-10 minutes per side, covering the grill and cooking for an extra 4-5 minutes.
Finally, make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a thermometer before serving.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to easily cook perfect chicken thighs on the grill every time!