If you’re an omnivore with a grill, it’s likely that chicken already features in your rotation of quick summer meals. However, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to perfecting go-to grilling recipes, right? We already shared our guide to grilling chicken breasts, and now we’re offering suggestions for achieving the ideal grill marks on grilled chicken thighs. We consulted Marge Perry and David Bonom, a husband-and-wife team who write cookbooks, whose most recent publication is Hero Dinners: Complete One-Pan Meals that Save the Day. Additionally, they are the chefs and owners of Tenafly, New Jersey-based Trunk Pop Dinners, a cutting-edge meal delivery service J. Here, they offer their top home grilling advice for chicken thighs.
Perry loves to grill chicken thigh quarters. In addition to having great flavor, they are also much more forgiving than white meat, according to the celebrated food author, chef, and television personality. “Unlike white meat, they don’t dry out as easily and can be slightly overcooked while still remaining juicy and tender.” And most importantly, they are more flavorful!”.
How To Know When Chicken Is Done
When cooked, chicken shouldn’t have a dark red color or appear raw inside. However, color does not indicate doneness. Even fully cooked poultry occasionally exhibits a pinkish tinge in the meat and juices, according to the USDA.
I highly recommend using a meat thermometer for checking the internal temperature of your chicken.
It’s the simplest and most reliable method for figuring out whether your chicken is cooked through and suitable for eating. A meat thermometer can help you avoid overcooking your food, which will result in chicken that is tough and flavorless.
You will be able to tell without a doubt when the chicken is done because it must reach a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered safe to eat.
Cook’s Note: Before grilling chicken thighs, I like to take the skin off. However, it is not necessary; the chicken will cook just as well with the skin on.
But I prefer the chicken without the skin because the spices blend so well with it.
It’s no secret that I adore tender, skin-on chicken baked in the oven or crispy pan-fried chicken, but when it comes to grilling chicken, skinless is my preferred option.
BEST Juicy Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipe
I don’t know about you guys, but I prefer chicken thighs to chicken breasts as my favorite chicken cut. Whether you are using a gas grill or a charcoal grill, this tutorial is ideal for you because today we are talking ALL about how to make the perfect grilled chicken thigh. Try our Best Chicken Marinade or our Pickle Brine Chicken Thighs, and serve them with some Mexican Street Corn (Elote), Deviled Egg Potato Salad, and Grilled Broccolini if you want to really up the flavor of your grilled chicken thighs.
Got leftovers: try this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad!
How do I Know When Grilled Chicken Thighs are Done
The internal temperature of grilled chicken thighs should be 165 degrees F. Remember to give them 10 minutes to rest before slicing so the internal juices can redistribute.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook chicken thighs on the grill at 400?
Depending on the size and thickness of the chicken, chicken thighs should cook for 8 to 11 minutes at a temperature of 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook chicken thighs on the grill until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to grill chicken thighs on a gas grill?
Cooking time for chicken thighs on a gas grill is 45 minutes with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs over indirect heat (using a two-zone heat configuration). Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes if your chicken thighs are small (lighter than 6-ounces).
How long do chicken thighs take on the grill at 350?
Average Grilling Times for All Chicken Cuts Thigh, boneless, skinless — 4 ounces — 8 to 10 minutes over direct high heat (450 – 650 °F) Leg or thigh, bone-in — 30 to 40 minutes over indirect medium heat
How long does it take to grill chicken thighs at 375?
Preheat the grill for medium-high heat, about 350°F – 375°F. Cook the chicken over heat for four minutes on each side, or until golden and grill striations appear.
