How Long Should You Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs: The Perfect Timing Guide for Juicy Results

Are you tired of serving dry, overcooked chicken at your backyard barbecues? Trust me, I’ve been there! Nothing ruins a good cookout faster than tough, chewy chicken thighs that should have been juicy and delicious. After years of trial and error (and plenty of disappointed dinner guests), I’ve finally mastered the perfect timing for grilling boneless chicken thighs.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about grilling these versatile cuts to perfection. From preparation to temperature control we’ll cover all the bases so you can serve up mouthwatering chicken thighs every single time.

The Quick Answer: Grilling Time for Boneless Chicken Thighs

For those who just want the straight facts here you go

Grill boneless chicken thighs for approximately 6-8 minutes per side on medium-high heat (375°F to 450°F) until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F

But there’s more to juicy chicken thighs than just timing! Let’s dig deeper.

Why Choose Boneless Chicken Thighs?

Before we get into the grilling process, let’s talk about why boneless chicken thighs are such a fantastic choice for your grill:

• Higher fat content: Unlike chicken breasts, thighs have more fat, making them more forgiving if you cook them a little longer
• Rich flavor: Dark meat simply tastes better than white meat to many people
• Juicy texture: They’re harder to overcook and dry out compared to chicken breasts
• Cost-effective: Usually cheaper than chicken breasts
• Versatile: They absorb marinades well and work with countless flavor profiles

Preparing Your Boneless Chicken Thighs for the Grill

Great grilling starts way before the meat hits the heat! Here’s how to prep your boneless chicken thighs:

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

A good marinade not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Here are some quick marinade ideas:

BBQ Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Spices: salt, pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, chili powder

Citrus Honey Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Spices: salt, pepper, thyme

Sweet and Savory Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/8 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Spices: salt, pepper, parsley

For the best results, marinate your chicken thighs for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Don’t go beyond 2 hours if using acidic ingredients like pineapple juice or lemon juice, as they can make the meat mushy.

Setting Up Your Grill for Boneless Chicken Thighs

Ideal Grill Temperature

Temperature control is super important when grilling chicken thighs. Here’s what you need to know:

• Gas grill: Preheat to medium heat, around 400°F
• Charcoal grill: Set up for medium heat, with coals spread in a single layer

Preheating Matters!

Never, EVER place chicken on a cold grill! This is a rookie mistake that’ll lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Give your grill about 10-15 minutes to come up to temperature before adding the chicken.

How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs: The Detailed Timeline

Now for the main event! Here’s my foolproof method for perfectly grilled boneless chicken thighs:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 400°F)
2. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let excess drip off
3. Place thighs on the grill smooth side down over direct heat
4. Grill for 6-8 minutes with the lid closed if using a gas grill
5. Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-8 minutes
6. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F in the thickest part

I personally like to use a “3-3-3-3” pattern for really perfect grill marks and even cooking:

• Grill for 3 minutes, then flip
• Grill for another 3 minutes, then flip and rotate 90 degrees
• Grill for 3 more minutes, then flip one last time
• Grill for the final 3 minutes

How to Tell When Boneless Chicken Thighs Are Done

There are a few ways to check if your chicken thighs are properly cooked:

The Thermometer Method (Most Reliable)

Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. It should read at least 165°F. This is the safest and most accurate method.

The Poke Test

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use what some cooks call “the poke test.” Poke the thickest part of the chicken with your finger (it’s hot, be careful!). If it feels flabby inside, it’s not done. If it feels springy and bounces back, it’s probably done.

The Cut Test

As a last resort, you can make a small cut in the thickest part of a thigh. The meat should be opaque all the way through with no pink or translucent areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Boneless Chicken Thighs

Even experienced grillers make these mistakes sometimes:

• Overcooking: While chicken thighs are forgiving, they can still dry out if left on the grill too long
• Not preheating the grill: Always preheat to prevent sticking
• Constantly flipping: Resist the urge to keep flipping; let them cook properly on each side
• Pressing down with tongs: This squeezes out the juices
• Skipping the rest period: Always let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling

Tips for Extra Juicy Boneless Chicken Thighs

Want to take your grilled chicken thighs to the next level? Try these pro tips:

1. Brine before marinating: A simple salt water brine for 30 minutes can make a huge difference
2. Let chicken come to room temperature: Take the chicken out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before grilling
3. Keep the lid closed: This helps maintain consistent temperature
4. Use a two-zone fire: Create a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone for finishing
5. Let the chicken rest: Give it 5-10 minutes under loose foil before serving

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

Once you’ve mastered grilling boneless chicken thighs, try serving them:

• Whole as a main dish
• Sliced into strips for tacos or fajitas
• Chopped for salads
• In sandwiches or wraps
• Diced and added to pasta

Storing and Reheating Leftover Grilled Chicken Thighs

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Grilled boneless chicken thighs make fantastic leftovers:

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days
• Freezing: Cut into strips and freeze in zip-top bags for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave, covered, to prevent drying out

Final Thoughts: Perfecting Your Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

Grilling boneless chicken thighs isn’t just about timing—it’s about understanding the meat, managing your heat, and using the right techniques. With the guidelines I’ve shared, you should be well on your way to becoming the grillmaster your friends and family brag about!

Remember: boneless chicken thighs should grill for 6-8 minutes per side at medium-high heat (375°F-450°F) until they reach 165°F internal temperature. But the magic happens in the details—the marinades, the temperature control, and the patience to let them cook properly.

Now fire up that grill and get cooking! Your perfectly juicy boneless chicken thighs are just minutes away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this same timing for bone-in chicken thighs?
A: No, bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook, usually 10-15 minutes per side. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q: How can I prevent my chicken from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure your grill is properly preheated, clean the grates well, and you can lightly oil the grates or the chicken itself before grilling.

Q: Is it possible to overcook chicken thighs?
A: While more forgiving than chicken breasts, boneless thighs can eventually dry out if cooked too long. Aim for that 165°F sweet spot!

Q: Can I use frozen chicken thighs on the grill?
A: It’s always best to fully thaw chicken before grilling for even cooking and food safety.

Q: What’s the best way to add BBQ sauce without burning it?
A: Add BBQ sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of grilling to prevent burning, as the sugars in the sauce can char quickly.