Are you staring at those chicken thighs wondering exactly how long they need on the grill? Trust me, I’ve been there too! Getting the timing just right can feel like a balancing act between raw chicken (yikes!) and dried-out disappointment. As someone who’s ruined more than my fair share of barbecues I’m here to save you from chicken disaster with this complete guide to barbecuing chicken thighs.
The Quick Answer: Chicken Thigh Cooking Times
For those who just want the basic times without all the details (I get it your guests are hungry!)
- Boneless chicken thighs: 7-8 minutes total (about 4 minutes per side)
- Bone-in chicken thighs: 10-15 minutes total (with proper technique)
But wait! These times depend on several factors including your grill temperature the thickness of your thighs, and whether they’re bone-in or boneless. Keep reading for the full breakdown!
Understanding Chicken Thighs: Your Options
Before we dive into cooking times, let’s quickly cover the different types of chicken thighs you might be working with:
Types of Chicken Thighs
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs: The most flavorful option. The bone helps retain juices and the skin gets wonderfully crispy when grilled properly.
- Bone-in, skinless thighs: Less fat but still juicy thanks to the bone.
- Boneless, skin-on thighs: Faster cooking with crispy skin.
- Boneless, skinless thighs: The fastest cooking option, perfect for weeknight meals.
Fun fact: chicken thighs contain around 26 grams of protein per 3.5-ounce serving! They’re also packed with B vitamins, zinc, and iron.
The Perfect Grill Temperature for Chicken Thighs
Getting your grill temperature right is SUPER important. Too hot and you’ll burn the outside while the inside stays raw. Too cool and you’ll be standing around forever waiting for them to cook.
For Gas Grills:
- Boneless thighs: Medium heat (around 400°F)
- Bone-in thighs: Medium-high heat (around 450°F)
For Charcoal Grills:
- Set up for two-zone cooking (one hot side, one cooler side)
- Aim for medium heat overall (around 350-400°F)
Pro tip from my own backyard disasters: If your chicken is browning too quickly, move it to the cooler side of the grill!
How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs (Detailed Breakdown)
Now for the main event – exactly how long to cook those thighs!
Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (350-400°F)
- Grill each side for 4-5 minutes
- Keep the lid closed between flips for even cooking
- Total cooking time: 7-8 minutes
Bone-In Chicken Thighs
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F)
- Sear skin-side down first for 4-5 minutes to get that crispy skin
- Flip over, close the lid, and continue cooking for about 10 more minutes
- Total cooking time: 10-15 minutes
IMPORTANT: These times are just guidelines! The real test is internal temperature.
The Temperature Test: Your Most Reliable Guide
Never ever rely solely on cooking times! The safest and most reliable way to check if your chicken thighs are done is with a meat thermometer.
For chicken thighs, you’re looking for:
- Safe minimum temperature: 165°F (75°C)
- Ideal temperature for thighs: 175°F (80°C)
Why go higher than the safe minimum? Because chicken thighs are awesome that way! Unlike chicken breasts (which get dry if overcooked), thighs actually taste better and become more tender when cooked to 175°F. The connective tissues break down and the meat starts to pull away from the bone.
I can’t stress enough how helpful a good meat thermometer is. It completely changed my grilling game!
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect BBQ Chicken Thighs
Let me walk you through my foolproof method:
1. Preparation
- Trim off excess fat and loose skin (these cause flare-ups)
- Season generously with your favorite rub
- Let sit for at least 30 minutes (overnight in the fridge is even better!)
2. Preheat Your Grill
- Set up for two-zone cooking
- Aim for 350-400°F overall temperature
3. Initial Sear
- Start chicken on the hot side of the grill
- Cook with lid open for 2-3 minutes per side to get nice char marks
- Watch carefully during this step (don’t wander off!)
4. Finish Cooking
- Move chicken to indirect heat (cooler side)
- Close the lid and cook until internal temp reaches 165°F (about 25-30 minutes)
5. Add Sauce (Optional)
- When chicken reaches 165°F, brush with BBQ sauce
- Continue cooking until temp reaches 175°F
- This lets the sauce set and become sticky
6. Rest Before Serving
- Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
- Don’t cover while resting (or you’ll lose that crispy skin!)
Marinade & Seasoning Ideas
Chicken thighs benefit tremendously from marinating. Here are some quick options:
BBQ Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- Salt, pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes
Citrus Honey Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt, pepper, thyme
Sweet and Savory Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/8 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, pepper, parsley
Aim to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight in the fridge is way better if you’ve got time!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made all these mistakes so you don’t have to:
- Overcrowding the grill: Give each piece space for even cooking
- Skipping the marination step: Even a quick 30-minute marinade makes a difference
- Constantly opening the grill: Every time you peek, heat escapes
- Cooking at too high heat: This burns the outside before the inside cooks
- Not using a meat thermometer: Seriously, get one!
- Adding sugary sauces too early: They’ll burn before the chicken is done
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken burning on outside but raw inside | Heat too high | Lower heat, move to indirect heat |
| Flare-ups | Excess fat dripping | Trim fat before cooking, keep spray bottle of water handy |
| Chicken sticking to grill | Grill not clean or hot enough | Clean grill, oil grates, let grill heat up properly |
| Chicken taking too long to cook | Grill not hot enough | Increase heat, ensure lid is closed |
| Dry, tough chicken | Overcooked | Use meat thermometer, aim for 175°F |
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Thighs
Your perfectly grilled chicken thighs deserve equally delicious sides! Here are some ideas:
- Classic coleslaw
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Potato salad
- Grilled asparagus
- Baked beans
- Simple green salad
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftover chicken thighs? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a little more BBQ sauce to prevent them from drying out. You can reheat in the microwave, but they’re even better if you take the time to reheat in a skillet or back on the grill for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Barbecuing chicken thighs isn’t rocket science, but getting that perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy skin does take a bit of practice. Remember that the times I’ve given are just guidelines – your most reliable tool is always going to be that meat thermometer.
The next time you’re wondering “how long do I barbecue chicken thighs?”, you’ll know to aim for about 7-8 minutes for boneless and 10-15 minutes for bone-in, but ALWAYS cook to temperature (175°F for best results), not to time.
Now get out there and fire up that grill! Your perfectly barbecued chicken thighs are waiting.
Have you got any special tricks for grilling chicken thighs? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
Grilling BBQ chicken thighs
Using a paper towel, dab the chicken thighs dry then place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Kosher salt, and pepper. Toss to coat, making sure that all the thighs are coated with the dry rub of spices.
You can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for up to two hours. If you are in a rush, you can get them on the grill right away.
I like to oil the grill grates before I preheat my grill to avoid the meat sticking to the grill. Heat the grill to medium-hot. When the grill is ready, place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down. Leave them on the grill for 6-7 minutes. You are looking for nice grill marks but you have to watch them. The skin will cause flare-ups. You can move the chicken thighs around the grill to keep them from burning.
Flip the thighs over and continue to cook them for about 3 minutes. Brush the side facing up with BBQ sauce.
Flip the Chicken thighs again and brush the top with more BBQ sauce. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes. Flip the thighs one last time, and brush with BBQ sauce. The skin side should be up at this point.
Continue to cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a minimum of 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer. I use the Thermoworks Thermapen instant-read thermometer; it works great every time!!
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HELPFUL ITEMS FOR THIS RECIPE
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I love to cook chicken thighs, they are usually a little cheaper than chicken breasts, but the taste is what I really love. The dark meat of the thighs is so tender and juicy. I think they are great!
Beginners Guide to Grilling Chicken Thighs
FAQ
How to cook BBQ chicken thighs?
There are multiple methods to cook BBQ chicken thighs, including grilling, baking, and smoking. Each method has its pros and nuances affecting the overall cooking time. Grilling is undoubtedly the most popular method for cooking BBQ chicken thighs, ensuring a delicious, charred exterior and juicy interior.
How long do you cook chicken thighs?
Grilling chicken thighs to perfection requires knowing the right cooking times. Achieving juicy, tender meat ensures a satisfying meal. Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Grill for 40 to 50 minutes. Flip them every 10 to 15 minutes for even cooking. Boneless Chicken Thighs: Grill for 20 to 30 minutes. Flip them every 5 to 10 minutes for the best results.
How long does it take to grill bone-in chicken thighs?
Bone-in thighs come off juicy, with crispy skin in about 25 minutes and minimal flare-ups. This guide shows you exactly how to grill chicken thighs—bone-in or boneless—on a gas grill: times, temps, and a no-burn method that keeps the skin golden instead of burnt charred. “This site is the Holy Grail for how to cook chicken thighs.
How do you cook chicken thighs on a grill?
For the BEST results, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. At 165 degrees Fahrenheit, your chicken thighs will be perfectly done! Preheat your grill at medium heat (around 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Grill each side for 4-5 minutes.
How long should chicken thighs rest after grilling?
Grilling Times and Temperatures: Follow recommended cooking times based on the type of thigh, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Resting Period: Allowing chicken thighs to rest for 5 to 10 minutes post-grilling helps juices redistribute, leading to a more flavorful and moist dish.
How long do thighs take to cook on a gas grill?
Bone-in thighs take about 25–30 minutes on a gas grill with a surface temperature of 450°F, using the uneven grilling method. Rotate to new grill spots with each flip and cook to an internal temperature of 185°F for juicy, tender meat. Boneless thighs cook faster— 10–15 minutes total.
How long does it take to grill chicken thighs?
How do you barbecue chicken thighs without burning them?
Try indirect heat – right side on (high) and put the meat off to the left. You can finish over the heat WHILE WATCHING THEM to get some crisp on them. Thighs are fatty and grease fires are a thing. The burner covers won’t stop a grease fire from happening.