How Long Do You Broil Chicken Thighs? A Foolproof Guide to Juicy Perfection

Ever stared at a package of chicken thighs wondering how to transform them into something amazing without much fuss? I’ve been there too. Broiling might just be the answer you’re looking for – it’s quick, creates delicious caramelization, and leaves you with juicy meat that’s hard to mess up.

But the burning question remains: how long do you broil chicken thighs? The answer depends on a few factors, but I’ve got you covered with all the details you need for perfect results every time.

The Quick Answer: Broiling Time for Chicken Thighs

For those who want the short version:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: 15-20 minutes total (flipping halfway)
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 7-12 minutes total

But as with most cooking methods there’s more to the story than just time. Let’s dive deeper!

Why Broil Chicken Thighs?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of timing, let’s talk about why broiling is such a fantastic method for chicken thighs:

• Creates crispy, caramelized exterior (almost like grilling!)
• Keeps the meat incredibly juicy inside
• It’s FAST compared to baking
• Minimal cleanup required
• No need to fire up the outdoor grill

As Bebe Clement from The Orderves Company puts it broiled chicken thighs are “perfect every time” and incredibly versatile – serve them with rice, over a salad, in a sandwich or cut up in soup.

The Ultimate Guide to Broiling Times

Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs

This classic cut offers the most flavor and juiciness but takes a bit longer to cook through

• Total cooking time: 15-20 minutes
• Method: Broil for 8-10 minutes skin-side up until golden brown and crispy, then flip and broil for another 7-10 minutes
• Done when: Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

The Orderves Company recommends an even simpler approach: “Broil 20 mins a side (20 mins, then flip them, then 20 mins again).” While this is longer than most recommendations, it likely uses a lower broiler setting.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

For a quicker meal with less fat:

• Total cooking time: 7-12 minutes
• Method: According to Craving Tasty, the best approach is to broil for about 7 minutes WITHOUT flipping
• Done when: Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

Victor at Craving Tasty suggests: “I realized that it’s better to have one really browned and caramelized side than two inadequately browned ones.” This makes sense – you get better caramelization while still keeping the chicken juicy.

Setting Up Your Broiler for Success

The broiler is basically an upside-down grill in your oven, using intense direct heat from above. Here’s how to set it up right:

1. Position the rack: Place it in the upper-middle position, about 6-8 inches below the heating element for bone-in thighs. For boneless thighs, position 3-4 inches from the heating element.

2. Preheat: Turn the broiler to high and let it preheat for 5-10 minutes.

3. Prepare the pan: Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. For even better results, place a wire rack on the baking sheet – this allows air to circulate around the chicken.

Step-by-Step Broiling Instructions

Here’s my foolproof method combining wisdom from multiple sources:

1. Prep the chicken: Pat thighs dry with paper towels (crucial for crispy skin!). Season generously.

2. Season simply: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder make a perfect base. The Orderves Company keeps it even simpler with just butter, salt and pepper.

3. Arrange properly: Place thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up (if using skin-on), spread out so they’re all directly under the heating element.

4. Broil without distraction: Keep a close eye on them as they cook – broilers work quickly!

5. Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F in the thickest part.

6. Rest: Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Variables That Affect Broiling Time

I’ve learned the hard way that several factors can influence how long your chicken thighs need under the broiler:

• Thickness of thighs: Larger, thicker thighs need more time
• Broiler strength: Gas and electric broilers vary significantly in heat output
• Distance from heating element: Closer = faster cooking and more browning
• Bone-in vs. boneless: Bone conducts heat differently and takes longer
• Oven quirks: Every oven has its own personality!

This explains why there’s some variation in recommended times across different sources. It’s always best to use the suggested times as a starting point and rely on visual cues and temperature checking.

Troubleshooting Common Broiling Problems

Problem: Chicken is burning on top but raw inside

Solution: Lower the rack position or decrease the broiler temperature setting if possible

Problem: Chicken isn’t browning well

Solution: Move the rack closer to the heating element or pat the chicken extra dry before broiling

Problem: Uneven cooking

Solution: Make sure thighs are similar in size and arranged evenly under the heating element

Problem: Smoking oven

Solution: Trim excess fat from thighs before broiling, or add a small amount of water to the bottom of the pan

Simple Broiled Chicken Thigh Recipe

Here’s my go-to recipe that never fails:

Ingredients:

• 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat

Instructions:

1. Position rack 3-4 inches from broiler and preheat on high
2. Pat chicken thighs dry and place in a bowl
3. Add oil and seasonings, toss to coat
4. Arrange on foil-lined baking sheet
5. Broil boneless thighs for 7 minutes without flipping, or bone-in thighs for 8-10 minutes per side
6. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F
7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving

FAQs About Broiling Chicken Thighs

Can I broil frozen chicken thighs?
No, it’s not recommended. The outside will burn before the inside cooks through. Always thaw completely first.

Should I marinate chicken thighs before broiling?
You can! Marinating adds flavor and moisture. Just pat them dry before broiling for better browning.

What’s the best way to know when they’re done?
A meat thermometer is your best friend – chicken thighs are safe at 165°F, but many people prefer them cooked to 170-175°F for more tender texture.

Do I need to flip the chicken when broiling?
For bone-in thighs, yes. For boneless thighs, Victor at Craving Tasty suggests skipping the flip for better caramelization on one side.

My broiler only has one setting – what do I do?
If you can’t adjust the broiler temperature, adjust the rack distance instead. Lower rack = gentler cooking.

The Bottom Line

Broiling chicken thighs doesn’t have to be complicated. The perfect timing comes down to:

• 15-20 minutes for bone-in (flipping halfway)
• 7-12 minutes for boneless (possibly without flipping)

But always remember – these are guidelines. Your specific oven, the size of your thighs, and your personal preference for doneness will ultimately determine the perfect time.

I’ve found that using a good meat thermometer and trusting my eyes (looking for that beautiful golden-brown color) are more reliable than strictly following time recommendations. Once you’ve broiled chicken thighs a few times in your own oven, you’ll develop an intuitive sense for exactly how long they need.

So go ahead – give broiling a try! It might just become your new favorite way to prepare chicken thighs for a quick, delicious dinner that tastes almost like it came off the grill.