Perfect Bone-In Chicken Thighs on the Grill: How Long and How To Get Juicy Results Every Time

Ever stood at your grill wondering if those bone-in chicken thighs are done yet? You’re not alone! I’ve been there too many times – staring at those thighs, poking them nervously, and hoping they’re not gonna be dry hockey pucks or (even worse) dangerously undercooked. After tons of grilling sessions and some embarrassingly overcooked chicken, I’ve finally mastered the timing for perfect bone-in chicken thighs.

So exactly how long does it take to grill bone-in chicken thighs? Let’s dive in and make sure your next barbecue is a hit!

The Quick Answer: Grilling Time for Bone-In Chicken Thighs

For those who just want the straight facts here you go

• Total Grilling Time: 25-40 minutes (depending on size and grill type)
• Recommended Grill Temperature: 450°F (medium-high heat)
• Ideal Internal Temperature: 185°F for juicy, tender thighs (not the typical 165°F you might expect!)
• Flip Frequency: Every 4-6 minutes, moving to new grill spots each time

But wait! There’s way more to perfect chicken thighs than just the time, Stick around to learn the techniques that’ll make your grilled thighs the talk of the neighborhood,

Why Bone-In Chicken Thighs Are Grilling Gold

Before we get into the timing details, let’s talk about why bone-in thighs are so awesome for grilling:

• Juicier meat: The higher fat content means more moisture and flavor
• More forgiving: Harder to overcook than chicken breasts
• Affordable: Usually cheaper than boneless cuts
• Amazing flavor: The bone helps distribute heat and enhances taste
• Crispy skin: When grilled right, you get that irresistible crispy skin

As one happy griller named Davey commented on 101 Cooking For Two: “This site is the Holy Grail for how to cook chicken thighs. I trim off excess fat, season liberally with 7:2:1 rub (with an extra ½ part smoked paprika), and grill to 185-190. Comes out so delicious.”

The Detailed Timeline: How Long to Grill Those Thighs

Let’s break down the exact timing for grilling bone-in chicken thighs:

Preparation Phase (30 mins – 12 hours before grilling)

1. Marinade time (optional but recommended): 30 minutes (room temp) up to 12 hours (refrigerated)
2. Bringing to room temperature: 20-30 minutes before grilling

Actual Grilling Time

Using the “uneven grilling method” at 450°F:

1. First round: 5-6 minutes skin side UP
2. Flip and move: 4 minutes skin side DOWN
3. Repeat flipping and moving: Continue this pattern until you reach an internal temperature of 185°F
4. Total cook time: 25-30 minutes for bone-in thighs

Resting Time

• Let rest: 5-10 minutes (tent loosely with foil)

The team at Alphafoodie suggests a slightly faster cooking time, noting that bone-in chicken thighs can be done in “10-14 minutes (over direct heat), depending on their size and thickness.” However, most sources, including 101 Cooking For Two, recommend closer to 25-30 minutes for bone-in thighs.

The Secret to Perfect Thighs: The “Uneven Grilling” Method

One of the biggest challenges with grilling chicken thighs is flare-ups from dripping fat that can burn the skin. The genius solution? The “uneven grilling method” recommended by 101 Cooking For Two:

1. Start skin-side UP for 5-6 minutes – This begins cooking without burning the skin
2. Flip to skin-side DOWN for about 4 minutes – Crisp the skin briefly
3. MOVE to a new grill spot with each flip – This prevents cooking directly over areas where fat has dripped
4. Repeat until you reach 185°F internal temp

This method prevents the dreaded burnt skin while still getting that delicious crispy exterior. As DrDan from 101 Cooking For Two explains: “By removing as much fat as possible and minimizing the exposure of the skin to flare-ups (shorter skin-down time and moving around), you can get crispy, unburnt skin and fully cooked thigh meat.”

Alphafoodie takes a slightly different approach, recommending starting skin-side DOWN first, noting: “Grilling chicken thighs skin side down first is the best method for achieving the most flavorful and juicy meat… The skin acts as a barrier to help seal in the meat’s natural juices.”

Temperature Matters More Than Time

Here’s something crucial many cooks miss: with chicken thighs, the standard 165°F internal temperature that’s safe for chicken isn’t enough for the best results!

For truly tender, juicy thighs, you want to reach 185°F to 195°F. At this higher temperature:

• The connective tissue breaks down properly
• The meat becomes tender instead of stringy
• The fat renders more completely
• The overall texture is much more enjoyable

As 101 Cooking For Two notes: “The USDA minimum safe temp is 165°F, but that’s only for food safety. At 165°F, thigh meat is still stringy. Around 175°F it begins to soften, and by 185°F you’re in the sweet spot.”

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Several things can change how long your thighs need on the grill:

• Thigh size/thickness: Bigger thighs need more time
• Bone size: Larger bones absorb more heat, affecting cooking time
• Grill type: Gas, charcoal, or pellet grills all cook differently
• Weather conditions: Wind and cold can lower grill temperatures
• Starting temperature: Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly than cold
• Marinade use: Marinated chicken might cook slightly differently

The Best Marinade for Grilled Chicken Thighs

While you can grill chicken thighs with just salt and pepper, a good marinade takes them to the next level. Alphafoodie recommends this killer marinade:

• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 3 Tbsp honey (or maple syrup/brown sugar)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil (optional)
• 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp black pepper

Mix all ingredients and marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 12 hours (the acid can make the meat mushy if left too long).

Tips for Juicy, Perfectly Grilled Bone-In Chicken Thighs

After reading through all the expert advice, here are the key tips to remember:

• Trim excess fat to prevent flare-ups and burning
• Use a meat thermometer – it’s the only reliable way to know when they’re done
• Cook to 185°F, not just 165°F for the juiciest results
• Move thighs to new spots on the grill each time you flip them
• Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
• Clean and oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking
• Consider using a marinade for extra flavor and moisture

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We all make mistakes, but here are some to watch out for:

• Cooking too hot: This burns the outside before the inside is done
• Not moving the chicken: Staying in one spot causes flare-ups and burning
• Undercooking: Not reaching 185°F leaves the meat tough and stringy
• Skipping the rest period: Not letting the meat rest means juices run out when cut
• Constantly opening the grill: This causes temperature fluctuations

Should You Grill Skin-Side Down or Up First?

There’s actually some debate about this! Let’s look at both approaches:

101 Cooking For Two recommends starting skin-side UP:

• Prevents immediate fat dripping and flare-ups
• Gives the thighs time to start cooking before exposing skin to direct heat
• Works well with their “uneven grilling” method

Alphafoodie recommends starting skin-side DOWN:

• The skin acts as a barrier to seal in juices
• Creates better grill marks
• Some fat drips create flavorful smoke

Both methods work! I personally prefer starting skin-up for about 6 minutes, then flipping to skin-down for about 4 minutes, and repeating while moving to fresh spots on the grill. This has given me the most consistent results.

What to Serve with Your Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs

Now that you’ve mastered grilling those thighs, what should you serve with ’em? Here are some fantastic sides:

• Grilled veggies: Corn on the cob, asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini
• Potatoes: Grilled potatoes wrapped in foil, potato salad, or baked potatoes
• Fresh salads: Greek salad, spinach strawberry salad, or coleslaw
• Grains: Rice, quinoa, or pasta salad
• Baked beans: The sweet and savory combo works perfectly with grilled chicken

So how long does it take to grill bone-in chicken thighs? The answer is about 25-30 minutes of actual grill time at 450°F, plus prep and resting time. But remember – it’s not just about the time! The techniques of uneven grilling, moving to new spots, and cooking to the right internal temperature are what make the difference between average and amazing grilled chicken thighs.

Next time you fire up that grill, give these techniques a try. Your family and friends will think you’ve been taking secret grilling lessons!

Happy grilling, y’all! And remember, patience makes perfect when it comes to bone-in chicken thighs!

Grilling bone-in chicken thighs generally takes about 25-35 minutes, but the most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (75°C).

Flip chicken thighs every 4-10 minutes, depending on whether they are bone-in or boneless, to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Boneless thighs typically require a flip every 6-8 minutes for a total of about 12-15 minutes, while bone-in thighs need more time and can be flipped midway through.

Bone-in chicken thighs typically cook in about 40-45 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or 50 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but the most reliable way to know they are done is to cook them until their internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).

You should typically grill chicken thighs with the lid closed to retain heat, lock in moisture, and cook the chicken more evenly. Closing the lid creates an oven-like environment, promotes a better smoke flavor by circulating smoke, and reduces the risk of overcooking and drying out the meat. Use the open lid method mainly for searing and quick cooking over direct heat, while the closed lid is better for achieving a gradually cooked, juicy interior.