Best Way To Grill Chicken Thighs

Make The Barbecue Sauce

How Do You Get Crispy Chicken Wings On The Grill

The key to getting crispy chicken wings on the grill is to cook them over direct heat. That means theyre directly over the flames, which crisps the skin as the chicken cooks. You can move the wings to the indirect side of the grill after browning the skin if youre worried about burning or charring, but that direct heat in the beginning is important to create a crispy exterior.

Keep in mind that grilled chicken wings will never be as crispy as deep-fried chicken wings because they arent cooked in hot oil. That said, theyll have a smoky flavor and a satisfying texture if cooked properly, so we think its worth the trade-off!

Tender Juicy Flavorful Chicken Thighs Every Time

As we head into the summer, aka grilling season. I wanted to make sure you were fully prepared for all things grilling. One of the biggest questions I get is about how to grill chicken! So, lets talk how to grill the perfect chicken thigh!? Shall we?

You honestly cant go wrong with chicken thighs. The flavor is so much richer because of the dark meat, its more tender and the quick spice rub that I add on just intensifies everything. Trust me, this will be your new go to chicken thigh recipe.

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Do You Need A Meat Thermometer

If you are grilling chicken thighs or breasts, we highly recommend having a meat thermometer on hand. You will know that the chicken is cooked all the way through if its juices run clear once you remove it from the grill and let it rest for a minute. If you find that your chicken isn’t entirely done, simply return it to the grill for 3-4 minutes more.

If you don’t have one, you should get one. It is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking, so you provide the best grilling experience to your family and friends.

How To Make Grilled Boneless Chicken Things

Here is a quick and easy recipe for grilled boneless chicken thighs:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.

3. Grill the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.

4. Remove from grill and enjoy!

This recipe is simple and delicious, and it can be easily customized to your liking. Try adding different spices or sauces to the chicken before grilling, or serving with a side of grilled vegetables. No matter how you make it, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next cookout!

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On Marinades And Dry Rubs

For boneless thighs, Perry and Bonom prefer using marinades or pastes, and they advise that if there is an acid in your marinade , marinate your chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to four hours. “After four hours the acid starts to break down the muscle and give the cooked chicken an unpleasant mealy texture,” they say. “But two to four hours will give you great flavor.”

For an all-purpose marinade for boneless thighs, try this versatile recipe for Grilled Marinated Chicken Thighs that uses a punchy herb sauce to flavor the chicken inside and out.

For bone-in chicken legs, Perry and Bonom like using dry rubs to add flavor. “The gentler cook over indirect heat helps to keep the spices from burning,” Bonom says.

How To Grill The Best Chicken Thighs: Tips And Tricks For Juicy Flavorful Poultry

Chicken thighs are often underrated. People usually go for chicken breasts because they are seen as healthier, but thighs have so much flavor and juiciness to offer. This blog post will teach you how to grill the best chicken thighs possible. We will give you tips and tricks for making them juicy and flavorful every time. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

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How Do You Know When The Chicken Is Done

The best, most accurate way to know when the grilled chicken thighs are done is to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA maintains that all poultry should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating, but chicken thighs are actually tastier at a higher temperatureanywhere from 175 to 195°F. According to the pro chefs at Americas Test Kitchen, this gives the extra collagen and fat a chance to melt and render, yielding juicier, more tender results.

How To Grill Chicken Thighs: Preparation

Once the chicken has marinated for at least 30 minutes, it’s time to prep it for the grill. One of the essential steps to grilling the perfect chicken is to let it rise to room temperature.

When chicken is marinating, it should always be refrigerated, so it doesn’t spoil. That cold chicken needs to be laid out flat, patted down with paper towels, and allowed to rise to room temperature. This will help the different pieces cook more uniformly and quickly on the grill.

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How Do You Grill Chicken Wings On A Gas Grill

To cook chicken wings on a gas grill, set the burners to medium-high and close the lid. When the grill reaches 350°, adjust the burners as needed to maintain the temperature inside the grill. If your gas grill has multiple burners, its a good idea to set one of the exterior burners to low in case you need to move the wings to indirect heat.

Add the chicken to clean grill grates and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally so each side becomes golden brown.

How To Grill Chicken Thighs: Style And Seasoning

Part of what makes chicken such a popular grilling choice is its versatility. Used in almost every nation, chicken can be marinated, rubbed, basted, brined, or lightly seasoned in various combinations and traditions. A comparatively lean protein to beef and pork, chicken thighs have the perfect fat content for a moist texture that takes on all the seasonings’ characteristics.

One tip is to pat the chicken with paper towels once removed from the marinade. Marinades often have a lot of sugar content like brown sugar that can easily char and burn too quickly. A favorite option is to use a rub of spices before grilling, and then add your favorite barbecue sauce at the end for a little gorgeous color and caramelization.

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How Long Should You Grill Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are pretty small when compared to thighs or drumsticks, so they dont take as long to cook. It should only take about 20 to 25 minutes to cook chicken wings all the way through. Be sure to keep the lid closed during the cooking session to trap the hot air inside the grill and help the chicken cook more quickly.

Baked Bbq Chicken Variation

Not everyone owns a grill or likes to grill. Or you may want to make this in the winter but don’t want to be outside in the cold. That’s where this baked version of BBQ chicken steps in. Heat the oven to 400 F. Lightly coat a 13 x 9-inch pan with cooking spray. Remove thighs from marinade, discarding remaining marinade, and place thighs skin-side down in the pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 F. Carefully pour off any accumulated fat and drippings and brush barbecue sauce over thighs. Using tongs, flip thighs over and brush the tops with barbecue sauce. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce every five minutes. When an instant-read thermometer registers 165 F, the thighs are done.

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How Do You Keep Chicken From Drying Out On The Grill

If youre looking to grill chicken thighs like a pro, start by learning the basics. Here are five ways to do it right:

Setting Up The Gas Grill

If you are going to use the gas grill this summer and have stored the appliance somewhere far, it is imperative to clean it before use. Ensure that the cooking grates are clean because rust in the grates and residue of previous grilling adventures can affect the food you are about to cook.

An essential aspect of grilling all foods is the temperature you grill the food at. The time the meal takes to grill invariably depends on the temperature you have set for heating it.

Like all other barbecue items, it is crucial to adjust the temperatures according to the needs of the chicken thighs. To make the perfect grilled chicken thighs, make sure that you have set the gas grill at medium-high flame this will give you a temperature within the 350 to 400 °F range.

Some grills are more comfortable to control than others, with outdoor temperatures playing a role as well. However, keep in mind that the average temperature required for pre-heating the gas grill is 350-400 °F this is regardless of grill type and the ease of use.

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How To Choose The Best Chicken Thighs For Grilling

When choosing chicken thighs for grilling, look for ones that are fresh and have a good amount of marbling. Marbling is the white streaks of fat running through the meat, and it helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful while cooking.

You can also find boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the grocery store. These are a leaner option and will cook more quickly, so keep an eye on them while grilling.

If you have time, you can also marinate your chicken thighs before grilling. This adds even more flavor and can help to tenderize the meat.

Ingredients You Need To Make Grilled Chicken Thighs

• Bone-In Skin-On Chicken Thighs: Look for plump thighs of similar size, 6 to 8 ounces each
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enough of both to season generously.

No need to marinate or brush anything on to make this chicken thigh recipe. With just three ingredients, your chicken thighs will emerge juicy and tender on the inside with a fabulously crispy skin on the outside.

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Is It Better To Grill Chicken With The Skin On Or Off

It is up to personal preference whether to grill chicken with the skin on or off. However, keep in mind that chicken skin can cause flare-ups on the grill and make the chicken more difficult to cook evenly.

If you do choose to grill chicken with the skin on, be sure to remove the skin before eating, as it is high in saturated fat.

How Do You Grill Chicken Wings On A Charcoal Grill

Start your charcoal grill by using a charcoal chimney or one of these grill starters. When the coals turn white and no longer emit smoke, spread them evenly throughout the grill. We like to position them in the center of the grill, allowing the edges of the grill grate to become an indirect heat section, if needed.

Add the grill grate and lid. Keep the lid closed until the grill reaches 350°. If your grill lid doesnt have a thermometer, use the hand test method: Hold your hand 5 inches above the cooking grate. If you can hold it there comfortably for 5 to 7 seconds, the coals are at medium heat.

Add the chicken to clean grill grates and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally so each side becomes golden brown.

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How Long Does It Take To Grill Chicken At 350

When it comes to cooking chicken, many people feel that it should be flipped twice. Here are a few key points to help you get the most out of flipping your bird:

Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

Grilled boneless chicken thighs are a great option for summer grilling. They are easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them the perfect choice for a busy weeknight meal.

Plus, grilled chicken thighs are budget-friendly, so you can stretch your dollar further at dinnertime. Try this simple recipe tonight and enjoy a delicious and healthy grilled meal!

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How Long Will Chicken Thighs Last In The Fridge

Cooked chicken thighs will last in the fridge for 5 days, or can be frozen for 3 months. When time to reheat, thaw and place in a 350F oven for 7-10 minutes. Drizzle a shot of olive oil over the chicken before warming to help keep it moist. If reheating in the microwave, cover the chicken with a wet paper towel and make sure not to overheat, as the chicken will dry out.

Make sure to check out my recipes featuring chicken thighs:

How To Grill The Best Chicken Thighs

There are a few things to consider to grill the best chicken thighs.

• Use a marinade or brine to infuse moisture and flavor into the meat. Brining is ideal for poultry because it helps keep the meat moist during cooking. Using a brine or marinade is kind of an insurance policy for your chicken, making it harder to burn or overcook.
• Since thighs have more fat, use indirect heat to avoid flare-ups and burning. Set up the grill for indirect heat by not cooking directly over the burners, coals, or other fuel sources.
• Consider cooking them more to make them extra tender, especially when planning to shred the chicken for pulled chicken sandwiches and other dishes. For best results, cook them to 175-185 degrees to eliminate any rubberiness and ensure tenderness.
• Make sure that your grill is hot before you start cooking. A hot grill will help to ensure that your chicken doesn’t stick to the grill and that it cooks evenly.
• If you smoke your chicken thighs with the skin on, plan to finish over a hot fire to render and crispen the skin properly. Without this step, the skin will be rubbery and unpleasant to eat.

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Grilled Chicken Thighs Faq

How long does it take to grill chicken thighs on a gas grill?

Cook bone-in skin-on chicken thighs over indirect heat at 425F for 45 minutes. If your chicken thighs are small start checking for doneness at 35 minutes.

What is the best way to grill chicken thighs?

The best way to grill chicken thighs is over indirect heat.

How do you grill chicken without drying it out?

Grilling dark meat like chicken thighs with bones and skin intact is your best option for tender juicy chicken. Chicken breasts are much more likely to dry out on the grill.

This is one of those chicken recipes where you spend 5 minutes of hands-on time and then let your gas or charcoal grill do the work. With indirect heat, you set it and forget it. Let it cook while you relax with a cool, refreshing beverage and maybe some great conversation.

How Do I Cook Chicken Legs And Thighs On A Gas Grill

If youre looking to grill chicken thighs seriously, there are a few things you need to know. First, make sure your grills are well-prepared by cleaning them and oiling them.

Next, start by cooking the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through. Lastly, use a GrillGrill rub to accentuate the flavor and texture of the chicken.

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How To Make Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thighs are easy, versatile, nutritious, and delicious.

We eat them at least once a week!

• Grilled chicken thighs are scrumptious on their own, and you can also use the leftovers in a variety of new ways, from salads, to wraps, to quesadillas and more.
• Feel free to scale this recipe for a crowd or make extra for meal prep.