Grilled chicken thighs are a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Similar to the ease of Last Minute Chicken, grilling chicken thighs is a simple and reliable cooking method that delivers consistently delicious results. For many, grilling on the weekend provides not just a meal, but also flavorful leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.
Serving grilled chicken thighs can be as straightforward or elaborate as you desire. For a super quick meal, pair them with chips and a homemade ranch dip alongside fresh vegetables. This combination gets dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
When planning ahead, consider complementing your grilled chicken thighs with classic sides like potato salad or pasta salad, and a refreshing watermelon salad during the warmer months.
Seasoning Your Chicken Thighs for Grilling
While marinades can add incredible depth of flavor (and there are many excellent recipes to explore), a simple spice rub is often the quickest and most effective way to season chicken thighs for grilling.
Cajun Seasoning and Taco Seasoning are two versatile spice blends that work exceptionally well with grilled chicken. Alternatively, a mix of Crazy Salt and Italian Seasoning provides a delightful Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
For another flavorful option, consider Deborah’s Jerk Seasoning Mix.
If you don’t have pre-made spice blends on hand, a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is always a reliable and tasty choice.
Spice amounts are not specified as they depend on factors like the size of the chicken thighs, the quantity you’re cooking, and your personal spice preference. The goal is to generously sprinkle the spices to coat each piece without over-seasoning and making the chicken too salty. With a little practice, seasoning grilled chicken thighs will become intuitive.
Grilling Chicken Thighs for a Crowd
One of the great things about grilling chicken thighs is that you don’t need to worry about overcrowding the grill. Whether you are grilling a few pieces or filling the grill to capacity, the chicken will cook beautifully.
It’s common practice to grill a large batch of chicken, around 10 pounds or more, to ensure leftovers. These leftovers are perfect for quick lunches or for incorporating into other dishes like chicken recipes.
Grilled chicken is a fantastic addition to dishes like Chicken Tetrazzini, Green Chile Enchiladas, BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes, and Baked Potato, Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.
Ensuring Chicken is Cooked Through
While visual cues like the absence of dark red or raw-looking meat are helpful, color alone is not a reliable indicator of doneness. The USDA notes that even fully cooked poultry can sometimes retain a pinkish hue in the meat and juices.
Therefore, using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to accurately check the internal temperature of your chicken. It’s the most foolproof method for ensuring your chicken is safely cooked and prevents overcooking, which can lead to dry and less flavorful chicken.
Chicken thighs are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. A meat thermometer eliminates any guesswork and guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Cook’s Note: Removing the skin from chicken thighs before grilling is optional. While the chicken will cook well with the skin on, removing it allows the spices to penetrate the meat more effectively, enhancing the flavor throughout. Although crispy skin is desirable in pan-fried chicken or oven-baked chicken, for grilling, skinless chicken thighs are often preferred for better spice absorption.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grill Chicken Thighs
Follow these simple steps to grill juicy and flavorful chicken thighs:
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 350°F – 375°F.
- Initial grilling: Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill and cook for 4 minutes per side. Keep the grill lid closed during this stage. You’ll notice the chicken turning golden brown and developing attractive grill marks.
- Reduce heat and finish cooking: Flip the chicken thighs again and reduce the grill heat to medium-low, around 300°F. Continue grilling for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest: Allow the grilled chicken thighs to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
How Long to Grill Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, the grilling time is slightly shorter. Grill them for approximately 6 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer. If needed, continue grilling for an additional 2-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How To Grill Chicken Thighs
3.90 from 10 votes
Perfectly juicy grilled chicken thighs are a year-round favorite. Recipe can easily be multiplied to feed a crowd.
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 12 minutes mins
Total Time: 17 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6-8 bone-in chicken thighs about 3 pounds (skin removed if desired)
- kosher salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- additional seasonings of your choice (see above)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill for medium-high heat, about 350°F – 375°F. Sprinkle the chicken generously with spices on both sides of each piece.
- Cook the chicken over the heat for 4 minutes per side, until the pieces turn golden and grill marks appear. The lid should be closed throughout the cooking process.
- Flip the pieces once more and turn heat to medium-low, about 300°F, for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken has cooked through and the internal temp is 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Cook the meat 6 minutes on each side. Check for doneness. Cook an additional 2-4 minutes, only as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 182kcal · Protein: 29g · Fat: 6g · Saturated Fat: 2g · Cholesterol: 145mg · Sodium: 136mg · Potassium: 375mg · Vitamin A: 37IU · Calcium: 14mg · Iron: 1mg
