Grilling chicken thighs is one of the best ways to enjoy tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken with a delicious smoky char. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grill master, knowing how to grill chicken thighs properly can make all the difference between dry, tough meat and a mouthwatering meal everyone will love. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to get perfect grilled chicken thighs every time.
Why Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs are a favorite cut for grilling because they have more fat and connective tissue than chicken breasts, which means they stay juicy and tender even over high heat. Bone-in, skin-on thighs especially lock in moisture and develop crispy, flavorful skin when grilled right.
What You’ll Need
– Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3-4 pieces)
– Olive oil or another cooking oil
– Seasonings or marinade (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, herbs, soy sauce, honey, lime, or your favorite spice blend)
– A grill (gas or charcoal)
– Meat thermometer (highly recommended)
Preparing Your Chicken Thighs
1. Remove Excess Moisture
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the skin crisp up nicely on the grill and prevents steaming.
2. Marinate or Season
You can keep it simple with salt, pepper, and olive oil or use a marinade for extra flavor. A good marinade might include ingredients like soy sauce, honey, lime juice and zest, garlic powder, and spices. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally overnight in the fridge to let the flavors soak in deeply.
3. Bring to Room Temperature
Before grilling, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.
How to Grill Chicken Thighs
1. Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350°F to 425°F (175°C to 220°C). If you have a two-zone setup, light one side for direct heat and keep the other side cooler for indirect cooking.
2. Oil the Grill Grates
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and help achieve those beautiful grill marks.
3. Start with Skin Side Down
Place the chicken thighs skin side down on the hot side of the grill. Grill for about 4-7 minutes without moving them, until the skin is nicely charred and crispy.
4. Flip and Sear the Other Side
Turn the chicken over and grill the other side for another 4-7 minutes to develop color and flavor.
5. Move to Indirect Heat
Once both sides have good grill marks, move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 5-10 more minutes depending on thickness.
6. Check Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the meat-the juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink inside.
7. Rest Your Chicken
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes loosely covered with foil. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and tender.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs
– Bone-in and skin-on: These retain moisture better and add flavor.
– Don’t rush the resting step: It’s key to juicy meat.
– Use a marinade or dry rub: Adds layers of flavor and helps tenderize.
– Control your grill temperature: Too hot can burn the outside before the inside cooks; too low can dry out the meat.
– Pat the chicken dry before seasoning: Helps get a crispy skin.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Classic BBQ: Use your favorite BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of grilling.
– Asian-inspired: Marinate with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey.
– Herb and garlic: Mix olive oil with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme and minced garlic.
– Spicy rub: Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and brown sugar for a sweet heat.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled chicken thighs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with grilled veggies, over a fresh salad, in tacos, or alongside rice or grain bowls. Leftovers can be shredded for sandwiches or tossed into pasta dishes.
Grilling chicken thighs is simple once you know the basics. With a little prep and attention to temperature, you’ll enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Fire up the grill and get ready to impress your family and friends!