Introduction
Want yummy grilled chicken that’s quick and easy? This guide helps! We’ll show you how long to cook chicken thighs, what to put on them to make them tasty, and how to cook them right so they’re juicy every time. Get ready to grill like a pro—let’s go!
How Long Does It Take to Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs?
You love grilled chicken but grilling seems scary. We got you! This guide makes perfect, juicy chicken thighs easy. Learn cook times, yummy flavors, and grilling secrets—become a grilling pro at home!
1. Grilling Time for Boneless Chicken Thighs
The magic number for perfectly grilled boneless chicken thighs can vary slightly depending on thickness and grill temperature, but it generally falls within a sweet spot of 10-12 minutes.
However, relying solely on time isn’t the most reliable method. To ensure your chicken is cooked through and deliciously juicy, we highly recommend using a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Here’s a quick breakdown of grilling time based on thickness:
- Thin thighs (less than 1/2 inch): 6-8 minutes per side
- Standard thighs (1/2 to 1 inch): 8-10 minutes per side
- Thick thighs (over 1 inch): 10-12 minutes per side
Remember: These are estimates. If you want the most precise readings, always use a thermometer!
2. Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
This recipe will guide you through grilling juicy and flavorful boneless chicken thighs. We’ll cover everything from creating a marinade to achieving the perfect sear.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- For the marinade (choose one):
- Italian Marinade: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Greek Marinade: Olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper
- Simple Marinade: Olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Optional: Skewers (for easier grilling)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken (optional, but recommended): Combine your chosen marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip-lock bag. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, 2-4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). If using skewers, thread the chicken thighs onto them.
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown with nice char marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Before serving, move the chicken to a dish and give it a good 10-15 minutes to rest.This allows the juices to redistribute for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips and Notes:
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. This may result in uneven cooking and inadequate searing.
- Avoid flipping the chicken too frequently. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to achieve nice grill marks.
- If the chicken seems to be charring too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
- For thicker thighs, consider indirect grilling. Turn the grill’s temperature up to medium-high on one side while leaving the other unlit. Sear the chicken on the hot side first, then move it to the cooler side to finish cooking through.
- Feel free to experiment with different marinades! This recipe provides a starting point, so get creative with your favorite flavors.
3. Leftovers and Storage
So you’ve grilled a delicious batch of chicken thighs, but what about the leftovers? Here’s how to ensure you don’t waste a single bite:
Using Leftover Grilled Chicken:
- Salads: Diced grilled chicken adds protein and smoky flavor to salads. Pair it with your favorite greens, vegetables, and dressing.
- Sandwiches: Thinly sliced chicken makes for fantastic sandwiches. Add your favorite toppings, like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and aioli, for a quick and satisfying lunch.
- Wraps: Stuff leftover chicken into wraps with hummus, veggies, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a flavorful and portable meal.
- Quesadillas: Dice or shred the chicken and use it as a filling for quesadillas with cheese, peppers, and onions.
- Stir-fries: Thinly sliced chicken is a perfect addition to stir-fries. Saute it with your favorite vegetables and a flavorful sauce for a quick and healthy meal.
- Pasta dishes: Chopped chicken adds protein to pasta salads or creamy pasta dishes.
Storing Grilled Chicken:
- Refrigerate: Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Tip: Consider portioning leftover chicken into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick meal prep.
4. Easy Chicken Recipes (Bonus)
Who doesn’t love a quick and easy weeknight meal? Here are a few bonus ideas to add variety to your grilled chicken repertoire:
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a sweet and savory twist. Grill until cooked through and baste with the remaining marinade for a sticky glaze.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs like oregano and thyme, along with garlic and salt. Grill for a bright and flavorful dish.
- Cajun Chicken: Spice things up with a Cajun rub made with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Coat the chicken thighs generously with the rub and grill until cooked through for a smoky and spicy kick.
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Grill chicken breasts or thighs and slice them over a classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing.
- Chicken Fajitas: Marinate chicken strips in fajita seasoning (typically containing chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder), then grill until cooked through. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings, like peppers, onions, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
These are only some suggestions to get you going. The possibilities for delicious grilled chicken dishes are endless!
5. Grilled Chicken Thighs (General)
Beyond the juicy flavor and ease of preparation, grilled chicken thighs offer several advantages:
- Richer Flavor: Compared to chicken breasts, thighs boast a higher fat content, resulting in a more flavorful and tender eating experience.
- More Affordable: Chicken thighs are generally less expensive than chicken breasts, making them a budget-friendly protein option.
- Forgiving to Cook: Due to the higher fat content, thighs are less prone to drying out during grilling. This allows for a little more flexibility in cooking times, making them perfect for beginner grillers.
- Versatile Ingredient: Grilled chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into various dishes. They can be enjoyed on their own with your favorite dipping sauce, chopped for salads, or used as a protein base for wraps, quesadillas, and stir-fries.
Substitution Tip:
If you only have boneless, skin-on chicken thighs, you can still achieve delicious results! Here’s what to do:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Use as many of your favorite spices as possible to season the chicken thighs.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, allowing the skin to render and crisp.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- After it’s done, take the chicken off the grill and give it some time to rest. You can then carefully remove the skin before serving, or enjoy it crispy!
6. Serving Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled chicken thighs shine as the star of the show, but they pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas to consider:
Classic Sides:
- Grilled Vegetables: Take advantage of the grill and throw on some vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob. They’ll add color, freshness, and a healthy dose of vitamins to your plate.
- Roasted Potatoes: Whether roasted with herbs and olive oil or tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette, roasted potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish for grilled chicken.
- Rice: Plain white rice, brown rice, or even flavorful options like coconut rice or Spanish rice can all complement grilled chicken thighs.
- Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect way to balance the richness of the chicken.
Creative Sides:
- Grilled Fruit: Grilled peaches, pineapple, or watermelon slices add a touch of sweetness and a unique twist to your meal.
- Macaroni Salad: A classic American side dish, macaroni salad is a creamy and satisfying accompaniment to grilled chicken.
- Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and complements the smoky flavors of the chicken.
- Quinoa: This protein-packed grain is a healthy and flavorful alternative to rice. Try tossing it with herbs and a light vinaigrette for added zest.
Remember: When choosing sides, consider the overall flavor profile you’re aiming for. If your marinade is heavily seasoned, opt for lighter and fresher sides. Conversely, bolder side dishes can complement a simple marinade.
7. Recommended Tools and Tips
Grilling delicious chicken thighs doesn’t require a fancy setup, but having the right tools and techniques can elevate your results. Here’s what you’ll need:
Recommended Tools:
- Grill: This can be a gas grill, a charcoal grill, or even a grill pan for stovetop use.
- Long-handled tongs: These allow for safe and easy flipping of the chicken on the hot grill.
- Instant-read thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is by using a thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Basting brush (optional): This can be helpful for applying marinades or sauces while grilling.
- Grill spatula (optional): A wide spatula can be useful for maneuvering the chicken on the grill, especially if using skin-on thighs.
Recipe Tips and Tricks:
- Marinate for maximum flavor: While marinating isn’t essential, it allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and tender end product. Aim to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, 2-4 hours for the best results.
- Pat the chicken dry before grilling: Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken can hinder achieving a nice sear. Use paper towels to pat the chicken thighs dry before placing them on the grill.
- Sear the chicken for optimal flavor: A good sear creates a flavorful crust on the outside of the chicken. Achieve this by placing the chicken on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for a few minutes undisturbed.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken thighs dry out easily if cooked for too long. Use a thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh for juicy results.
- Let the chicken rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This makes the meat more soft and tasty by allowing the liquids to re-distribute throughout it.
With these tools and techniques in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to grilling restaurant-quality chicken thighs at home!
8. Nutritional Information (for the Grilled Chicken Recipe)
This section will depend on the specific marinade you choose, but here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information for a serving of grilled boneless, skinless chicken thigh (around 3.5 oz / 100g):
- Calories: Approximately 179 calories
- Protein: Around 24.8 grams (a good source of protein for building and maintaining muscle)
- Fat: Approximately 8.2 grams (including some saturated fat)
- Carbs: Negligible amount (almost no carbohydrates)
Additional Nutrients:
- Chicken thighs also contain essential vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and vitamin D, depending on the specific cut and preparation.
- The marinade you choose can add additional nutrients and sodium depending on the ingredients.
Note:
This information is for informational purposes only and can vary depending on factors like the size of the chicken thigh and the specific marinade used. For the most accurate nutritional information, consult a nutrition calculator or refer to the packaging of your chosen marinade ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grilling boneless, skinless chicken thighs is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time. From choosing the right marinade to using the proper tools, this article has equipped you with the knowledge to become a grilling pro. So fire up your grill, experiment with different flavors, and enjoy the versatility that grilled chicken thighs offer!
FAQs
Q: How long do I need to marinate chicken thighs?
A: While marinating isn’t strictly necessary, it does enhance flavor and tenderness. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours for the best results.
Q: Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! The cooking times may vary slightly. You’ll want to cook them skin-side down first to render the fat and achieve a crispy skin. Then, flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Q: My chicken thighs are burning on the outside but still raw on the inside. What am I doing wrong?
A: This could be due to a few reasons:
- Grill temperature is too high. Try lowering the heat slightly.
- Chicken thighs are too thin. Thinner thighs cook faster. Consider adjusting the cooking time accordingly or using indirect grilling (explained in Section 1) for thicker thighs.
- Not letting the chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps redistribute the juices, preventing dryness.
Q: What are some good dipping sauces for grilled chicken thighs?
A: The options are endless! Here are a few ideas:
- BBQ sauce (classic and versatile)
- Honey-mustard sauce (sweet and tangy)
- Chimichurri sauce (herb-based and flavorful)
- Ranch dressing (creamy and cool)
- Lemon-herb sauce (bright and refreshing)
Q: How can I reheat leftover grilled chicken thighs?
A: You can reheat leftover chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying.
