Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thighs offer succulent, juicy meat with a rich flavor profile due to their higher fat content compared to breast meat. Their darker meat provides more nutrients like iron and zinc, contributing to a healthier diet. Grilling enhances their natural taste while creating a deliciously crispy skin. Chicken thighs are versatile and can be seasoned or marinated in various ways to suit different culinary preferences. Their affordability makes them an accessible and economical option for satisfying meals.

grilled chicken thigh

What to look for when buying chicken thighs.

When buying chicken thighs, look for ones that have a pinkish color with no gray or off-color patches. The meat should appear moist but not excessively wet, and there should be no strong or off-putting odor. Look for chicken thighs with smooth, intact skin and avoid any that are torn or damaged. Additionally, consider purchasing free-range chicken thighs from a farm for potentially higher quality and better flavor. Finally, check the sell-by date to ensure freshness and select chicken thighs that are well within their expiration date.

Preparing Chicken Thighs for the grill.

Before grilling chicken thighs, there are a few steps you can take to prepare them:

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a crispier skin when grilling.
2. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs, if desired. While some fat is desirable for flavor and moisture, removing excessive fat can prevent flare-ups on the grill.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and onion powder. 
4. Allow the seasoned chicken thighs to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat and ensures more even cooking.

Seasoning for chicken thighs.

Thighs are one of the most versatile meats to grill. When it comes to seasoning and marinades you can create any flavor profile you enjoy. Any seasoning from around the world could potentially work with the thighs. Don’t hesitate to experiment with a variety of flavors. For this recipe however we are focusing on how to grill chicken thighs and not a specific flavor profile. Therefore, we are keeping it simple with salt and onion powder.

How to Grill chicken thighs.

To grill chicken thighs, first, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with a simple combination of salt and onion powder. Place the chicken thighs on the grill grates over direct medium heat, skin side down, and cook for about 6-8 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Ensure they are cooked through but still juicy.

how to grill chicken thighs

Grilling chicken thighs skin side down first allows the fat under the skin to render and baste the meat as it cooks. This helps keep the meat moist and flavorful. Additionally, starting with the skin side down allows the skin to crisp up nicely, providing a delicious texture and flavor. Once the skin is crispy, you can flip the chicken thighs to finish cooking on the other side, ensuring even cooking and a perfectly grilled result.

How long to grill chicken thighs?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, chicken needs to be brought up to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you do not take the thighs off the grill until the thickest part of the chicken reaches that internal temp. Let the thighs sit for a few minutes after you take them off the grill before serving.

juicy grilled chicken thighs

Tips on how to avoid grill flare ups when grilling chicken.

• Make sure your grill and grill grates are clean.
• Trim excess fat off of the thighs before grilling them.
• Don’t marinate chicken thighs with a sugar based marinade.
• Don’t grill over high direct heat.
• Don’t pierce with a fork when flipping. Use a good pair of tongs.

chicken thighs on the grill

Hope you enjoy this recipe for easy grilled chicken thighs. This versatile juicy dish is the perfect grilled meal. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Grilled Chicken Thighs

By Drew – Serves: 3

Prep Time: 5 minutes – Cooking Time: 16 minutes

Grilled chicken thighs offer succulent, juicy meat with a rich flavor profile due to their higher fat content compared to breast meat.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of bone in chicken thighs.
• Salt
• Onion Powder

Instructions

1

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a crispier skin when grilling.

3

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs.

4

Season the chicken thighs with salt and onion powder. 

5

Allow the seasoned chicken thighs to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat and ensures more even cooking

6

Place the chicken thighs on the grill grates over direct heat, skin side down, and cook for about 6-8 minutes. Stay close to the grill to make sure there are no flare ups.

7

If your grill does start to flare up move the chicken breasts away from the direct heat until the fire simmers down.

8

Flip the chicken thighs and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

9

Remove and serve after 5 minutes of resting.

Notes

Make sure your grill and grill grates are clean. Trim excess fat off of the chicken thighs before grilling them.