Do you known about How to Grill Chicken Thighs: Ready to perfect the art of grilling chicken thighs this summer? This guide is all you need. It offers detailed steps and pro tips to ensure top-notch grill results on your gas grill. We’ll cover everything from choosing the best meat and marinating methods to heating the grill and getting a great sear. You’ll impress everyone with your juicy, flavorful chicken thighs at any backyard BBQ or outdoor event.
Key Takeaways
- Grilled chicken thighs are a summer grilling staple that is easy to make and flavorful.
- This guide provides step-by-step instructions for grilling juicy and flavorful chicken thighs on a gas grill.
- Essential techniques and recommendations are covered to ensure you can confidently grill chicken thighs.
- You’ll learn how to choose the right chicken, marinate, prepare the grill, and achieve perfectly grilled results every time.
- Enjoy tender, char-grilled chicken thighs for your backyard BBQs and outdoor gatherings.
Juicy and Flavorful Grilled Chicken tenders
Grilled chicken thighs are perfect for summer, and they are known for their juiciness and rich taste. They contain more fat than chicken breasts, keeping them moist when grilled. The dark chicken thighs have a deep, savory taste that goes well with grill marks. Good marinating or seasoning makes them even tastier.
Choosing bone-in or boneless chicken thighs is up to you. But, the goal is to make them as juicy and flavorful as possible. With the right steps, you’ll wow your family and friends with an amazing grilled chicken dinner.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bone-in chicken thighs | 1 1/2 lbs (750g), about 5 small thighs2 |
| Homemade dry rub | 2 1/2 tablespoons2 |
| Liquid smoke | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Olive oil (for grilling) | 1 tablespoon |
To take grilled chicken thighs to a new level of taste, use the best marinades and seasonings.
Choosing the Right Chicken Thighs
When choosing chicken thighs for grilling, consider both bone-in and boneless. Bone-in thighs stay moist and juicy thanks to the bone. It also adds flavor. Yet, boneless thighs cook faster and more evenly. The choice is yours.
Bone-in vs Boneless Chicken Thighs
Thighs beat breasts with more natural juice, a richer taste, and affordability. They have more fat and dark meat. This means they’re juicier after grilling. Grilled chicken thighs offer 341 calories, 45g protein, and 13g fat in a 3.5-ounce serving.
Benefits of Using Chicken Thigh
Chicken thighs are high in fat and protein, as well as vitamins and minerals like A, C, calcium, and iron. Their versatile nature, rich taste, and cost-effectiveness make them ideal for grilling and various recipes.
Marinating Chicken Thighs for Maximum Flavor
Marinating chicken thighs makes them full of flavor before grilling. It uses acids like vinegar or citrus juice to soften the meat. Also, it includes healthy fats such as olive oil. Along with these, you’ll find herbs, spices, and sweeteners for a tasty mix. You should soak the chicken in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. But, if you have the time, let it sit for up to 12 hours to get the best flavor.
Essential Marinade Ingredients
The marinade is made from garlic, honey, soy sauce, and more. It has lime juice and zest to give a lively, citrus taste. In this recipe, you need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This mix of flavors makes the dish truly delicious.
Dry Rubs and Seasoning Blends
Dry rubs are a different way to add flavor. They use a mix of spices, herbs, salt, and maybe sugar. This creates a tasty outer layer when grilling chicken thighs. Both marinades and dry rubs can turn chicken thighs into an amazing dish.
Preparing the Grill for Chicken Thighs
To get the best flavor, preparing your gas grill is crucial when grilling chicken thighs. First, preheat it to medium-high, between 375 and 450°F. The high heat is perfect for cooking the chicken through while giving it a tasty sear. Clean the grill grates well to get rid of any old food bits. Then, oil the grates lightly so the chicken won’t stick. These steps are simple, but they make sure your chicken thighs come out just right.
Preheating the Gas Grill
Getting your gas grill to the right temperature is essential for perfect chicken thighs. It should be set to medium-high heat, 375–450°F. This heat range is great for making sure the chicken gets cooked all the way through. Plus, it gives a nice sear.
Cleaning and Oiling the Grill Grates
Start by cleaning your grill grates well to avoid chicken sticking. This means removing any leftover food. Then, oil the grates lightly with a high-heat oil. This helps the chicken not stick and cook well.6
grill chicken thighs
The best way how to grill chicken thighs is by using direct heat. Put your seasoned or marinated thighs over the hot grates, skin-side down. Grill them for 4-5 minutes on each side to get those perfect grill marks.
After searing, move the thighs to the cooler part of the grill to finish. They should cook for another 3–5 minutes. This method keeps your chicken crispy on the on the outside and juicy on the inside.4 Make sure to check the temperature and take the chicken off at 165°F.
Direct Heat Grilling Technique
The secret to tasty, direct-heat-grilled chicken thighs is direct fire. This means putting your thighs over the flames. Doing this gives them a great sear and those amazing grill marks we love. Grill chicken thighs high for 4-5 minutes per side to keep the juices in and the skin crispy.
Achieving Perfect Grill Marks
Getting the grill marks just right is not hard. Don’t move your chicken around too much when it’s over the high heat. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes on each side. This helps the grill make the perfect sear lines. Once your marks are looking good, move the chicken to the cooler part. There, let it finish cooking through.
Checking for Doneness
Make sure your grilled chicken thighs are done by using a meat thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part, not touching the bone. The chicken should reach 165°F to be safe to eat. Remember, the heat makes the temperature go up a little even after you take it off the grill.
Using a Meat Thermometer
Checking the temperature with a meat thermometer is key. It ensures your chicken is neither overcooked nor undercooked. This way, you’ll end up with moist, tasty chicken.
Carryover Cooking and Resting Period
Let your chicken sit covered for 5–10 minutes after grilling. This time, let the flavors and moisture spread, making the dish even better.
| Grilling Technique | Grill Temperature | Cooking Time | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boneless Chicken Thighs | Sear 4 minutes per side, then grill for 18–20 minutes | Around 8 minutes | 165°F |
| Bone-in Chicken Thighs | 450°F | 10-13 minutes | 165°F |
| Chicken Breasts | N/A | Sear 4 minutes per side, then grill for 18–20 minutes | 165°F |
| Chicken Leg Quarters and Half Chickens | N/A | 30-35 minutes | 170°F |
| Chicken Wings | N/A | 10-15 minutes | 170°F |
| Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks | N/A | 25-30 minutes | 170°F |
Serving Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled chicken thighs are a hit and go well with many meals. Begin by placing the chicken thighs on a serving dish. Add cut, fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a tasty look. They’re perfect with classic summer sides like grilled veggies or roasted potatoes.
Garnishing with Fresh Herbs
Adding fresh, cut herbs makes grilled chicken thighs even better. Choose from parsley, rosemary, thyme, or oregano.1 These herbs bring out the chicken’s flavor and make it look good too.
Side Dish Pairings
Grilled chicken thighs are great with summer sides. Think grilled veggies, corn, pasta salads, or potatoes. These dishes balance the chicken’s richness, making a full-flavored meal.
Storing Leftover Grilled Chicken Thighs
Any leftover grilled chicken thighs can stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days. Use an airtight container, mark it, and make sure it’s chilled within two hours of cooking. This prevents harmful bacteria and keeps the chicken safe to eat. Make sure your fridge is at 40°F or below, and follow the USDA’s advice to eat it within 3 to 4 days.
Enjoy your cooked chicken thighs cold, at room temperature, or warm them up for another meal. They must be chilled within 2 hours of sitting out. Reheating them needs care to avoid drying them. Make sure reheated chicken hits 165°F internally. Warm it gently in the oven, on the stove, or in the microwave until hot through.
If cooked chicken looks or smells strange, spoilage bacteria might have gotten to it. When in doubt about its safety, throw it away to be safe.
There are many great ways to use up leftover chicken. Think about grain bowls, salads, or sandwiches. Enchiladas, chicken pot pie, and casseroles are also good options for shredded chicken.
For keeping cooked chicken fresh in the fridge, use proper labeling and airtight containers.
Reheating Grilled Chicken Thighs
Reheating grilled chicken thighs lets you savor the delicious taste again. Use the oven or microwave gently. This way, the chicken won’t dry out and turn tough. Just follow a few easy steps to keep your grilled chicken thighs moist, tender, and tasty.
Oven Reheating Method
To reheat chicken thighs, set your oven to 350°F. Place them in a dish, add a bit of broth or water, and cover with foil. Warm up the chicken for 10–15 minutes until it’s 165°F inside. The method keeps the chicken outside from drying out.
Microwave Reheating Method
Microwaving chicken is fast but needs attention to avoid dryness. Put the thighs on a plate, and cover them with a moist paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts, flipping halfway, until warm. Normally, it takes about 2 minutes to reheat in the microwave. Add time as needed. Watching closely and using a moist towel keeps the chicken from getting tough or chewy.
Choosing your reheating method is important. Ensure it’s gentle to keep the chicken moist. Drying out in high heat is the main thing to prevent. Take care when reheating your chicken thighs to enjoy their flavor and texture again. if you are interested in filet mignon recipe, click here for more info.
Freezing Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled [freeze-grilled chicken thighs] can stay good in the freezer for 3 months. Let the chicken cool down fully. Then, put each thigh on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze. After they freeze, move them to a sealed bag or container that’s safe for the freezer.
When you want to eat them, place the chicken in the fridge. Do this the night before you plan to eat them. These frozen chicken thighs are perfect for quick family dinners or preparing meals in advance.
Nutritional Information
Chicken thighs are a healthy choice for protein. They are rich in lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. A 3.5-ounce serving of grilled chicken thighs has about 287 calories. It includes 24 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein, with few carbs. They are packed with vitamins B6 and B12 and minerals such as phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. Grilling them up keeps them tasty and adds to a nutritious diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (135g) | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 259 | – |
| Protein | 24.28g | 65% |
| Total Fat | 13.4g | 17% |
| Cholesterol | 174.2mg | 58% |
| Sodium | 554.9mg | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0% |
| Phosphorus | – | 8% |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.232g | – |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.884g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fats | 5.534g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fats | 3.328g | – |
| Calcium | – | 1% |
| Iron | – | 8% |
Eating grilled chicken thighs is a smart move for your diet. They offer great taste and nutrition.
Conclusion
Grilling chicken thighs is easy and tasty, perfect for summer. This guide helps you become a gas grill expert. Learn about cuts, marinades, spices, and cooking times. With these steps, you can cook perfect grilled chicken thighs every time.
Start by heating the grill to 375–425 degrees. Then, cook the thighs for 12–14 minutes.16 Flip them halfway, cooking each side for 6-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken hits 165 degrees inside.16 Marinate the thighs for extra flavor for at least two hours or overnight. After cooking, let them rest for 10 minutes.16
Pair your grilled chicken thighs with tasty sides like mashed potatoes or a salad. This makes a perfect meal. Stick to these steps, and your chicken will always turn out great. Enjoy grilling chicken thighs this summer!
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