How Long do Chicken Thighs Take to Grill?
Grilling chicken thighs is a popular summer activity, and it’s effortless to achieve a deliciously charred and juicy dish. However, the quest for the perfect grilled chicken thigh often revolves around the question: How long do chicken thighs take to grill? In this article, we’ll delve into the factors that affect grilling time, provides a direct answer to the question, and give you some valuable tips to ensure your grilling experience is nothing short of exceptional.
Factors Affecting Grilling Time
Before we answer the question, it’s essential to understand what influences the grilling time of chicken thighs. Here are the key factors to consider:
Size and Thickness
The size and thickness of the chicken thigh significantly impact grilling time. Here’s a general guideline:
- Slender thighs (about 1-1.5 inches/2.5-3.75 cm thick): 5-7 minutes per side
- Standard thighs (about 1.5-2 inches/3.75-5 cm thick): 7-9 minutes per side
- Thick thighs (about 2 inches/5 cm or more thick): 9-11 minutes per side
Temperature
The desired internal temperature of the chicken thigh can also affect grilling time.
Recommended Internal Temperatures
| Temperature | Meat Doneness |
|---|---|
| 165°F (74°C) | Cooked through, slightly dry |
| 170°F (77°C) | Cooked through, juicy |
Grill Temperature
The ideal grill temperature for chicken thighs should be between 375°F (225°C) and 400°F (200°C), depending on the thickness of the chicken thigh.
Grilling Temperature Guide
- Thinner thighs (1-1.5 inches/2.5-3.75 cm thick): 375°F (225°C)
- Standard thighs (1.5-2 inches/3.75-5 cm thick): 400°F (200°C)
Marination, Seasoning, and Oil Drip
The amount of marinating, seasoning, and oil drip added to the chicken thigh can also impede or enhance grilling time.
Marinade and Seasoning Tips
- Marinate thick thighs for 30 minutes to 2 hours beforehand
- Use a marinade with acidic ingredients (e.g., wine, lemon juice) to help tenderize
Direct Answer: How Long do Chicken Thighs Take to Grill?
Based on the factors mentioned above, we’ve compiled a general grilling schedule for chicken thighs:
- ThINNER thighs (1-1.5 inches/2.5-3.75 cm thick): 10-14 minutes at 375°F (225°C)
- 5-7 minutes per side; flip every 2-3 minutes
- STANDARD thighs (1.5-2 inches/3.75-5 cm thick): 14-18 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
- 7-9 minutes per side; flip every 2-3 minutes
- THICKer thighs (2 inches/5 cm or more thick): 18-22 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
- 9-11 minutes per side; flip every 2-3 minutes
Additional Grilling Tips
To ensure your grilling experience is nothing short of exceptional, keep the following tips in mind:
- Preheat the grill
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary
- Don’t press down on the chicken thigh with your utensil; this can squeeze out juicy meat
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes after removal from the grill to allow even distribution of juices
Conclusion
Grilling chicken thighs is an achievable feat with the right guidance and adherence to key factors. By considering factors like size, temperature, and cook time, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering, visually appealing dish. Remember, communication is key, so don’t skip the importance of internal temperature-checking and letting the chicken rest afterward. Happy grilling!