How Long Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Grilled chicken thighs are a staple in many cuisines around the world, and for good reason. They’re juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. But one of the most common questions when it comes to grilling chicken thighs is how long to cook them. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of grilled chicken thighs and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how long to grill them.
Direct Answer: How Long Grilled Chicken Thighs?
The cooking time for grilled chicken thighs depends on several factors, including the thickness of the thighs, the heat of the grill, and the level of doneness you prefer. Here’s a general guideline:
- Thin chicken thighs (less than 1 inch thick): 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, 7-9 minutes per side for medium, and 9-11 minutes per side for well-done.
- Thick chicken thighs (1-1.5 inches thick): 7-9 minutes per side for medium-rare, 9-11 minutes per side for medium, and 11-13 minutes per side for well-done.
- Extra-thick chicken thighs (more than 1.5 inches thick): 9-11 minutes per side for medium-rare, 11-13 minutes per side for medium, and 13-15 minutes per side for well-done.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
While the above guideline provides a general idea of how long to grill chicken thighs, there are several factors that can affect the cooking time. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Thickness of the thighs: Thicker thighs take longer to cook than thinner ones.
- Heat of the grill: A hotter grill cooks faster than a cooler one.
- Level of doneness: If you prefer your chicken thighs to be more well-done, you’ll need to cook them for a longer period.
- Type of grill: Different types of grills, such as gas, charcoal, or electric, can affect the cooking time.
Tips for Grilling Chicken Thighs
Here are some additional tips to help you grill the perfect chicken thighs:
- Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) before cooking the chicken thighs.
- Oil the grates: Oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Cook the chicken thighs in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
- Flip frequently: Flip the chicken thighs frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Use a thermometer: Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. The safe internal temperature is 165°F.
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done
Here are some ways to tell when chicken thighs are done:
- Internal temperature: Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. The safe internal temperature is 165°F.
- Juices run clear: When you cut into the chicken thighs, the juices should run clear. If the juices are pink or red, the chicken is not yet cooked.
- Firm texture: Cooked chicken thighs should have a firm texture. If they feel soft or squishy, they may not be cooked enough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when grilling chicken thighs:
- Overcooking: Overcooking can make the chicken thighs dry and tough.
- Undercooking: Undercooking can make the chicken thighs raw or pink in the center.
- Not preheating the grill: Failing to preheat the grill can lead to uneven cooking.
- Not oiling the grates: Failing to oil the grates can cause the chicken thighs to stick.
Conclusion
Grilling chicken thighs is a relatively simple process, but it requires attention to detail and a few basic tips. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection every time. Remember to preheat the grill, oil the grates, and flip the chicken thighs frequently to ensure even cooking. With a little practice, you’ll be a master griller in no time!
Table: Grilling Time for Chicken Thighs
Thickness of Thighs | Medium-Rare | Medium | Well-Done |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 1 inch | 5-7 minutes per side | 7-9 minutes per side | 9-11 minutes per side |
1-1.5 inches | 7-9 minutes per side | 9-11 minutes per side | 11-13 minutes per side |
More than 1.5 inches | 9-11 minutes per side | 11-13 minutes per side | 13-15 minutes per side |
Bullets: Tips for Grilling Chicken Thighs
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) before cooking the chicken thighs.
• Oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook the chicken thighs in batches if necessary.
• Flip the chicken thighs frequently to ensure even cooking.
• Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs.
• Use a timer to keep track of the cooking time.
• Don’t press down on the chicken thighs with your spatula, as this can cause them to become dense and dry.