Grilled bone-in chicken thighs are a delicious and easy meal to make on the barbecue. The juicy, flavorful chicken thighs pair perfectly with bold barbecue flavors. But knowing how long to grill bone-in chicken thighs can be tricky to figure out. The cooking time can vary based on a few key factors.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to grill bone-in chicken thighs perfectly every time. We’ll discuss how long it takes to grill bone-in chicken thighs based on thickness, temperature, and whether the thighs are marinated. We’ll also provide tips for getting the best results when grilling your chicken. Let’s get grilling!
How Thickness Impacts Cook Time
The thickness of your chicken thighs is one of the biggest factors that determines how long they need to cook. Thicker cuts of meat take longer to cook than thinner pieces. Here’s a guide to approximate grill times based on thickness:
Thin Chicken Thighs (1 inch thick)
Thin chicken thighs that are around 1 inch thick will take the least time on the grill. These boneless or bone-in cuts will cook through in:
– 6-8 minutes per side for direct high heat (450°F+)
– 8-12 minutes per side for direct medium heat (350-450°F)
– 15-20 minutes per side for indirect low heat (250-350°F)
Thinner thighs cook faster because the heat can penetrate the meat quickly and all the way to the bone. Pounding chicken thighs to an even thickness will help them cook evenly. Aim for 1 inch thick or less for quick cooking.
Medium Thickness Chicken Thighs (1-1.5 inches)
Chicken thighs that are 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick are the most common thickness you’ll find for bone-in cuts. These take a little longer on the grill than thin thighs:
– 8-12 minutes per side for direct high heat
– 12-18 minutes per side for direct medium heat
– 20-25 minutes per side for indirect low heat
This thickness is ideal for getting juicy, flavorful results with crispy skin. The meat stays moist while the skin gets nicely charred.
Thick Chicken Thighs (Over 1.5 inches)
Extra thick chicken thighs over 1 1/2 inches will need the most time on the grill. Go low and slow when cooking these cuts:
– 10-14 minutes per side over direct high heat
– 15-22 minutes per side for direct medium heat
– 25-35 minutes per side for indirect low heat
Thick thighs run the risk of burning on the outside before the inside cooks through. Keep the grill temp low for evenly cooked meat. Flip frequently and monitor temperature.
Temperature Impacts Cooking Time
The temperature at which you grill chicken thighs also significantly impacts the cooking time. Hotter heat means faster cooking, while lower heat needs longer cooking.
Here are approximate grill times for bone-in chicken thighs at different temperatures:
High Heat (450-550°F)
– Direct high heat: 8-12 minutes per side
– Indirect high heat: 18-25 minutes total
High heat is best for getting crispy skin and nice char while still keeping the interior juicy. Use it for quick cooking or finishing thicker thighs.
Medium-High Heat (350-450°F)
– Direct medium-high heat: 12-18 minutes per side
– Indirect medium-high heat: 25-35 minutes total
Medium-high heat lets you move the thighs around more if needed without burning. Ideal for cooking evenly without over-charring.
Medium Heat (300-350°F)
– Direct medium heat: 15-22 minutes per side
– Indirect medium heat: 30-40 minutes total
Medium heat requires more time but cooks food through gently without burning the outside. Good for large batches of bone-in chicken thighs.
Low Heat (250-300°F)
– Direct low heat: 20-30 minutes per side
– Indirect low heat: 35-50 minutes total
Low, slow cooking is best for thick bone-in thighs. Keeps the meat extra moist and tender. Requires the most time on the grill.
Marinades & Rubs Reduce Cook Time
Marinating your chicken thighs before grilling can reduce the cooking time compared to plain bone-in cuts.
Acidic marinade ingredients like vinegar, citrus, and yogurt help tenderize and penetrate the meat. Oil-based marinades also keep the thighs extra juicy and moist.
Spice rubs and herbs add flavor, but don’t impact cook time as much as marinades. Still, bold rubs with chiles and spices can slightly speed up cooking compared to plain chicken.
For marinated bone-in chicken thighs, subtract 2-5 minutes from the cook time estimates.
Tips for Grilling Bone-In Chicken Thighs
Now that you know approximately how long bone-in chicken thighs take to grill, here are some tips for the best results:
Bring Meat to Room Temp
Let your chicken thighs sit out for 30 minutes before grilling. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly since cold meat takes longer to cook through.
Use a Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness. Bone-in thighs are safely cooked between 165-175°F.
Preheat the Grill Properly
Give your grill 10-15 minutes to preheat fully to avoid chicken thighs cooking unevenly. Keep the lid closed as much as possible.
Flip Thighs Frequently
Flipping the thighs every 5 minutes or so while grilling prevents burning. It helps them cook evenly.
Let Thighs Rest Afterwards
Letting the grilled thighs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving allows juices to redistribute for moister meat. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Approximate Grill Times for Bone-In Chicken Thighs
For easy reference, here are the approximate grill times for bone-in chicken thighs summarized:
| Thickness | High Heat | Medium-High Heat | Medium Heat | Low Heat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thin (1 inch) | 6-8 minutes per side (direct) | 8-12 minutes per side (direct) | 15-20 minutes per side (indirect) | 20-30 minutes per side (indirect) |
| Medium (1-1.5 inches) | 8-12 minutes per side (direct) | 12-18 minutes per side (direct) | 20-25 minutes per side (indirect) | 25-35 minutes total (indirect) |
| Thick (Over 1.5 inches) | 10-14 minutes per side (direct) | 15-22 minutes per side (direct) | 25-30 minutes per side (indirect) | 35-50 minutes total (indirect) |
Conclusion
Grilling bone-in chicken thighs allows you to take advantage of quick, high-heat cooking for beautifully charred exteriors while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. Consider the thickness of your chicken thighs, the grill temperature, whether they are marinated, and use a meat thermometer for perfect results every time. With the guidelines provided, you’ll be an expert on estimating cook times for grilled bone-in chicken thighs. Now get outside and get grilling!