How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs at 350 °F
Have you ever had a perfectly cooked chicken thigh that was juicy and full of flavor? I know I have, and it’s a beautiful thing. There’s something about that crispy skin and smoky flavor that just hits the spot. But, how do you achieve that perfection every time? It can be a tricky process, but with a little know-how, you can grill some delicious chicken thighs like a pro.
Grilling chicken thighs at 350 degrees is a great way to get that crispy skin and juicy meat that we all love. But, how long do you cook them for? There’s nothing worse than overcooked, dry chicken, or undercooked, raw chicken. That’s why it’s essential to know the proper cook time and temperature to get the best results.
In this article, I’ll answer all your questions about grilling chicken thighs, including how long to grill them at 350 degrees, what temperature to use, and the best way to grill them. I’ll also share some tips and tricks for preparing and grilling chicken thighs, along with some delicious chicken thigh recipes that you can try at home.
So, whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about grilling the perfect chicken thighs. Get ready to take your grilling skills to the next level and impress your friends and family with your delicious grilled chicken!
How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs at 350 Degrees
When it comes to grilling chicken thighs, the ideal temperature is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the chicken to cook through without burning or drying out. But how long do you grill them for? That depends on whether you’re using bone-in or boneless chicken thighs.
For bone-in chicken thighs, you’ll want to grill them for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning them over every 5 to 7 minutes. This ensures that they cook evenly on all sides and are cooked through to the center. The thickest part of the meat should register at 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a digital meat thermometer.
If you’re using boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time will be a bit shorter. You’ll want to grill them for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. Again, the thickest part of the meat should register at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
One way to check the internal temperature of grilled chicken thighs is to use a digital meat thermometer. Simply insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone. If the temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, your chicken is cooked through and ready to eat.
To ensure that your chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor, you’ll want to follow a few tips. First, brush them with a light coating of olive oil to help prevent them from sticking to the grill and to add some flavor. You can also season them with a dry rub or marinade to add even more flavor. Another tip is to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to grilling some delicious and juicy chicken thighs. In the next section, I’ll share some additional tips and techniques for grilling chicken thighs to perfection.
Grilling Chicken Thighs: Tips and Techniques
Grilling chicken thighs is a great way to add some variety to your barbecue menu. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, there are a few tips and techniques that can help you achieve the perfect grilled chicken thighs every time.
The best way to grill chicken thighs is to start by preparing them properly. Make sure to trim any excess fat or skin, and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This helps to prevent flare-ups and ensures that the skin gets crispy.
When grilling chicken thighs on a gas grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on one side of the grill and place the chicken thighs on the opposite side. This will create indirect heat, which helps to cook the chicken through without burning the skin.
To ensure that the grill is at the right temperature, use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the grill. For medium-high heat, the temperature should be around 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another way to check the internal temperature of grilled chicken thighs is to use a meat thermometer. Simply insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone. If the temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, your chicken is cooked through and ready to eat.
One of the challenges of grilling chicken thighs is avoiding flare-ups. To prevent flare-ups, make sure to use a grill brush to clean the grates before cooking. You can also use aluminum foil to create a barrier between the chicken and the flames. If you do experience flare-ups, simply move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill until the flames die down.
Here are a few more points that you should also stick to:
- When grilling chicken thighs, remember that they are a type of dark meat, which means they have more flavor and are less likely to dry out than white meat.
- Experiment with different chicken recipes to find your favorite way to cook chicken thighs, whether it’s grilling, baking, or frying.
- Make sure to place the chicken thighs skin-side down when grilling to ensure that the skin gets crispy and delicious.
- If you’re cooking a whole chicken, consider spatchcocking it to help it cook more evenly on the grill.
- Keep a collection of your favorite chicken thigh recipes on hand for quick and easy meals.
- When cooking skin-on chicken thighs, make sure to use a preheated oven to help the skin crisp up properly.
- Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Remember that the thickness of the thighs will affect the cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be a healthier option, but they may require a lower temperature and shorter cooking time than bone-in, skin-on thighs.
- For the best results when cooking a whole bird, use a baking dish to catch any juices and prevent them from drying out.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to grilling some delicious and juicy chicken thighs. In the next section, I’ll share some additional ways to cook chicken thighs, including baking and air frying.
Other Ways to Cook Chicken Thighs
Grilling chicken thighs is just one way to cook this delicious cut of meat. If you don’t have access to a grill or simply prefer other cooking methods, there are a few other ways to cook chicken thighs.
One way to cook chicken thighs is to bake them in the oven. To do this, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Baking is a great way to cook chicken thighs if you want to achieve crispy skin without the smoky flavor of grilling.
Another way to cook chicken thighs is to air fry them. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses hot air to cook the chicken instead of oil. To air fry chicken thighs, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.
Cooking chicken thighs in a skillet is another great option. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
There are countless different chicken thigh recipes to try, from simple seasoning with salt and pepper to more complex dishes like lemon garlic chicken thighs and BBQ chicken thighs. Experiment with different spice mixtures, marinades, and sauces to find your favorite recipe. Be sure to keep the thickness of your chicken thighs in mind when cooking, as thicker thighs will take longer to cook than thinner ones.
In the next section, I’ll summarize the main points of the article and offer some final thoughts on grilling chicken thighs.
Bottom Line
In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know about grilling chicken thighs. We’ve talked about the ideal temperature and cook time for bone-in and boneless chicken thighs, as well as tips and techniques for grilling chicken thighs to perfection. We’ve also discussed other ways to cook chicken thighs, including baking, air frying, and cooking in a skillet.
To recap, here are the main points discussed in the article:
- Grilling chicken thighs at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a great way to get juicy and flavorful chicken.
- Bone-in chicken thighs take about 25 to 30 minutes to grill, while boneless chicken thighs take about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of grilled chicken thighs and ensure that they are cooked through.
- To grill chicken thighs to perfection, prepare them properly, and use indirect heat to avoid burning.
- Other ways to cook chicken thighs include baking, air frying, and cooking in a skillet.
Now that you have all this information, it’s time to try it out for yourself! Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, you can grill some delicious chicken thighs like a pro with these tips and techniques.
To get started, try one of the delicious chicken thigh recipes mentioned in the article, such as lemon garlic chicken thighs or BBQ chicken thighs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your favorite recipe.
Thank you for reading, and happy grilling!
BBQ Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the BBQ sauce mixture and coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken thighs on the grill or grill pan, skin-side down, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken thighs over and brush with more BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
- Repeat the process of flipping and brushing with BBQ sauce for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Notes
Make sure to keep an eye on the chicken to avoid burning or flare-ups.
These BBQ chicken thighs are perfect served with your favorite sides, such as potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy!
YOUR OWN NOTE
Nutrition
More Chicken Recipes
Liquid Smoked Chicken Gizzard Bake or Boil Recipe
Delicious and Juicy Smothered Grilled Chicken Breast
Mouth-Watering Crock Pot Chicken Barbecue Recipe
Finger-Licking Good Barbecue Chip Chicken Recipe
Microwave Grilled Chicken Cooking Method Recipe
Juicy and Yummy Grilled Tampico Chicken Breast Recipe
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken and Fresh Vegetable Salad Recipe
Best Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Applebee’s Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe (Easy & Delicious)
Secret Buffalo Wild Wings Desert Heat Dry Rub Recipe Revealed
