How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs (and the Right Temp)
Grill bone-in chicken thighs about 25 to 30 minutes over medium heat, turning a few times. Boneless thighs take about 8 to 12 minutes. They are done at 175°F.
Chicken thighs are one of the easiest things you can put on a grill. They have a little more fat than chicken breasts, so they stay juicy even if you cook them a bit too long. Still, timing matters if you want crispy skin and a juicy inside. Here is a simple guide to how long to grill chicken thighs and the temperature to look for.
How long to grill chicken thighs
The time depends on whether your thighs have the bone in or not. Here is a quick rule of thumb over medium heat, about 400°F:
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs: 25 to 30 minutes total. Turn them every 5 to 7 minutes.
- Boneless, skinless thighs: 8 to 12 minutes total. Flip once halfway.
Bone-in thighs take longer because the bone slows down the heat. That is fine. Slower is better here, since it gives the fat time to melt and the skin time to crisp.
What temperature are chicken thighs done at
Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F. But thighs are different from breasts. They taste better a little higher, around 175°F to 185°F. At that point the fat has melted and the meat pulls off the bone with no chew. The best way to know for sure is a meat thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part and keep it away from the bone.
Not sure about heat and timing for other cuts too? Our Meat-o-Meter gives you the grill heat and pull temp for steak, chicken, pork, and more.
How to grill chicken thighs step by step
- Pat the thighs dry with a paper towel. Dry skin gets crispy skin.
- Rub them with a little oil, then season all over with a bold blend like Dad Spice The Classic.
- Set up two zones on your grill. One side hot and direct, one side cooler.
- Start the thighs skin side down over the hot side for 3 to 4 minutes to crisp the skin.
- Move them to the cooler side and cook until they hit 175°F.
- Rest them 5 minutes before you serve. The juices settle back in.
Want the full version with amounts and tips? Follow our grilled chicken thighs recipe.
Tips for better grilled thighs
Watch for flare-ups. The fat from the skin can drip and catch fire. If flames jump up, move the thighs to the cooler side until they calm down. Also, do not press the thighs with a spatula. That just squeezes out the juice you worked to keep in.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you grill chicken thighs?
Bone-in, skin-on thighs take about 25 to 30 minutes over medium heat, turned every few minutes. Boneless thighs take about 8 to 12 minutes.
What temp should chicken thighs be?
Chicken is safe at 165°F, but thighs taste best pulled around 175°F to 185°F, when the fat has melted and the meat is tender.
Should I grill chicken thighs skin side down first?
Yes. Start skin side down over direct heat for 3 to 4 minutes to crisp the skin, then move to a cooler zone to finish cooking.
Do you grill chicken thighs with the lid open or closed?
Keep the lid closed most of the time. It holds the heat steady and helps the thighs cook through without burning the skin.
Make it taste better.
Grab a bottle of The Classic and season like you mean it.
