Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs: How Long On Gas Grill

Looking to fire up your gas grill and sink your teeth into some deliciously barbecued chicken thighs? Look no further! In this article, we will answer the burning question of how long to barbecue chicken thighs on a gas grill. No need to spend hours scouring the internet or flipping through cookbooks for the perfect grilling time. We’ve got you covered with a simple solution that will have you savoring tender, juicy chicken thighs in no time. So, let’s jump right in and uncover the secret to perfectly grilled chicken thighs on a gas grill.

How Long to Barbecue Chicken Thighs on Gas Grill

Barbecuing chicken thighs on a gas grill is a delicious way to enjoy this juicy and flavorful cut of meat. With the right techniques and cooking times, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken thighs that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. In this article, we will explore the optimal cooking times, temperatures, and other essential tips to help you master the art of barbecuing chicken thighs on a gas grill.

Choosing the Right Chicken Thighs

To start off, it’s important to choose the right chicken thighs for barbecuing. Whether you prefer bone-in or boneless thighs, make sure they are fresh and of good quality. Look for thighs that have a pinkish hue and are free from any unpleasant odor. It’s also a good idea to trim off any excess fat or skin before grilling to prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking.

Prepping and Marinating the Chicken Thighs

Before you start grilling, it’s essential to prepare and marinate the chicken thighs to enhance their flavor. Follow these steps to get the most out of your marinade:

1. Start with a simple marinade consisting of oil, vinegar, citrus juice, herbs, and spices.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them.
3. Massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
4. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Preheating the Gas Grill

Preheating the gas grill is crucial for achieving even cooking and those coveted grill marks. Here’s how to properly preheat your grill:

1. Clean the grill grates and remove any debris or residue from previous cookouts.
2. Close the lid and turn on the gas supply.
3. Set the burners to high and let the grill heat up for about 10-15 minutes.
4. After preheating, use a grill brush to clean the grates once again, ensuring a clean cooking surface.

Direct vs. Indirect Heat

Understanding the difference between direct and indirect heat is vital for successfully barbecuing chicken thighs. Direct heat refers to grilling the chicken directly over the flames, while indirect heat involves cooking the chicken away from the direct flames. Here’s how to use both methods:

Cooking with Direct Heat

Direct heat is perfect for achieving that crispy, caramelized exterior. Follow these steps for cooking chicken thighs using direct heat:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the chicken thighs directly over the flames, skin-side down.
3. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until the skin becomes brown and crispy.
4. Flip the thighs, cook for another 5-6 minutes, and check the internal temperature.

Cooking with Indirect Heat

Indirect heat is ideal for larger cuts of chicken thighs or when you want a slower, more gentle cooking process. Here’s how to use indirect heat:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Place the chicken thighs on the side of the grill away from the flames.
3. Cover the grill and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes.
4. Check the internal temperature to ensure the thighs are fully cooked.

Using a Meat Thermometer

To ensure your chicken thighs are thoroughly cooked, it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone to get an accurate reading. If the chicken hasn’t reached the desired temperature, continue cooking until it does.

Resting and Serving the Chicken Thighs

Once your chicken thighs have reached the ideal internal temperature, it’s essential to let them rest before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and tent them loosely with foil.
2. Allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Variations and Flavor Enhancements

While perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken thighs are tasty on their own, you can further enhance their flavor with various sauces, glazes, or rubs. Here are a few ideas to try:

• BBQ Sauce: Brush the chicken thighs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a tangy and smoky flavor.
• Lemon Herb Marinade: Create a marinade using lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley for a refreshing and aromatic twist.
• Tandoori Spice Rub: Rub the chicken thighs with a mixture of yogurt, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and other spices for a delicious Indian-inspired flavor.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After a successful barbecue session, it’s essential to clean and maintain your gas grill for future use. Here are a few tips:

• Allow the grill to cool down completely before cleaning.
• Use a grill brush to scrape off any remaining food particles from the grates.
• Wash the grates with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry them before storing.
• Clean the exterior of the grill with a damp cloth or grill-specific cleaner.
• Regularly check for gas leaks and ensure the gas supply is turned off when not in use.

Now that you’re armed with these tips and tricks, you can confidently barbecue chicken thighs on your gas grill. Experiment with different marinades and flavor combinations to discover your favorite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a casual family dinner, perfectly grilled chicken thighs are sure to be a hit!

Beginners Guide to Grilling Chicken Thighs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook chicken thighs on a gas grill?

The cooking time for chicken thighs on a gas grill can vary depending on several factors such as the temperature of the grill, the size of the thighs, and personal preference. However, a general guideline is to cook boneless, skinless chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, totaling 12-16 minutes of grilling time. For bone-in chicken thighs, you may need to increase the cooking time to around 10-12 minutes per side, totaling 20-24 minutes.

What is the recommended internal temperature for grilled chicken thighs?

It is essential to ensure that grilled chicken thighs are cooked to the proper internal temperature to ensure food safety. The recommended internal temperature for chicken thighs is 165°F (74°C). To accurately measure the temperature, use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.

Should I marinate chicken thighs before grilling?

Marinating chicken thighs before grilling can enhance their flavor and tenderness. While it is not necessary, marinating can add an extra layer of deliciousness to your grilled chicken. You can marinate chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before grilling. Remember to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken.

Can I grill chicken thighs with the skin on?

Absolutely! Grilling chicken thighs with the skin on can add extra flavor and help keep the meat juicy. Start grilling the chicken thighs skin-side down over direct heat for a few minutes to get a nice sear, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking. This method allows the skin to crisp up while ensuring the inside of the chicken cooks evenly.

How can I prevent grilled chicken thighs from drying out?

To prevent grilled chicken thighs from drying out, there are a few tips you can follow:
– Marinate the thighs to add moisture and flavor.
– Grill the chicken over medium heat rather than high heat to avoid excessive charring.
– Baste the thighs with a sauce or marinade during cooking to keep them moist.
– Remove the chicken from the grill as soon as it reaches the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.

Can I use a gas grill to make grilled chicken thighs with a crispy skin?

Absolutely! While gas grills may not naturally provide the same level of crispiness as charcoal grills, you can achieve a crispy skin on grilled chicken thighs by following a few steps:
– Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
– Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
– Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down over direct heat for a few minutes to get a nice sear and crisp up the skin.
– Move the thighs to indirect heat, lower the temperature slightly, and continue grilling until the chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts

When it comes to barbecuing chicken thighs on a gas grill, the cooking time is crucial for achieving juicy and flavorful results. Generally, it takes around 20-25 minutes to grill chicken thighs on a gas grill. However, it is important to remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the thighs and the temperature of the grill. To ensure thorough cooking and to avoid dryness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). With these guidelines in mind, you can confidently barbecue chicken thighs on your gas grill to perfection.