Introduction
Grilling chicken thighs can often leave you with dry, overcooked meat. It can be especially tricky for beginners to achieve tender and juicy chicken thighs on the grill. That’s why we put together this guide with useful tips, marinades, and low-cost hacks to help you make the perfect grilled chicken thighs every time.
Why It’s Important to Learn How to Grill Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are budget-friendly cuts of meat that are also very flavorful. Learning how to grill them can save you money and provide you with a variety of tasty meals. When grilled correctly, chicken thighs can be moist, tender, and delicious.
Overview of Topics Covered
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about grilling chicken thighs, including selecting the right cuts of meat, preparing them for grilling, using marinades and rubs for flavor, and using low-cost hacks to make the process easier. We’ll also cover how to grill boneless and skinless chicken thighs, and even how to turn leftover chicken thighs into tasty sandwiches.
Simple Tips to Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs: A Beginner’s Guide
Choosing the Right Chicken Thighs
When selecting chicken thighs for grilling, it’s important to choose cuts that are similar in size and thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Look for thighs that are plump and have a good amount of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist during grilling.
Preparing the Chicken Thighs for Grilling
Before you start grilling, it’s important to prepare and season the chicken thighs. Remove any excess skin and fat from the thighs, as this can cause flare-ups on the grill. You can leave the bone in or remove it, depending on your preference. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or marinades you plan to use.
Setting up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. It’s best to use a two-zone fire, where one side of the grill is hot and the other is cooler. This allows you to sear the chicken on the hot side and finish cooking it on the cooler side.
Grilling the Chicken Thighs
Place the chicken thighs on the hot side of the grill, skin side down. Sear for 2-3 minutes until browned, then flip and sear the other side. Move the chicken thighs to the cooler side of the grill and continue grilling, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Checking for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to touch the bone. The chicken is done when the temperature reaches 165°F.
Resting the Chicken Thighs Before Serving
After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy.
Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes when grilling chicken thighs is cooking them too quickly over high heat. This can result in overcooked, dry meat. To avoid this, use the two-zone fire and cook the chicken slowly over indirect heat until it’s fully cooked. It’s also important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F.
10 Marinades and Rubs for Flavorful and Juicy Chicken Thighs on the Grill
Introduction to Marinades and Rubs
A good marinade or rub can add flavor and help tenderize the meat. Marinades are typically made with acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice, while rubs are a dry mixture of herbs and spices. Both marinades and rubs can be used to add flavor to chicken thighs on the grill.
Basic Ingredients for Marinades and Rubs
Most marinades and rubs include some combination of the following ingredients:
- Citrus juices, vinegar, or other acidic ingredients
- Olive oil or other fats
- Garlic, onions, or other aromatics
- Herbs and spices
- Salt and pepper
Recipes for 10 Different Marinades and Rubs
Here are some recipes for marinades and rubs that you can use to add flavor to your grilled chicken thighs:
- Citrus Herb Marinade: combine orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Greek Marinade: combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cajun Rub: combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Tandoori Rub: combine paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Maple Mustard Glaze: combine maple syrup, dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Raspberry Chipotle Marinade: combine raspberry jam, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Teriyaki Marinade: combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Sweet and Spicy Rub: combine brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lemon Garlic Marinade: combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mango Chili Marinade: combine mango nectar, lime juice, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Tips for Applying Marinades and Rubs
To get the most flavor out of your marinade or rub, coat the chicken thighs evenly and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for a stronger flavor. You can also reserve some of the marinade or rub to baste the chicken during grilling.
Low-Cost Grill Hacks for Perfectly Cooked Chicken Thighs
Introduction to Low-Cost Grill Hacks
You don’t need expensive equipment or accessories to make perfectly grilled chicken thighs. There are plenty of simple hacks you can use to save money and get great results.
Tips for Using Indirect Heat
One of the best ways to cook chicken thighs is over indirect heat. This means placing the chicken on the cooler side of the grill and letting it cook slowly without direct flame. This method can help prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking.
Using Aluminum Foil to Cook Chicken Thighs
Wrapping chicken thighs in aluminum foil can help keep them moist and prevent them from drying out. Simply wrap each thigh in foil and grill over indirect heat until fully cooked.
The Importance of a Meat Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is the easiest and most accurate way to ensure your chicken thighs are fully cooked. A good digital thermometer can be purchased for under $20 and will save you from overcooking or undercooking your meat.
Other Useful Grill Hacks
Here are a few more low-cost hacks that can help you make perfectly grilled chicken thighs:
- Clean your grill grates with an onion or potato to remove any stuck-on food.
- Use a spray bottle to mist the chicken with water during grilling, which can help keep it moist.
- Use a cast iron skillet on the grill to cook chicken thighs that are too small or thin to cook directly on the grates.
How to Grill Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs to Perfection
Introduction to Cooking Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a quick and easy alternative to traditional, bone-in chicken thighs. They’re also a great option for those who prefer less fat in their meat. Here are some tips for grilling boneless and skinless chicken thighs:
Tips for Using Direct Heat
If you’re grilling boneless, skinless chicken thighs, it’s best to use direct heat rather than indirect heat. This means placing the chicken directly over the hot flames and grilling it quickly until fully cooked.
Tips for Using Indirect Heat
If you’re cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs that are thicker or larger, it can be helpful to use indirect heat. This means placing the chicken on the cooler side of the grill, closing the lid, and letting it cook slowly until fully cooked.
Grilling Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs on a Gas Grill
To grill boneless, skinless chicken thighs on a gas grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken on the hot grates and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked.
Grilling Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill
To grill boneless, skinless chicken thighs on a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and let it burn until it’s covered in white ash. Spread the coals out in an even layer and place the chicken on the hot grates. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked.
How to Turn Leftover Chicken Thighs into Ultimate Grill Sandwiches
Introduction to Using Leftover Chicken Thighs
Leftover grilled chicken thighs can be transformed into delicious sandwiches with just a few simple ingredients. Here are some ideas for making the most of your leftovers:
Recipes for Four Different Sandwich Ideas
Here are some ideas for sandwiches that you can make with leftover grilled chicken thighs:
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Shred the chicken and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve on a bun with coleslaw.
- Greek Chicken Pita: Slice the chicken and serve it on a pita with cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap: Shred the chicken and toss it with buffalo sauce. Serve in a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing.
- Chicken Avocado Toast: Toast a slice of bread and top it with sliced avocado, sliced chicken, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Tips for Reheating Leftover Chicken Thighs
If you’re using leftover chicken thighs for sandwiches, it’s best to reheat them before adding them to the sandwich. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
Conclusion
Summary of Key Points
Grilling chicken thighs can be a challenge, but with the right guidance, it can be easy and enjoyable. In this article, we covered everything you need to know about grilling chicken thighs, including selecting the right cuts of meat, using marinades and rubs for flavor, and using low-cost hacks to make the process easier. We also provided tips for grilling boneless and skinless chicken thighs and using leftover chicken thighs for sandwiches.
Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Start Grilling Chicken Thighs
Now that you have all the tools and knowledge you need to grill perfect chicken thighs, it’s time to get started. Experiment with different marinades, rubs, and techniques to find the perfect grill recipe for you. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be grilling delicious and juicy chicken thighs in no time.
