How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs: Times & Temps for Every Grill

How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs: Times, Temperatures and Grilling Tips

How long does it take to grill chicken thighs? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs typically take 10–18 minutes on a grill heated to 375–400°F, while bone-in chicken thighs generally take 25–45 minutes, depending on the grill temperature and cooking method.

But here's what experienced backyard grillers know: the clock is only a starting point. The thickness of your chicken, whether it has bones and skin, and whether you're cooking over direct or indirect heat all affect how long it takes.

Chicken thighs are one of the most forgiving cuts to grill. They have plenty of flavor, stay juicy when cooked properly, and work beautifully with sweet, savory, and spicy BBQ seasonings.

Whether you're cooking chicken thighs on a gas grill, charcoal grill, pellet grill, or electric grill, this guide will help you get the timing right.

We'll cover grilling times at different temperatures, step-by-step cooking methods, common mistakes, Pro Tips, and some of our favorite chicken grilling essentials from DDR BBQ Supply.

Quick Answer: How Long Should You Grill Chicken Thighs?

For most backyard grilling situations, these are useful starting points:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Approximately 10–18 minutes at 375–400°F.
• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Approximately 25–45 minutes at 350–400°F, using mostly indirect heat.
• Boneless thighs on charcoal: Approximately 10–18 minutes, depending on heat intensity.
• Bone-in thighs on charcoal: Approximately 30–50 minutes with a two-zone fire.
• Chicken thighs on a pellet grill: Approximately 25–45 minutes at 350–375°F for bone-in thighs.

Important: The USDA recommends cooking chicken thighs to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Many cooks prefer finishing dark meat around 175–185°F for a more tender texture.

For a deeper explanation, read our complete chicken thigh internal temperature guide.

Chicken Thigh Grilling Time Chart by Temperature

Use this chart to estimate how long to grill chicken thighs at common cooking temperatures.

These times assume thawed chicken and a preheated, covered grill. Actual cooking time depends on thickness, grill design, heat distribution, and how often the lid is opened.

Pro Tip: Begin checking internal temperature before the earliest estimated finishing time. A reliable instant-read meat thermometer is much more dependable than the clock.

Safe Internal Temperature for Grilled Chicken Thighs

Before focusing on grilling time, it's important to understand the difference between safe internal temperature and your preferred finishing temperature.

The USDA recommends that all poultry, including chicken thighs, reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

However, chicken thighs contain more connective tissue and fat than chicken breasts. Cooking them somewhat higher can produce a more tender texture.

• 165°F: USDA-recommended minimum safe temperature.
• 170–175°F: A useful finishing range for many boneless chicken thighs.
• 175–185°F: A popular finishing range for bone-in chicken thighs.
• 185°F and above: Can produce a softer texture, depending on the cut and cooking method.

For most cooks, approximately 175°F for boneless thighs and 180°F for bone-in thighs are good starting targets.

Pro Tip: Insert your thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. Check multiple pieces because chicken thighs rarely finish at exactly the same time.

How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs on a Gas Grill

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are one of the easiest proteins to cook on a gas grill.

Because they're relatively thin and contain no bone, they cook quickly and work well for weeknight meals.

Recommended grill temperature: 375–400°F.

Estimated cooking time: 10–18 minutes total.

Step-by-Step Gas Grill Instructions for Boneless Thighs

1. Preheat your gas grill to approximately 375–400°F.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry and trim any excess loose fat.
3. Season with your favorite BBQ rub, such as Double Dun Ranch BBQ Chicken Rub.
4. Place the thighs over moderate direct heat.
5. Grill for approximately 5–7 minutes before turning.
6. Continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, moving to indirect heat if the exterior browns too quickly.
7. Check the internal temperature and continue cooking as needed until the chicken reaches at least 165°F.
8. Rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.

Many cooks prefer finishing boneless thighs around 170–175°F for additional tenderness.

Pro Tip: If your chicken thighs vary significantly in thickness, arrange the thicker pieces over the hotter portion of the grill and move thinner pieces to a cooler area as needed.

How Long to Grill Bone-In Chicken Thighs on a Gas Grill

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs take longer than boneless thighs, but they're excellent for grilling because of their rich flavor and potential for crispy skin.

Recommended grill temperature: 350–400°F.

Estimated cooking time: 25–45 minutes.

Step-by-Step Gas Grill Instructions for Bone-In Thighs

1. Preheat the gas grill to approximately 350–375°F.
2. Create two cooking zones by leaving one burner off or set lower.
3. Pat the chicken dry and apply your preferred seasoning.
4. Place the thighs skin-side up over indirect heat.
5. Close the lid and cook for approximately 20–25 minutes before checking their progress.
6. Continue cooking until the thighs approach your desired finishing temperature.
7. Move them briefly over direct heat, skin-side down, if additional browning is needed.
8. Confirm that the thickest part reaches at least 165°F before serving.

For a tender dark-meat texture, many grillers prefer finishing bone-in thighs around 175–185°F.

Pro Tip: Avoid placing skin-on thighs directly over intense flames for the entire cook. Chicken fat can drip onto the burners and cause flare-ups.

How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grilling adds a distinctive flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken thighs.

The key is controlling the heat so the exterior doesn't burn before the interior finishes cooking.

Recommended cooking temperature: Approximately 375–425°F.

Estimated cooking time: 10–18 minutes.

Step-by-Step Charcoal Grill Instructions

1. Light the charcoal and arrange the coals to create a hot zone and a cooler zone.
2. Allow the grill to preheat.
3. Season the boneless thighs evenly.
4. Place the chicken over moderate direct heat.
5. Grill for approximately 4–6 minutes before turning.
6. Continue grilling and move the chicken to indirect heat if needed.
7. Check the thickest part with a thermometer and cook until it reaches at least 165°F.

Actual cooking time depends on the distance from the coals and the thickness of the chicken.

Pro Tip: A two-zone charcoal setup gives you much better control than spreading hot coals evenly across the entire grill.

How Long to Grill Bone-In Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill

Bone-in chicken thighs are especially good on charcoal because the longer cooking time allows them to develop a rich grilled flavor.

Recommended grill temperature: Approximately 325–375°F.

Estimated cooking time: 30–50 minutes.

Step-by-Step Charcoal Grill Instructions

1. Arrange the charcoal on one side of the grill to create indirect heat.
2. Preheat the grill with the lid closed.
3. Pat the chicken thighs dry and apply BBQ seasoning.
4. Place the thighs skin-side up on the cooler side.
5. Close the lid and cook for approximately 25–30 minutes, checking their progress.
6. Continue cooking until the meat approaches the desired internal temperature.
7. Move the thighs closer to the hot coals briefly to crisp the skin if needed.
8. Check that every thigh reaches at least 165°F before serving.

For additional tenderness, consider finishing bone-in thighs around 175–185°F.

Pro Tip: Try adding a small amount of apple, cherry, or pecan wood to the charcoal for extra smoke flavor. Chicken doesn't need the same heavy smoke exposure as brisket.

How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs on a Pellet Grill

Pellet grills make chicken thighs easy to prepare because they offer convenient temperature control and wood-fired flavor.

For bone-in chicken thighs, a cooking temperature of approximately 350–375°F is a useful starting point.

Estimated cooking time for bone-in thighs: 25–45 minutes.

Estimated cooking time for boneless thighs: 15–25 minutes at 350–375°F.

Step-by-Step Pellet Grill Instructions

1. Preheat the pellet grill to approximately 375°F.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry and apply your preferred BBQ rub.
3. Place the chicken on the grill with space between the pieces.
4. Close the lid and cook until the thighs approach their desired finishing temperature.
5. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
6. Remove the chicken once it has reached at least 165°F and your preferred texture.
7. Rest briefly before serving.

For more wood-fired cooking options, explore our pellet grill collection.

Pro Tip: For better skin texture, cook chicken thighs at a moderate temperature rather than smoking them at 225°F for the entire cook.

How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs on an Electric Grill

Electric grills can be convenient for cooking chicken thighs, particularly when you want straightforward temperature control.

However, cooking times vary significantly depending on whether you're using an open-grate electric grill or a contact-style grill that heats both sides.

For an open-grate electric grill set around 375–400°F, approximate cooking times are:

• Boneless thighs: 12–20 minutes.
• Bone-in thighs: 30–45 minutes, if the grill is designed to accommodate them.

For contact-style electric grills, follow the manufacturer's instructions because cooking from both sides can reduce cooking time.

Pro Tip: Don't assume that every electric grill performs like a gas grill. Use a thermometer to verify the chicken's internal temperature.

How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs at 300°F?

Grilling chicken thighs at 300°F provides a gentler cooking environment, but it takes longer than grilling at higher temperatures.

Approximate cooking times:

• Boneless chicken thighs: 25–35 minutes.
• Bone-in chicken thighs: 40–60 minutes.

At this temperature, bone-in thighs generally benefit from indirect heat.

For skin-on thighs, consider increasing the heat near the end of cooking if you want additional browning.

Pro Tip: Lower cooking temperatures don't automatically mean juicier chicken. The final internal temperature and total cooking process are more important.

How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs at 350°F?

Grilling at 350°F is a good choice for cooks who want a balance between controlled cooking and browning.

Approximate cooking times:

• Boneless chicken thighs: 15–25 minutes.
• Bone-in chicken thighs: 30–45 minutes.

Use indirect heat for thicker bone-in thighs and moderate direct heat for boneless pieces.

Pro Tip: If you're grilling several racks of food or a large batch of chicken, allow extra time because opening the lid frequently can affect the cooking temperature.

How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs at 375°F?

For many backyard grillers, 375°F is an excellent temperature for chicken thighs.

It's hot enough to promote browning without requiring extremely aggressive direct heat.

Approximate cooking times:

• Boneless chicken thighs: 12–20 minutes.
• Bone-in chicken thighs: 25–40 minutes.

Pro Tip: If you're using a sweet BBQ rub, watch the surface closely. Sugar-containing seasonings can darken quickly over direct heat.

How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs at 400°F?

Grilling chicken thighs at 400°F is popular when you want a relatively quick cook and flavorful browning.

Approximate cooking times:

• Boneless chicken thighs: 10–18 minutes.
• Bone-in chicken thighs: 25–40 minutes, using mostly indirect heat.

For boneless thighs, turn as needed to prevent excessive browning.

For bone-in thighs, start over indirect heat and finish briefly over direct heat if the skin needs additional crisping.

Pro Tip: At 400°F, chicken can go from beautifully browned to overdone quickly. Begin checking the internal temperature early.

How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs at 425°F?

Cooking at 425°F can be useful for boneless chicken thighs or for finishing skin-on chicken, but it requires close attention.

Approximate cooking times:

• Boneless chicken thighs: 8–15 minutes.
• Bone-in chicken thighs: 20–35 minutes, primarily over indirect heat.

High heat can create attractive browning, but it also increases the risk of flare-ups and scorching.

Pro Tip: For bone-in thighs, use 425°F as an indirect cooking temperature or a brief finishing temperature rather than exposing the skin to intense direct heat for the entire cook.

How to Grill Chicken Thighs Step by Step

Whether you're using gas, charcoal, or a pellet grill, these basic steps will help you prepare flavorful chicken thighs.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start with fully thawed chicken thighs.

Trim excess loose fat and skin if needed, then pat the surface dry with paper towels.

Drying the surface is particularly helpful when you're cooking skin-on thighs and want better browning.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Apply your preferred BBQ rub evenly to the chicken.

For a sweet BBQ flavor, try Meat Church Honey Hog BBQ Rub.

For a versatile savory seasoning, consider Tuffy Stone All Purpose BBQ Rub.

If you want a chicken-focused option, try Double Dun Ranch BBQ Chicken Rub.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

For most chicken thigh recipes, preheat the grill to approximately 350–400°F.

If possible, create a two-zone setup with a hotter area for browning and a cooler area for indirect cooking.

Step 4: Start Cooking

For boneless thighs, moderate direct heat often works well.

For bone-in thighs, start over indirect heat so the interior has time to cook without burning the skin.

Step 5: Turn or Rotate as Needed

Turn the chicken when appropriate for even browning.

If one side of your grill runs hotter, rotate the pieces to help them cook more evenly.

Step 6: Check Internal Temperature

Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.

Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

For a more tender dark-meat texture, many cooks prefer finishing around 175–185°F, depending on the cut.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes.

Serve with your favorite sides and BBQ sauce.

Pro Tip: If you're using a sweet BBQ sauce, brush it onto the chicken during the final portion of cooking so it has time to warm and set without burning.

How to Keep Grilled Chicken Thighs Juicy

Chicken thighs are naturally flavorful, but a few simple techniques can make them even better.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Overcooking is easier to avoid when you know the actual internal temperature.

A thermometer is especially important when cooking chicken thighs of different sizes.

Don't Cook Everything Over High Direct Heat

Direct heat is useful for browning, but thick chicken thighs often benefit from a combination of direct and indirect cooking.

Avoid Excessive Flipping and Lid Opening

Turn the chicken as needed, but avoid repeatedly opening the lid just to check progress.

Use Seasoning That Complements the Chicken

Chicken thighs pair well with sweet BBQ rubs, savory garlic seasonings, pepper-based rubs, and spicy blends.

Let the Chicken Rest Briefly

A short rest gives the chicken time to settle before serving.

Pro Tip: If you're grilling chicken for a crowd, use an instant-read thermometer to check several pieces. Don't assume the largest and smallest thighs will finish together.

How to Get Crispy Skin on Grilled Chicken Thighs

Crispy skin is one of the best parts of grilling bone-in chicken thighs.

To improve skin texture:

1. Pat the skin dry before seasoning.
2. Avoid applying excessive amounts of wet marinade immediately before grilling.
3. Cook with enough heat to encourage browning.
4. Use indirect heat for most of the cook when preparing thick bone-in thighs.
5. Finish briefly over direct heat if additional crispness is needed.
6. Watch closely for flare-ups caused by dripping chicken fat.

You can also experiment with a light coating of cooking oil or a suitable cooking spray before grilling.

For example, Gourmet Duck Fat Cooking Spray is an option for cooks who want to add a different flavor to their chicken.

Pro Tip: Don't apply a thick layer of sweet BBQ sauce before trying to crisp the skin. Sauce can interfere with browning and may scorch over high heat.

Best BBQ Rubs and Sauces for Grilled Chicken Thighs

Once you've mastered grilling time and temperature, experimenting with different seasonings is one of the easiest ways to change the flavor of your chicken.

Meat Church Honey Hog BBQ Rub

Meat Church Honey Hog BBQ Rub is a popular option for cooks who enjoy sweet BBQ flavor.

Try it on boneless chicken thighs or bone-in thighs finished with a light glaze.

Tuffy Stone All Purpose BBQ Rub

Tuffy Stone All Purpose BBQ Rub is a versatile seasoning option for chicken and other grilled foods.

It's useful when you want a balanced flavor that works across several different proteins.

Double Dun Ranch BBQ Chicken Rub

Double Dun Ranch BBQ Chicken Rub is a chicken-focused seasoning option for backyard grilling and smoking.

Use it when you want a straightforward BBQ seasoning for poultry.

BBQ Sauces for Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thighs pair well with sweet, smoky, spicy, and tangy sauces.

Explore our BBQ sauce collection to find different finishing flavors.

Pro Tip: Try cooking half your chicken thighs with sauce and leaving the other half dry-rubbed. This makes it easy to compare flavors and discover what your family prefers.

Common Mistakes When Grilling Chicken Thighs

1. Relying Only on Cooking Time

Cooking time is an estimate, not a guarantee.

Better approach: Use a thermometer and check the thickest part of the meat.

2. Cooking Bone-In Thighs Entirely Over Direct Heat

Direct heat can burn the exterior before the center reaches a safe temperature.

Better approach: Use indirect heat for most of the cook.

3. Using Too Much Sweet BBQ Sauce Too Early

Sugar-containing sauces can scorch when exposed to high heat.

Better approach: Apply sauce toward the end of cooking.

4. Ignoring Differences in Chicken Size

Small thighs may finish much sooner than larger pieces.

Better approach: Check several thighs and remove them individually as they finish.

5. Forgetting to Preheat the Grill

Placing chicken on a cold grill can make cooking times less predictable.

Better approach: Preheat the grill before adding the chicken.

6. Letting Flare-Ups Burn the Skin

Chicken fat can drip onto hot burners or charcoal, creating sudden flames.

Better approach: Keep a cooler cooking zone available.

Pro Tips for Grilling Chicken Thighs Like a Pitmaster

Pro Tip 1: Start Checking Early

If your recipe estimates 30 minutes, begin checking the temperature before that point. It's easier to continue cooking than to fix overdone chicken.

Pro Tip 2: Use Two-Zone Heat

Two-zone grilling gives you control over browning and internal cooking.

It's especially helpful for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.

Pro Tip 3: Don't Overload the Grill

Leave space between chicken pieces whenever possible to improve heat circulation.

Pro Tip 4: Match the Rub to Your Cooking Temperature

Sweet rubs work well for chicken, but they can darken quickly over high direct heat.

Move the chicken to indirect heat if the seasoning begins browning too aggressively.

Pro Tip 5: Keep Notes on Your Favorite Method

Record your grill temperature, chicken size, seasoning, cooking time, and finishing temperature.

After a few cooks, you'll know what works best on your particular grill.

Pro Tip 6: Use a Reliable Instant-Read Thermometer

For consistent results, invest in a quality thermometer.

Explore our instant-read thermometer collection for grilling and smoking tools.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Chicken Thighs

How long do you grill boneless chicken thighs?

Boneless chicken thighs generally take approximately 10–18 minutes at 375–400°F, depending on thickness. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F before serving.

How long do you grill bone-in chicken thighs?

Bone-in chicken thighs generally take approximately 25–45 minutes at 350–400°F. Use mostly indirect heat and verify doneness with a thermometer.

How long do you grill chicken thighs on a gas grill?

At approximately 375–400°F, boneless thighs often take 10–18 minutes, while bone-in thighs may take 25–45 minutes. Actual cooking time depends on thickness and heat distribution.

How long do you grill chicken thighs on a charcoal grill?

Boneless thighs generally take 10–18 minutes, while bone-in thighs often take 30–50 minutes with a two-zone charcoal setup.

How long do you grill chicken thighs at 350°F?

At 350°F, boneless thighs may take approximately 15–25 minutes and bone-in thighs approximately 30–45 minutes.

How long do you grill chicken thighs at 375°F?

At 375°F, boneless thighs often take approximately 12–20 minutes, while bone-in thighs may take 25–40 minutes.

How long do you grill chicken thighs at 400°F?

At 400°F, boneless thighs often take 10–18 minutes, while bone-in thighs may take 25–40 minutes using mostly indirect heat.

How long do you grill chicken thighs at 425°F?

At 425°F, boneless thighs may take approximately 8–15 minutes. Bone-in thighs may take 20–35 minutes when cooked primarily over indirect heat. Monitor closely to prevent scorching.

What internal temperature should grilled chicken thighs reach?

The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Many cooks prefer finishing chicken thighs around 175–185°F for tenderness. Learn more in our chicken thigh temperature guide.

Should chicken thighs be grilled over direct or indirect heat?

Boneless thighs often cook well over moderate direct heat. Bone-in thighs generally benefit from indirect heat for most of the cook, followed by a brief direct-heat finish if needed.

How do you keep grilled chicken thighs from drying out?

Avoid unnecessary overcooking, use an instant-read thermometer, and choose a cooking method that allows the interior to cook without burning the exterior.

How do you get crispy skin on grilled chicken thighs?

Pat the skin dry, cook at a moderate temperature, and finish briefly over direct heat if needed. Watch for flare-ups and avoid applying thick BBQ sauce too early.

Can you grill frozen chicken thighs?

For more predictable cooking, thaw chicken thighs safely in the refrigerator before grilling. Cooking from frozen requires additional time and careful temperature monitoring to ensure the center reaches 165°F.

How long should chicken thighs rest after grilling?

Allow grilled chicken thighs to rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.

What is the best BBQ rub for grilled chicken thighs?

It depends on your flavor preference. For sweet BBQ flavor, try Meat Church Honey Hog. For an all-purpose seasoning, consider Tuffy Stone All Purpose BBQ Rub. You can also explore our Chicken Essentials collection.

Chicken Thigh Grilling Shopping List

Getting great results is easier when you have the right seasoning and a few useful grilling tools.

BBQ Rubs and Seasonings

• Meat Church Honey Hog BBQ Rub — For sweet BBQ chicken flavor.
• Tuffy Stone All Purpose BBQ Rub — For versatile seasoning.
• Double Dun Ranch BBQ Chicken Rub — For chicken-focused BBQ seasoning.

Thermometers and Cooking Tools

• Instant-Read Meat Thermometers — For checking chicken temperature accurately.
• Gourmet Duck Fat Cooking Spray — An optional cooking spray for additional flavor.
• Chicken Grilling Essentials — Explore useful poultry preparation products.

BBQ Sauces and Grills

• BBQ Sauces — Find finishing sauces for grilled chicken.
• Pellet Grills — Explore wood-fired cooking options.

Final Thoughts: How Long Should You Grill Chicken Thighs?

The ideal grilling time depends on the cut, grill temperature, and cooking method.

For most backyard cooks, boneless chicken thighs take approximately 10–18 minutes at 375–400°F, while bone-in thighs take approximately 25–45 minutes at 350–400°F.

Remember that these times are estimates. The most reliable way to cook chicken thighs safely is to check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

For food safety, chicken thighs should reach at least 165°F. For tenderness, many cooks prefer finishing dark meat around 175–185°F.

Combine the right cooking temperature with quality BBQ seasoning, a reliable thermometer, and a little practice, and you'll be grilling flavorful chicken thighs with confidence.

For additional guidance, read our Chicken Thigh Internal Temperature Guide.

Ready for your next cook? Shop Chicken Grilling Essentials, meat thermometers, and BBQ rubs at DDR BBQ Supply.

Visit DDR BBQ Supply Online or In Store

At DDR BBQ Supply, we help backyard grillers and experienced pitmasters find quality BBQ rubs, sauces, grills, smokers, and cooking accessories.

Shop online or visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas to explore our selection and get advice for your next cook.

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14696 US Hwy 62
Garfield, AR 72732

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