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

Quick Answer: How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs usually take about 10–18 minutes at 375–400°F. Bone-in, skin-on thighs usually take about 25–45 minutes at 350–400°F, using mostly indirect heat. Start checking early: thickness, grill design and heat distribution can change the timing.

These are planning estimates for thawed chicken on a preheated grill, not guaranteed finishing times. Check every piece with a thermometer and cook to at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part, away from bone. Finishing dark meat around 175–185°F is an optional texture preference, not a separate safety requirement.

Jump to: Time chart by temperature · Internal temperature · Gas grill: boneless · Gas grill: bone-in · Charcoal: boneless · Charcoal: bone-in · Pellet grill · Electric grill · FAQs

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 cooking all poultry to 165°F, including chicken thighs. Measure the thickest part of each piece with a food thermometer, away from bone.

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 each piece because thighs rarely finish at exactly the same time. Our guide to checking when chicken thighs are done explains how to verify doneness.

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.

For cooking at 300°F, 350°F, 375°F, 400°F or 425°F, use the temperature chart above. Choose moderate direct heat for boneless thighs and mostly indirect heat for bone-in thighs. Higher heat needs closer attention to prevent scorching.

Need help choosing a grill setting? Read our guide to the best grill temperature for chicken thighs.

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 Everything BBQ Seasoning.

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 while monitoring for scorching 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 while monitoring for scorching.

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

For an optional finishing seasoning, taste the cooked chicken before adding more salt. Try a small pinch of applewood smoked salt, alderwood smoked salt or smoked garlic finishing salt. Go lightly if your rub or sauce already supplies salt. Explore our smoked salts collection to compare smoke sources and textures.

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 Everything BBQ Seasoning

Tuffy Stone Everything BBQ Seasoning 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.

Make Your Next Cook More Consistent

• Record the chicken cut, piece size, grill temperature, cooking method, total time and final internal temperature. Use those notes to plan your next cook on the same grill.
• Check pieces individually with an instant-read thermometer; remove each one when it reaches a safe temperature and your preferred texture.
• Keep a clean platter and serving utensils ready so cooked chicken does not go back onto equipment used for raw poultry.

Explore Garlic Jalapeño chicken meal ideas for your next step.

Choose for This Cook

Use Tuffy Stone Everything BBQ Seasoning for a savory herb-and-spice profile or Apple Cinnamon Sweet Rib Candy as a late sweet finish. A FireBoard Spark instant-read thermometer helps check individual thighs, especially when pieces differ in size.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Chicken Thighs

Is 350°F or 400°F better for grilling chicken thighs?

Both can work. At 350°F, the chart estimates 15–25 minutes for boneless thighs and 30–45 minutes for bone-in thighs. At 400°F, allow about 10–18 minutes for boneless thighs or 25–40 minutes for bone-in thighs, mostly over indirect heat. Choose a setup you can control and check the internal temperature rather than relying on time alone.

When should you flip chicken thighs?

For boneless thighs over moderate direct heat, the gas-grill method above starts with about 5–7 minutes before the first turn. For bone-in thighs, begin skin-side up over indirect heat and turn or rotate as needed; use a brief direct-heat finish only if more browning is needed.

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 while monitoring for scorching 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 Everything BBQ Seasoning. 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 Everything BBQ Seasoning — 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.

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