How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill: The Ultimate Guide

How Long to Cook Chicken T thighs on a Charcoal Grill

Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the most popular methods is to grill them over charcoal. This method produces a smoky, flavorful char that is perfect for chicken thighs. However, it can be difficult to know how long to cook chicken thighs on a charcoal grill so that they are cooked through but not dry.

In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect the cooking time of chicken thighs on a charcoal grill, as well as provide a general guideline for how long to cook them. We will also share some tips for grilling chicken thighs that will help you achieve perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful results every time.

Factors that Affect Cooking Time

There are a number of factors that can affect the cooking time of chicken thighs on a charcoal grill, including:

• The size of the chicken thighs. Smaller chicken thighs will cook faster than larger ones.
• The thickness of the chicken thighs. Thicker chicken thighs will take longer to cook than thinner ones.
• The temperature of the grill. The higher the temperature of the grill, the faster the chicken thighs will cook.
• The amount of charcoal. The more charcoal you use, the hotter the grill will be and the faster the chicken thighs will cook.
• The type of charcoal. Different types of charcoal produce different amounts of heat. For example, lump charcoal burns hotter than briquettes.

General Guideline for Cooking Time

As a general guideline, chicken thighs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the cooking time will vary depending on the factors listed above.

For smaller, thinner chicken thighs, you can cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat. For larger, thicker chicken thighs, you may need to cook them for 7-10 minutes per side.

Keep in mind that the chicken thighs will continue to cook after you remove them from the grill, so it is important to take them off the grill when they are slightly undercooked. They will reach the desired internal temperature as they rest.

Temperature	Time	Notes
Medium-high heat	30-40 minutes per side	Turn chicken thighs every 10 minutes or so to ensure even cooking.
High heat	20-30 minutes per side	Be careful not to overcook the chicken thighs, as they can dry out quickly.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

The following factors will affect the cooking time of chicken thighs on a charcoal grill:

• Size of the chicken thighs: Smaller chicken thighs will cook faster than larger chicken thighs.
• Temperature of the grill: The hotter the grill, the faster the chicken thighs will cook.
• Whether the chicken thighs are bone-in or boneless: Bone-in chicken thighs will take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs.
• Whether the chicken thighs are skin-on or skinless: Skin-on chicken thighs will take longer to cook than skinless chicken thighs.

In general, you can expect bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to cook for 30-35 minutes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs to cook for 25-30 minutes, and whole chicken, bone-in and skin-on, to cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. However, these are just estimates, and the actual cooking time will vary depending on the factors listed above.

Recommended Cooking Times

The following are recommended cooking times for chicken thighs on a charcoal grill:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: 30-35 minutes
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 25-30 minutes
• Whole chicken, bone-in and skin-on: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

These cooking times are based on a charcoal grill that is preheated to medium heat (350-400 degrees Fahrenheit). If your grill is hotter than medium heat, the chicken thighs will cook faster. If your grill is cooler than medium heat, the chicken thighs will cook slower.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the chicken thighs is more important than the cooking time. The chicken thighs are done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs.

To ensure that the chicken thighs are cooked evenly, it is important to turn them frequently while they are grilling. You should also baste the chicken thighs with marinade or oil every few minutes to help keep them moist.

Cooking chicken thighs on a charcoal grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following the tips in this article, you can cook chicken thighs that are perfectly cooked and juicy every time.

How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill?

Chicken thighs are a popular grilling meat because they are flavorful and juicy. However, it can be difficult to know how long to cook them so that they are cooked through but not dry. The cooking time for chicken thighs on a charcoal grill will vary depending on the thickness of the thighs, the temperature of the grill, and the desired doneness.

General Guidelines for Cooking Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill

• Preheat the grill to medium heat.
• Oil the chicken thighs to prevent them from sticking.
• Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Baste the chicken thighs with barbecue sauce or another seasoning during the last few minutes of cooking.

Specific Guidelines for Cooking Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill

The following are specific guidelines for cooking chicken thighs on a charcoal grill:

• For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• For thin chicken thighs, grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• For thick chicken thighs, grill for 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill

Here are some tips for cooking chicken thighs on a charcoal grill:

• Preheat the grill to medium heat before cooking the chicken thighs. This will help to prevent the chicken from burning.
• Oil the chicken thighs to prevent them from sticking to the grill. You can use a cooking spray or brush them with olive oil.
• Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Baste the chicken thighs with barbecue sauce or another seasoning during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the chicken.
• Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking chicken thighs on a charcoal grill:

• Not preheating the grill properly. This can cause the chicken to stick to the grill and burn.
• Not oiling the chicken thighs. This can also cause the chicken to stick to the grill.
• Overcooking the chicken thighs. Chicken thighs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough.
• Not checking the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. The only way to know if the chicken is cooked through is to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs.

Cooking chicken thighs on a charcoal grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can cook chicken thighs that are perfectly cooked and juicy every time.

How long do I cook chicken thighs on a charcoal grill?

The cooking time for chicken thighs on a charcoal grill will vary depending on the thickness of the thighs, the temperature of the grill, and your desired level of doneness.

• Thick thighs (1 inch or more) will take about 30-40 minutes to cook through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Thin thighs (less than 1 inch) will take about 20-25 minutes to cook through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If you are using a charcoal grill, it is important to make sure that the coals are evenly distributed and that the grill is preheated to medium heat before adding the chicken.
• To check if the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The meat should be white throughout and the juices should run clear.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as this will make it dry and tough.

What temperature should I cook chicken thighs on a charcoal grill?

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken thighs on a charcoal grill is between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches the desired level of doneness.

How do I prevent chicken thighs from sticking to the grill?

There are a few things you can do to prevent chicken thighs from sticking to the grill:

• Preheat the grill to medium heat before adding the chicken. This will help to create a non-stick surface on the grill.
• Oil the grill grates before adding the chicken. This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Use a grilling basket or sheet pan to cook the chicken. This will help to keep the chicken from directly contacting the grill grates and prevent it from sticking.

How do I know when chicken thighs are done cooking?

The best way to tell if chicken thighs are done cooking is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check if the chicken is done by inserting a skewer into the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear when the chicken is done cooking.

What are some tips for grilling chicken thighs?

Here are a few tips for grilling chicken thighs:

• Marinate the chicken thighs before grilling. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the chicken.
• Cook the chicken thighs over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the chicken from burning.
• Flip the chicken thighs frequently to ensure that they cook evenly.
• Rest the chicken thighs for a few minutes before serving. This will help to lock in the juices and make the chicken more tender.

What are some common mistakes people make when grilling chicken thighs?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling chicken thighs:

• Not preheating the grill. This can cause the chicken to stick to the grill and cook unevenly.
• Cooking the chicken thighs over direct heat. This can cause the chicken to burn.
• Not flipping the chicken thighs frequently. This can cause the chicken to cook unevenly.
• Not resting the chicken thighs before serving. This can cause the chicken to be dry and tough.

  the best way to cook chicken thighs on a charcoal grill is to preheat the grill to medium heat, then cook the thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken, and cook it until it is cooked through. You can also baste the chicken with barbecue sauce or marinade during cooking to add flavor. Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile protein that can be enjoyed on the grill, in salads, or as part of a main dish. So fire up your grill and get cooking!