How to Cook Juicy, Tender Chicken Thighs on a Pellet Grill

How to Cook Chicken Thighs on a Pellet Grill

Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. But if you’re looking for a truly foolproof method, cooking them on a pellet grill is the way to go.

Pellet grills use a combination of wood pellets and heat to cook food, resulting in a smoky, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, pellet grills are incredibly easy to use, so even if you’re a novice chef, you can still create amazing chicken thighs.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook chicken thighs on a pellet grill so that they come out perfectly juicy, flavorful, and delicious. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right wood pellets, season your chicken, and cook it to perfection.

So fire up your pellet grill and let’s get started!

Step	Instructions	Tips
1	Preheat your pellet grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.	Make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled before you start cooking.
2	Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.	You can also marinate your chicken thighs in a flavorful marinade for extra flavor.
3	Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.	Flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
4	Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.	Serve your chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Choosing the Right Pellet Grill

When it comes to choosing the right pellet grill for cooking chicken thighs, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider.

• Type of pellet grill: There are two main types of pellet grills: vertical and horizontal. Vertical pellet grills are typically smaller and more compact, while horizontal pellet grills are larger and offer more cooking space. For cooking chicken thighs, a vertical pellet grill is a good option.
• Size of pellet grill: The size of the pellet grill you need will depend on how many chicken thighs you plan on cooking at once. A small pellet grill can hold about 4-6 chicken thighs, while a large pellet grill can hold up to 10-12 chicken thighs.
• Features: Some of the features you may want to consider when choosing a pellet grill for cooking chicken thighs include a built-in meat probe, a digital control panel, and a smokestack damper.

Here are a few of our top picks for pellet grills for cooking chicken thighs:

• Best overall: Traeger Timberline 885 Pellet Grill
• Best for beginners: Camp Chef Woodwind 24 Pellet Grill
• Best for budget: Pit Boss Austin XL Pellet Grill

Preparing the Chicken Thighs

Before you cook your chicken thighs on a pellet grill, there are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare them.

• Brining: Brining is a great way to add flavor and moisture to chicken thighs. To brine your chicken thighs, simply place them in a large bowl or container and cover them with a brine solution made from water, salt, and sugar. Let the chicken thighs brine for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
• Seasoning: Once the chicken thighs have been brined, you can season them with your favorite spices and herbs. Some popular seasonings for chicken thighs include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Cooking temperature: The cooking temperature for chicken thighs on a pellet grill will vary depending on how you want them cooked. For juicy, tender chicken thighs, cook them at a low temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. For crispy, browned chicken thighs, cook them at a higher temperature of 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking Chicken Thighs on a Pellet Grill

Cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:

1. Preheat your pellet grill to your desired cooking temperature.
2. If you’re brining your chicken thighs, remove them from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Season your chicken thighs with your favorite spices and herbs.
4. Place the chicken thighs on the grill grates.
5. Cook the chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Here are a few tips for cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. This will help you ensure that they are cooked to perfection.
• Baste the chicken thighs with your favorite barbecue sauce or marinade halfway through cooking. This will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
• If you’re cooking the chicken thighs at a high temperature, be sure to turn them frequently to prevent them from burning.

Cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. With a little bit of preparation, you can easily cook juicy, tender, and crispy chicken thighs that everyone will love.

Here are a few additional tips for cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill:

• For the best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bones and skin help to keep the chicken thighs moist and flavorful.
• If you don’t have time to brine your chicken thighs, simply season them with your favorite spices and herbs and cook them at a higher temperature.
• Chicken thighs are a great way to use up leftover chicken. Simply shred the chicken thighs and use them in tacos, salads, or sandwiches.

3. Cooking Chicken Thighs on a Pellet Grill

Pellet grills are a great way to cook chicken thighs because they produce a moist, flavorful chicken with a delicious smoky flavor. To cook chicken thighs on a pellet grill, you will need:

• Chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Wood pellets (hickory or oak are good options)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your pellet grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs on the grill grates and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Baste the chicken thighs with barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How long to cook chicken thighs on a pellet grill

The cooking time for chicken thighs on a pellet grill will vary depending on the thickness of the thighs and the temperature of the grill. For thicker thighs, you will need to cook them for longer. As a general rule, cook chicken thighs for 30-40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to check if chicken thighs are done cooking

The best way to check if chicken thighs are done cooking is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and make sure the temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check if the chicken thighs are done cooking by gently pulling on them. If the meat is firm and does not pull away from the bone easily, then it is done cooking.

How to reheat chicken thighs on a pellet grill

If you have leftover chicken thighs, you can reheat them on a pellet grill. To do this, preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken thighs on the grill grates. Cook the chicken thighs for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

4. Serving Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a versatile meat that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular sides to serve with chicken thighs include:

• Grilled vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice
• Salad
• Corn on the cob

You can also serve chicken thighs with a variety of sauces, such as:

• Barbecue sauce
• Honey mustard sauce
• Teriyaki sauce
• Ranch dressing

How to store leftover chicken thighs

Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store the chicken thighs, place them in an airtight container or bag. You can also freeze leftover chicken thighs for up to 3 months. To freeze the chicken thighs, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label the bag or container with the date so you know how long the chicken thighs have been frozen.

Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile meat that can be cooked on a pellet grill. They are easy to cook and can be served with a variety of sides. Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

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

The cooking time for chicken thighs on a pellet grill will vary depending on the size of the thighs and the desired doneness. For bone-in, skin-on thighs, cook for 30-35 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. For boneless, skinless thighs, cook for 25-30 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F, or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F.

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

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill is 350 degrees F. This will help to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and reaches the desired doneness.

What wood pellets should I use for chicken thighs?

There are many different types of wood pellets that can be used for cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill. Some of the most popular options include apple, hickory, and cherry. The type of wood pellet that you use will impart its own unique flavor to the chicken.

How do I make sure that my chicken thighs don’t dry out on a pellet grill?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your chicken thighs from drying out on a pellet grill. First, make sure that you don’t overcook them. The ideal internal temperature for chicken thighs is 165 degrees F for bone-in, skin-on thighs and 175 degrees F for boneless, skinless thighs. Second, baste the chicken thighs with a flavorful liquid, such as olive oil, butter, or chicken broth, during cooking. This will help to keep them moist. Finally, you can wrap the chicken thighs in aluminum foil halfway through cooking to help lock in moisture.

What are some tips for cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill?

Here are a few tips for cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill:

• Marinate the chicken thighs in a flavorful liquid before cooking. This will help to add flavor and moisture.
• Preheat the pellet grill to 350 degrees F before cooking. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
• Baste the chicken thighs with a flavorful liquid during cooking. This will help to keep them moist.
• Wrap the chicken thighs in aluminum foil halfway through cooking to help lock in moisture.
• Let the chicken thighs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill:

• Overcooking the chicken. The ideal internal temperature for chicken thighs is 165 degrees F for bone-in, skin-on thighs and 175 degrees F for boneless, skinless thighs.
• Not marinating the chicken thighs. Marinating the chicken thighs in a flavorful liquid before cooking will help to add flavor and moisture.
• Not preheating the pellet grill. Preheat the pellet grill to 350 degrees F before cooking. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
• Not basting the chicken thighs during cooking. Basting the chicken thighs with a flavorful liquid during cooking will help to keep them moist.
• Not wrapping the chicken thighs in aluminum foil halfway through cooking. Wrapping the chicken thighs in aluminum foil halfway through cooking will help to lock in moisture.

What are some variations on the basic recipe for cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill?

There are many different variations on the basic recipe for cooking chicken thighs on a pellet grill. Some popular variations include:

• Marinating the chicken thighs in a different type of liquid, such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or balsamic vinegar.
• Using different types of wood pellets, such as apple, hickory, or cherry.
• Adding different seasonings to the chicken thighs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
• Cooking the chicken thighs on a different type of pellet grill, such as a vertical smoker or a kamado grill.

By experimenting with different variations on the basic recipe, you can find the perfect way to cook chicken thighs on your pellet grill.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to cook chicken thighs on a pellet grill. We have covered everything from choosing the right wood pellets to the best temperature and cooking time. We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you will be able to cook delicious chicken thighs on your pellet grill.

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Choose a wood pellet that is compatible with chicken, such as apple, cherry, or hickory.
• Marinate the chicken thighs in a flavorful sauce or dry rub before cooking.
• Cook the chicken thighs at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Baste the chicken thighs with the marinade or rub halfway through cooking.
• Let the chicken thighs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

We hope that you enjoy this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe!