Cooking chicken thighs on the BBQ can be a delicious and healthy option for your next outdoor meal. While preparing chicken on the grill is simple, it can be tricky to figure out the cooking times for juicy, flavorful meat. Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ master or a beginner, understanding the duration of chicken thigh cooking can be a valuable skill.
Knowing how long it takes to cook chicken thighs on the BBQ is essential to getting perfectly cooked meat every time. Factors like temperature, marination, and type of BBQ can affect cooking times. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various methods of cooking chicken thighs on the grill and provide a breakdown of the time it takes to cook chicken thighs to perfection.
Understanding The Basics Of Cooking Chicken Thighs On Bbq
Cooking chicken thighs on a barbecue is a delicious alternative to cooking them in the oven or on the stovetop. However, understanding the basics of cooking chicken thighs on a BBQ is essential if you want to achieve the best results. Before you start, make sure that you have all the necessary equipment, including a meat thermometer, tongs, and a BBQ brush.
The key to cooking chicken thighs on a BBQ is to ensure that they are cooked through but not overcooked. Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat and brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down, and allow them to cook for about 7-10 minutes before flipping them over. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. A temperature of 165°F indicates that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
The Best Types Of Chicken Thighs To Use For Bbq Cooking
When choosing chicken thighs for BBQ cooking, it’s important to know that not all chicken thighs are created equal. Some types of chicken thighs are better suited for grilling than others. One of the best types of chicken thighs for BBQ cooking is bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. This type of chicken is flavorful, juicy, and will remain tender after grilling. The skin-on also helps to prevent the meat from drying out and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Another popular option is boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are often marinated and grilled. These chicken thighs cook quicker than bone-in varieties and are still incredibly tender and juicy. However, without the skin, they don’t have that crispy, flavorful texture that many BBQ enthusiasts crave. Ultimately, the type of chicken thigh you choose for BBQ cooking will depend on your personal preferences and cooking style. Whether you choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or boneless, skinless varieties, be sure to season them well and cook them to perfection for a delicious and juicy BBQ meal.
Preparing Your Chicken Thighs Before Grilling
Before you start grilling your chicken thighs, it is important to prepare them properly. Firstly, you need to remove any excess fat or skin from the thighs. You can also use a paper towel to pat dry the thighs and remove any excess moisture. This will help the thighs cook more evenly and prevent them from becoming too greasy.
You can then season your chicken thighs with your preferred spices or marinade. You can use a basic seasoning of salt and pepper or get creative with different herbs and spices. If you choose to use a marinade, make sure to coat the chicken well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before grilling. Preparing your chicken properly before grilling not only makes it more flavorful but also ensures the chicken is cooked to perfection.
Techniques For Perfectly Cooking Chicken Thighs On Bbq
Cooking perfect chicken thighs on the BBQ requires a bit of finesse, but it’s not too difficult to master. One technique is to start by using a brine. Brining chicken will help to keep it nice and juicy while cooking and also infuse it with some extra flavor. You can make a simple brine with salt, sugar, and water, or add in some herbs and spices for extra flavor. Allow your chicken to soak in the brine for a few hours before cooking.
Another technique is to use indirect heat. This means that you’ll place the chicken on a part of the grill that doesn’t have direct contact with the flame or heat source. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out and keep it tender and juicy. You can also add in some wood chips to the grill to give your chicken some extra smoky flavor. By using these techniques, you can ensure that your chicken thighs turn out perfectly cooked every time you BBQ.
How To Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Fully Cooked
The most important aspect of cooking chicken thighs is to ensure that they are fully cooked. There are two methods to check whether the chicken is cooked: checking the internal temperature and checking the color and texture.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) before consuming. To ensure this, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. If the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C), the chicken is cooked through. Alternatively, you can use a good quality instant-read thermometer that will quickly give you an accurate reading without needing to wait for a long time.
Another way to check whether the chicken is fully cooked is by checking the color and texture. The meat should be white without any pink juices, and the texture should be firm. If there are any concerns about the chicken not being fully cooked, it is better to cook it for a few more minutes rather than risking foodborne illness. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the BBQ and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle before serving.
Adding Flavor To Your Chicken Thighs On Bbq
Adding flavor to your chicken thighs on the BBQ can be a game changer. Instead of plain and boring chicken, you can spice it up with different marinades or rubs. One popular option is to use a BBQ sauce that can be brushed on during cooking or used as a marinade beforehand. You can choose from a variety of flavors like sweet, spicy, or tangy depending on your preference. Another option is to use dry rubs which can be applied to the chicken a few hours before cooking. These can include a mix of spices like garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. The rub will add depth to the flavor of your chicken and create a delicious crispy exterior.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try stuffing your chicken with different ingredients. For example, you can stuff the chicken thighs with cream cheese, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese for a delicious and spicy twist. Another option is to stuff it with spinach and feta for a Mediterranean flavor. Regardless of what you choose, adding flavor to your chicken thighs on the BBQ will elevate your dish and impress your guests. Just remember to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle before serving.
Tips For Serving Delicious Bbq Chicken Thighs To Your Guests
Before we start with the tips for serving delicious BBQ chicken thighs, let’s review the basics. Ensure that the chicken thighs are cooked thoroughly, with an internal temperature of 165°F or above. Tongs should be used to handle the chicken, and the grill should be preheated to medium-high heat. Now, let’s dive into some tips that will make your guests crave for more.
Firstly, consider marinating the chicken thighs to enhance the flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper can do wonders. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Secondly, brush the chicken thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking, and let it caramelize for an added flavor. Lastly, add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken just before serving for an enticing aroma. With these tips, your guests will ask for seconds, or even thirds!
Verdict
Grilling chicken thighs on a barbecue is an art that you can perfect with the right equipment, ingredients, and patience. The cooking time depends on many factors like the thickness of the meat, the heat of the grill, etc. So, it is essential to keep an eye on the temperature and not leave the thighs unattended for a long time.
In summary, grilling chicken thighs on the barbecue is an enjoyable experience that can be improved with practice. The perfect cooking time for chicken thighs on the barbecue is around 25 minutes, but to ensure that it is properly cooked, use a thermometer for the perfect temperature. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and juicy chicken thigh that will impress your friends and family at your next barbecue party.