The Blackstone Griddle has revolutionized the way we cook outdoors. Whether you’re grilling breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the flat top cooking surface of the Blackstone Griddle provides the perfect platform for cooking a variety of foods. One of the most popular barbecue dishes to cook on a Blackstone Griddle is chicken thighs. These juicy cuts of meat take on a delicious char and flavor when cooked on the griddle, but how long should you cook them for?
In this article, we’ll explore how long it takes to cook chicken thighs on a Blackstone Griddle, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure your chicken comes out tender and delicious every time. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner looking to up your outdoor cooking game, this article will provide all the information you need to cook perfect chicken thighs on your Blackstone Griddle.
Understanding the Importance of Cooking Chicken Thighs Correctly
Cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle can be a quick and easy way to prepare a simple and delicious meal. However, it is important to understand the importance of cooking chicken thighs correctly to ensure that they are safe to eat and that they are cooked evenly.
One of the biggest concerns when cooking chicken thighs on a griddle is ensuring that they reach a safe internal temperature. Raw chicken can harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella that can cause food poisoning. It is recommended that chicken thighs be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle is a great way to ensure that they are cooked through evenly, but it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure that they are fully cooked.
Prepping Your Blackstone Griddle for Cooking Chicken Thighs
Before starting to cook chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, it is essential to prep the cooking surface properly. You must clean the griddle grates thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated on them. Use a scraper or spatula to remove any stubborn residue, and then wash the grates with soap and water. Once clean, rinse them with water and dry them with a clean towel.
After cleaning the grates, you need to season them with oil. Doing this adds a non-stick layer to the grates, making it easier to release the chicken thighs once they’re cooked. Pour a small amount of oil onto the grates, and use a paper towel to spread it evenly across the surface. Once you’ve done that, turn the heat on to medium-high and let it heat up for a few minutes until the oil starts to smoke. Now that the Blackstone griddle is properly prepped, you can start cooking your chicken thighs.
Choosing the Right Type of Chicken Thighs for Griddle Cooking
When choosing chicken thighs to cook on a Blackstone griddle, it’s important to select the right type of meat. There are two main types of chicken thighs available at most supermarkets: bone-in and boneless. Bone-in chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful because the bones impart a richer taste into the meat during cooking. However, boneless thighs are easier to cook evenly and are ideal if you’re looking for a quicker cook time.
In addition to selecting the right type of chicken thigh, you should also consider the size and cut of the meat. Thighs that are too thick may take longer to cook and could result in unevenly cooked meat. For best results, choose thighs that are similar in size and thickness so they cook evenly. You can also experiment with different cuts, such as skin-on or skinless thighs, to achieve the desired texture and flavor. By choosing the right type of chicken thighs, you can ensure that your griddle-cooked meal is both delicious and succulent.
Expert Tips for Achieving Perfectly Cooked Chicken Thighs on a Blackstone Griddle
When cooking on a Blackstone griddle, there are a few expert tips you should keep in mind to achieve perfectly cooked chicken thighs. Firstly, make sure your griddle is preheated to the ideal temperature of 375°F before adding the chicken thighs. This ensures that you get a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
Next, avoid overcrowding the griddle, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of searing. Instead, leave some space between each thigh to allow for air circulation. Additionally, don’t be afraid to baste the chicken with melted butter or your favorite marinade to add flavor and moisture.
Lastly, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing it from the griddle. This is crucial for food safety, as undercooked chicken can cause illness. By following these expert tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked and flavorful chicken thighs every time you cook on a Blackstone griddle.
How to Check Whether Your Chicken Thighs Are Cooked to Perfection
Once you start cooking your chicken thighs on the Blackstone griddle, it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature for perfect cooking. To check the chicken thighs’ doneness, you need to use a meat thermometer to confirm that they have cooked all the way through.
The ideal internal temperature for chicken thighs should be 165°F. You can insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh and wait for a minute or two for the reading to stabilize. If you see that the thermometer’s reading is below 165°F, then continue cooking your chicken thighs for a few more minutes. Repeat the process until you get the right internal temperature, and your chicken thighs will be cooked to perfection.
Creative Ways to Serve Up Delicious Chicken Thighs Cooked on a Blackstone Griddle
Chicken thighs cooked on a Blackstone griddle can be served up in a variety of delicious and creative ways. One option is to pair them with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, for a healthy and satisfying meal. You could also serve them up as part of a stir-fry or fajita-style dish, complete with rice, beans, and a variety of flavorful toppings.
For a twist on classic chicken dinners, consider serving up your Blackstone-griddled chicken thighs as part of a homemade chicken parmigiana or chicken Alfredo pasta dish. Or, for a lighter and more summery option, serve them up as part of a fresh and flavorful salad, complete with a variety of greens, fruits, nuts, and a homemade or store-bought dressing. Whatever the occasion, there are endless ways to get creative with your Blackstone-griddled chicken thighs and make them a star ingredient of any meal.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind While Cooking Chicken Thighs on a Blackstone Griddle
Cooking chicken on a Blackstone griddle can be a delicious and quick way to get dinner on the table. However, it is important to keep safety in mind while cooking to prevent any accidents.
Firstly, make sure that the griddle is preheated to an appropriate temperature before cooking. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and reduces the risk of undercooked chicken. Secondly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The USDA recommends that chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria. Lastly, always practice safe food handling techniques, such as washing your hands and avoid cross-contamination by not using the same utensils or cutting board for raw and cooked chicken. By keeping these safety tips in mind, cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle can be a delicious and safe experience.
Wrapping Up
Cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle is an easy and efficient way to achieve deliciously tender and juicy meat. By following a few simple steps, you can cook your chicken to perfection every time. Whether you are using a gas or electric griddle, adjusting the temperature and cooking time according to the size and thickness of the chicken thighs is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
In conclusion, cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle is a great way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal in no time. With its even heat distribution and large cooking surface, the Blackstone griddle offers a convenient and versatile option for cooking a variety of meats, vegetables, and other foods. By experimenting with different seasonings and marinades, you can create unique and flavorful dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.