Introduction:
Grilled boneless skinless chicken thighs are a delicious, healthy meal. These thighs are a great source of protein, low in fat, and cook quickly, making them a convenient option for any meal. To help you achieve the perfect grilled chicken, we have provided a comprehensive guide below.
How to grill boneless skinless chicken thighs on a gas grill?
Preparing:
Preparing your chicken thighs is crucial to ensure that they are cooked to perfection. Follow these 03 simple steps to prepare your chicken thighs for grilling:
- Clean your chicken thighs thoroughly under running water, making sure to remove any excess fat or debris. Once cleaned, pat them dry with paper towels.
- Add your preferred spices, herbs, or marinade to season the chicken thighs to your liking. You can use a dry rub or a wet marinade to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat. To ensure that the grill reaches the desired temperature, we recommend preheating it for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
Grilling Process:
Now that the chicken thighs are prepared and the grill is preheated, it’s time to start grilling.
- Place the chicken thighs on the grill, making sure to leave space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Close the lid of the grill and let the chicken cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side. Don’t move the chicken around during this time.
- After 5-6 minutes, use tongs to flip the chicken over to the other side. Close the lid of the grill and let it cook for another 5-6 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. If the chicken is not cooked through, continue grilling it for a few more minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Grill time for boneless chicken thighs on the gas grill
Cook the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
It’s a good idea to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides.
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs, so it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
Should you oil chicken thighs before grilling?
Yes, it is a good idea to oil your chicken thighs before grilling them. Coating the chicken with oil will help prevent them from sticking to the grill grates, making it easier to turn and flip them during cooking. It will also help ensure that the chicken stays moist and tender by locking in the juices.
Oiling Process:
To oil, your chicken thighs, simply brush them with a thin layer of oil using a basting brush or your hands. You can use any type of oil you prefer, such as olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
Note: Don’t use too much oil, as excess oil can cause flare-ups on the grill, resulting in unevenly cooked chicken.
Tips for Grilling Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs on Gas Grill:
- Do not overcook the chicken thighs as they can become dry and tough.
- Do not keep flipping the chicken repeatedly as this can cause the juices to escape, making the chicken dry.
- If using a marinade, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before placing it on the grill to prevent flare-ups.
- You can also add some vegetables to the grill along with the chicken to make a complete meal.
Can You Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless skinless chicken thighs when grilling on a gas grill. In fact, some people prefer bone-in chicken thighs as they believe that the bone adds flavor and moisture to the meat.
When grilling bone-in chicken thighs, the preparation process is the same as boneless skinless chicken thighs. But the grilling time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs.
To grill bone-in chicken thighs, follow the steps below:
- Clean the chicken thighs thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken thighs with your favorite spices, herbs, or marinade. You can use a dry rub or a wet marinade to add flavor to the chicken. If using a marinade, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat. It is recommended to preheat the grill for 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure that it reaches the desired temperature.
- Place the chicken thighs on the grill, bone side down, making sure to leave space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Close the lid of the grill and let the chicken cook for about 10-12 minutes on one side. Do not move the chicken around during this time.
- After 10-12 minutes, use tongs to flip the chicken over to the other side, bone side up. Close the lid of the grill and let it cook for another 10-12 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. If the chicken is not cooked through, continue grilling it for a few more minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Note: When grilling bone-in chicken thighs, ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through, especially around the bone. You may also need to adjust the grilling time based on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs.
What makes grilled chicken thighs so delicious?
Grilled chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many different types of dishes. When cooked properly, you may find and enjoy several benefits that contribute to the greatness of a grilled chicken thigh recipe. Below we will explore 04 factors in more detail to understand why a good grilled chicken thigh recipe is so enjoyable.
01: Flavor: Chicken thighs are a flavorful cut of meat, to begin with, and grilling them over an open flame can add even more depth and complexity to their taste. If you marinate the chicken beforehand or season it with a flavorful spice rub, you can enhance the flavor even further.
02: Juiciness: Chicken thighs have a higher fat content than other cuts of chicken, which means they tend to stay moist and juicy even when cooked on the grill. This especially happens if you leave the skin on while grilling.
03: Texture: When you cooked properly, grilled chicken thighs can have a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior that is very satisfying to eat.
04: Versatility: Grilled chicken thighs can be served in a variety of ways, from sliced up in salads to served as a main course with a side of vegetables or rice. This makes them a versatile ingredients that can be used in many different types of dishes.
Overall, a good grilled chicken thighs recipe will take advantage of these factors to create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please.
FAQs
Is it OK if chicken thighs are a little pink?
No, it is not okay for chicken thighs to be a little pink as this indicates that they are not fully cooked and may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella or campylobacter. Consuming undercooked chicken can lead to foodborne illness, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Carefully follow our instructions to prevent any issues.
What is the pink juice coming out of the chicken?
The pink juice that can sometimes come out of chicken is not actually blood, as many people assume. Instead, it is a protein called myoglobin that is found in muscle tissue, including chicken meat. When the chicken is cooked, the myoglobin is normally fully cooked and turns brown, giving the meat its characteristic color.
Conclusion
Grilling boneless skinless chicken thighs on a gas grill is a simple and easy way to enjoy a delicious, healthy meal. With the right preparation and grilling techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be grilling chicken like a pro in no time!
