For the best results, grill chicken thighs at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes over indirect heat.
Whether you’re using a gas grill, pellet grill, or charcoal grill with hot coals, cooking chicken thighs at 350°F allows for even heat and juicy meat. While 350°F is often associated with oven temperatures, this temp also translates to medium indirect heat (or the lower end of medium-high heat) on the grill, which is ideal for dark meat like chicken thighs. And yes, this includes bone-in thighs and boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Best Way to Grill Chicken Thighs at 350°F
Let me start by saying that using indirect heat from the grill is a great option for preparing bbq chicken thighs, such as my Molasses BBQ Thighs. Here’s how to do it.
Step-by-Step Method:
- Preheat your grill: We want a temperature of 350 degrees f.
- Meanwhile, allow the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling. This promotes even cooking.
- Then lightly coat the chicken with olive oil.
- Apply your dry rub and any desired seasonings.
- Place the thighs in a single layer, skin side down first if using skin-on chicken thighs.
Cook Time:
- Bone-in chicken thighs: Grill time of about 35–45 minutes. Flip once midway through.
- Boneless chicken thighs: Grill time of about 20–25 minutes. Flip every 7–8 minutes.
Remember: Bone-in meat always takes longer to cook, and that applies to chicken.
Check the Temperature: The easiest way to prevent overcooked (or undercooked) meat is to simply check the temperature. The simplest way to do this is by inserting either a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat (midway into the thickest part of the thigh). You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165 degrees f. This temperature ensures juicy meat that is safe to eat.
Pro Tip: We all want gorgeous grill marks, and these can easily be achieved without a roaring flame (you can even achieve them stovetop indoors using a griddle). In any case, for gorgeous grill marks, simply preheat the grill grates well and don’t move the chicken too soon after placing them down. It’s really that easy.
Oven Alternative (Same Temp, Same Rules)
No grill? No problem. Bake chicken thighs at 350°F in the oven for 40–50 minutes, and you’ve achieved crispy skin right in the oven, as I did with my BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs.
FAQs About Grilling Chicken Thighs
Start skin side down to render the fat and get a crispy finish, then flip the thighs as directed above.
Yes, absolutely! Simply reduce the overall cooking time to about 20–25 minutes, and flip more frequently, as explained above. As mentioned before, boneless meat cooks faster.
Apply the dry rub a few minutes before grilling.
Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container, and they will keep for about 3-4 days.
And that concludes our guide on grilling chicken in the oven. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. We are always happy to hear from you and assist! Happy Cooking!
The post How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs at 350°F? appeared first on Living The Gourmet.
