Juicy bone-in thighs with a smoky char
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled Chicken Thighs
40 minEasy
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4
8 thighs
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Juicy bone-in thighs with a smoky char
Perfectly grilled chicken thighs with crispy skin and juicy meat, seasoned simply and kissed by flame. A backyard staple that never disappoints.
10m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
40m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Bone-in, skin-on thighs are the most forgiving cut for the grill thanks to their higher fat content that keeps them moist. A simple seasoning rub and two-zone fire are all you need for perfection.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
PrecisionUtility
Test Kitchen Pick
Thermometer
Helpful Tool
Why a thermometer helps here
This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.
The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.
- Makes doneness more repeatable
- Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein
If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.
Shop thermometer options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Pat thighs dry and coat with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Preheat grill to medium-high with a two-zone setup: direct heat on one side, indirect on the other.
- 3
Place thighs skin-side down over direct heat and grill 5-6 minutes until skin is crispy and charred.
- 4
Flip and move to indirect heat, close the lid, and cook 15-20 minutes until internal temp reaches 175°F.
- 5
Rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
Smoked paprikaRegular paprika + pinch of cayenne
Adds color without smokiness
Chicken thighsChicken drumsticks
Cook to the same internal temperature
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Let thighs sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
Resist pressing down on the chicken—it squeezes out juices.
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat on the grill over medium heat for 5 minutes or in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (130mg) · 4 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates22g
Fat1g
Fiber480mg
Sugar0g
Sodium0g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I prevent flare-ups?
- Trim excess skin and use a two-zone fire so you can move thighs away from flames.
- Can I use boneless thighs?
- Yes, but reduce cook time by about 5-8 minutes and watch carefully.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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