Introduction
Grilling chicken thighs on a gas grill is a popular and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful cut of meat. Chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and full of flavor, making them a perfect choice for grilling. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, mastering the art of grilling chicken thighs on a gas grill is a skill worth acquiring.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Marinade or seasoning of your choice
- Oil for grilling
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: lemon wedges, fresh herbs for garnish
Steps to Grill Chicken Thighs on Gas Grill
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Trim excess fat: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
Marinate or season: Marinate the chicken thighs in your favorite marinade or seasoning for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Preheat the Gas Grill
Clean the grill: Make sure your gas grill grates are clean and preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken Thighs
Oil the grill: Using tongs, dip a folded paper towel in oil and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve: Serve the grilled chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for Grilling Chicken Thighs
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy compared to boneless, skinless thighs.
- Indirect heat: For larger chicken thighs, start grilling over direct heat to get grill marks, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
- Grill lid closed: Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent flare-ups.
- Baste with marinade: Baste the chicken thighs with reserved marinade while grilling for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Conclusion
Grilling chicken thighs on a gas grill is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this versatile cut of meat. With the right preparation and techniques, you can achieve juicy, flavorful grilled chicken thighs that will impress your family and friends. Follow the steps and tips outlined in this guide, and you’ll be on your way to grilling perfect chicken thighs every time!
