How Long To Grill Chicken Thighs At 350 Degrees

Hey there, grill enthusiasts! If you've ever found yourself pondering over the grill, spatula in hand, wondering just how long those chicken thighs need to sizzle away at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you're not alone. Grilling chicken thighs to perfection is an art form, and nailing the right cooking time is crucial for juicy meat and crispy chicken skin. In this ultimate guide, we'll dive into the ins and outs of grilling chicken thighs at 350 degrees, so you can become the grill master of your backyard BBQ.

As an Amazon Associate and affiliate marketer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Understanding Grilling Basics

Let's start with the basics. Grilling temperature isn't just a number on your grill's dial—it's the secret sauce behind perfectly cooked chicken thighs. At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you're hitting that sweet spot where the chicken cooks through evenly without drying out or becoming charred on the outside.

Factors Affecting Grilling Time

Now, before you throw those thighs on the grill, consider the factors that can influence cooking time. The thickness of your chicken thighs plays a big role. Thicker thighs will naturally take longer to cook, while thinner ones will be ready in a jiffy. And don't forget about the bones—bone-in thighs will need a bit more time on the grill compared to their boneless counterparts.

The type of grill you're using also matters. Whether you're rocking a gas grill, charcoal grill, or electric grill, each one has its quirks when it comes to temperature control and cooking time. Keep an eye on your grill's thermometer and make adjustments as needed to maintain that steady 350-degree heat.

The Ideal Cooking Time

1. Skin-On/Bone-In Chicken Thighs: These typically take the longest to cook due to the bone and skin. Grill them for approximately 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) measured with a meat thermometer.
2. Boneless/Skin-On Chicken Thighs: These will cook faster than bone-in thighs but may still take around 20-25 minutes. Grill them, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Skinless/Boneless Chicken Thighs: These will cook the quickest since there's no bone or skin to contend with. Grill them for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Checking for Doneness

Speaking of doneness, how do you know when those chicken thighs are ready to come off the grill? Look for a golden-brown crust on the outside and juices that run clear when pierced with a fork. Or use a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs

Now, let's talk about how to take your grilled chicken thighs from good to gourmet:

• Seasoning is key. Whether you prefer a simple salt and pepper rub or a marinade bursting with flavor, don't skimp on the seasoning. (We have provided 3 rub recipes and 3 marinade recipes below.)
• Marinate your chicken thighs for extra juiciness. 
• Bring your thighs to room temperature before grilling them. This will help ensure even cooking.
• Keep an eye on the grill temperature. Fluctuations in temperature can lead to uneven cooking, so be vigilant about maintaining that steady 350-degree heat.
• Don't overcrowd the grill. Place your chicken thighs in a single layer and give them plenty of space for even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
• Let your chicken rest. Once it's done cooking, resist the temptation to dive right in. Letting your chicken thighs rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and juiciness. Follow these simple steps for juicy meat that is safe to eat!

Our Favorite Dry Rub Recipes 

Elevate your grilled chicken thighs with these tantalizing dry rub recipes, packed with layers of smoky flavor and guaranteed to create mouthwatering results. From smoky paprika to fiery Cajun spices, these rubs are sure to take your grilling game to the next level. 

Please note: All three dry rub recipes below can accommodate 2 to 3 pounds of chicken thighs. Adjustments can be made by scaling the recipes up or down accordingly to suit the amount of chicken you plan to grill. If you're preparing a larger batch of chicken thighs, simply increase the amounts of ingredients in proportion to the amount of chicken you're cooking. Similarly, if you're grilling a smaller batch, you can reduce the quantities of ingredients accordingly to avoid excess seasoning.

Spicy Cajun Dry Rub

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat dry bone-in/skin-on or boneless/skinless chicken thighs with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the dry rub mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Grill the chicken thighs over indirect heat for approximately 20-25 minutes for bone-in thighs or 15-20 minutes for boneless thighs, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Once cooked through, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Honey Mustard Dry Rub

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat dry bone-in/skin-on or boneless/skinless chicken thighs with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Rub the honey mustard mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Grill the chicken thighs over indirect heat for approximately 20-25 minutes for bone-in thighs or 15-20 minutes for boneless thighs, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Once cooked through, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Our Favorite Marinade Recipes 

Infuse your chicken thighs with bursts of flavor using these irresistible chicken marinade recipes. From zesty lemon herb to savory teriyaki and creamy Greek yogurt, these marinades will tenderize and enhance your chicken, ensuring every bite is a culinary delight straight from the grill.

Please note: All three marinade recipes below can accommodate 2 to 3 pounds of chicken thighs. Adjustments can be made by scaling the recipes up or down accordingly to suit the amount of chicken you plan to grill. If you're preparing a larger batch of chicken thighs, simply increase the amounts of ingredients in proportion to the amount of chicken you're cooking. Similarly, if you're grilling a smaller batch, you can reduce the quantities of ingredients accordingly to avoid excess marinade.

Lemon Herb Marinade

Ingredients:

• Juice of 2 lemons
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat dry bone-in/skin-on or boneless/skinless chicken thighs with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated.
5. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Grill the chicken thighs over indirect heat for approximately 20-25 minutes for bone-in thighs or 15-20 minutes for boneless thighs, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Once cooked through, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Teriyaki Marinade

Ingredients:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

Instructions:

1. Pat dry bone-in/skin-on or boneless/skinless chicken thighs with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch (if using).
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated.
5. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
6. Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Grill the chicken thighs over indirect heat for approximately 20-25 minutes for bone-in thighs or 15-20 minutes for boneless thighs, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Once cooked through, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Greek Yogurt Marinade:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat dry bone-in/skin-on or boneless/skinless chicken thighs with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated.
5. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
6. Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Grill the chicken thighs over indirect heat for approximately 20-25 minutes for bone-in thighs or 15-20 minutes for boneless thighs, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Once cooked through, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Achieving a Crispy Skin When Grilling Marinated Chicken Thighs

It's not too hard to achieve a crispy skin on your grilled chicken thighs when you use a dry rub. All you have to do is pat the chicken thighs dry and off you go! However, some may ask if you can marinate chicken and still have a crispy skin when it comes off the grill grates. 

The answer is YES! You can still achieve crispy skin with marinated chicken thighs, but it may require some additional steps and considerations. Marinating the chicken adds flavor and moisture, but it can also introduce some challenges when it comes to crisping the skin. Here's how you can get crispy skin with marinated chicken thighs:

Choose the right marinade

Opt for marinades that don't contain excessive amounts of sugar or oil, as these can inhibit crisping. While you want the chicken to absorb flavor from the marinade, you also want to avoid creating a barrier that prevents the skin from crisping.

Pat the skin dry

Before applying the marinade, pat the skin of the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps promote crisping during grilling.

Season under the skin

If possible, gently lift the skin of the chicken thighs and season the meat underneath with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. This ensures that the meat itself is well-seasoned and helps enhance flavor throughout the chicken.

Refrigerate uncovered

After marinating the chicken thighs, refrigerate them uncovered for at least 30 minutes, or preferably up to overnight. Allowing the surface of the skin to air dry in the refrigerator helps promote crisping during cooking.

Grill over indirect heat

When grilling marinated chicken thighs, start by placing them skin-side down over indirect heat on the grill. This allows the chicken to cook through without burning the skin.

Finish over direct heat

Towards the end of the grilling process, move the chicken thighs to the direct heat side of the grill to crisp up the skin. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as the sugars in the marinade can caramelize quickly over high heat.

Use a higher temperature

If you're struggling to achieve crispy skin with marinated chicken thighs, you can increase the grill temperature slightly (but not too high) during the final crisping stage. Just be cautious not to overcook the chicken.

Check for doneness

Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat to ensure the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit while still achieving crispy skin.

By following these steps, you can enjoy flavorful and juicy marinated chicken thighs with crispy skin straight from the grill. Experiment with different marinades and techniques to find the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Can You Grill Chicken Breasts, Chicken Drumsticks, and Chicken Wings at 350 Degrees? 

Certainly! Here's a quick rundown of approximate grilling times for various cuts of chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts need to be grilled for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Thicker breasts may require slightly longer cooking times.

Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breasts

Grill bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for approximately 10-12 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the breasts.

Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks can be grilled for approximately 12-15 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Drumsticks may require slightly longer cooking times due to their larger size and bone-in nature.

Chicken Wings

Grill chicken wings for approximately 8-10 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the wings and whether they are fresh or frozen.

It's essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, always allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum flavor and juiciness. Adjust the cooking times as needed based on the specific characteristics of your grill and the individual cuts of chicken.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even seasoned grill masters encounter hiccups now and then. Here are some common problems you might run into and how to fix them:

Dry chicken

If your chicken thighs come out dry, they may have been overcooked. Next time, try reducing the cooking time and keeping a closer eye on the grill. The best way you can "fix" them is by preparing a barbecue sauce or gravy to add moisture. You can also try to rehydrate them with some chicken broth. Place the dry chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour warm chicken broth or stock over them. Cover the dish with foil and let the chicken thighs soak in the broth for 10-15 minutes. The warm liquid will help rehydrate the chicken and add moisture.

Undercooked chicken

On the flip side, if your chicken thighs are undercooked, give them a few more minutes on the grill until they reach that perfect 165-degree internal temperature.

Burnt exterior

A charred exterior can result from cooking over too high heat or leaving the chicken on the grill for too long. Lower the heat and keep a close watch to prevent burning. You may be able to salvage them by trimming off the burnt parts, adding moisture (broth or a sauce/gravy), or maybe mask the char with a little extra seasoning (herbs, spices).

Must Have Grill Accessories

In addition to the important digital meat thermometer, here are our recommended grill accessories for your outdoor kitchen:

​Our Favorite Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Thighs

Here are our favorite side dishes to complement your flavorful chicken thighs! These accompaniments are the perfect way to elevate your grilling experience and create a memorable meal for family and friends.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to grilling bbq chicken thighs at 350 degrees. Armed with this knowledge, you're well on your way to becoming a grill master extraordinaire. So fire up the grill, grab your tongs, and get ready to impress your friends and family with perfectly grilled chicken thighs. Happy grilling!