How to BBQ Chicken Thighs: A Perfect Recipe from Kent Charcoal & Firewood

Summer is here, and that means it’s time to bring out the grill! One of the most delicious and approachable proteins for BBQ season is chicken thighs. Juicy, flavourful, and versatile, these cuts of chicken are perfect for grilling. At Kent Charcoal, we believe that cooking with charcoal enhances the taste and gives your food that amazing smoky flavour. Let’s dive into how to BBQ chicken thighs to perfection!

 

Why Chicken Thighs?

 

Chicken thighs are a favourite among many grill enthusiasts for a few reasons:

 

– Flavour: Compared to chicken breasts, thighs are richer and more flavourful, thanks to their higher fat content.

– Moisture: The extra fat means that they tend to stay moist and tender even when grilled, making them nearly foolproof for beginners.

– Versatility: Chicken thighs can be seasoned in numerous ways, from classic BBQ rubs to international marinades.

 

Prepping Your Chicken Thighs

 

Before you hit the grill, it’s essential to prepare your chicken thighs properly. Here’s how:

 

  1. Choose Quality Chicken: Start with high-quality chicken thighs. Boneless or bone-in, skin-on or skinless—choose what you prefer.

 

  1. Marinate or Season: Enhance the natural flavours by marinating your chicken thighs. You can use a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper or try a BBQ rub or marinade for extra zing. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for maximum flavour).

 

  1. Bring to Room Temperature: Before grilling, allow your chicken thighs to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly.

 

Setting Up Your Grill

 

Using hardwood charcoal will give your BBQ chicken thighs a delicious smoky flavour. Here’s how to set up your grill:

 

  1. Prepare the Charcoal: Use a firestarter to light your hardwood charcoal. Once the coals are ashed over and glowing, spread them evenly in your grill.

 

  1. Create Two Zones: For optimal cooking, create a two-zone fire. Direct heat for searing and indirect heat for cooking through. If your grill has a lid, this also helps in maintaining an even cooking temperature.

 

Grilling Time!

 

Now comes the fun part: grilling your chicken thighs!

 

  1. Sear on High Heat: Place your chicken thighs skin-side down over direct heat. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Don’t flip them too soon—let the skin develop a nice crust.

 

  1. Move to Indirect Heat: After searing, move the thighs to the indirect heat side of the grill. This allows them to cook evenly without burning. Close the lid and grill for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

 

  1. Baste and Flavour: If you’re using BBQ sauce, brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling to create a sticky glaze. Just be cautious not to burn the sauce by applying it too early.

 

Rest and Serve

 

Once your chicken thighs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavourful.

 

Enjoy!

 

Now you’re ready to plate your BBQ chicken thighs! Pair them with your favourite sides—grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or cornbread for a delicious summer meal.

 

At Kent Charcoal, we believe that grilling is about more than just food; it’s about creating memories with family and friends. So fire up your grill, enjoy the smoky goodness of hardwood charcoal, and savour every moment this summer!

 

Happy grilling from all of us at Kent Charcoal!