How To Grill Chicken Thighs On A Big Green Egg

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by Chef Jason from 5280 Culinary

When it comes to grilling chicken thighs you have 2 solid options, bone in or boneless.  Both options are good and provide excellent flavor.  Choose the boneless option to save some cooking time, or choose the bone in option for a bit more flavor and some extra juicy chicken.  Either way, you win! Try it today on your Big Green Egg!

Print Recipe for Big Green Egg Chicken Thighs Recipe

Yield: 6 chicken thighs

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 Minutes – Boneless  |  15-20 Minutes – Bone In

Cook Temp: 450˚ - Direct Heat

Ingredients

Directions:

Grill and Tool Prep

  1. Wash all tools prior to use
  2. Clean and sanitize all cutting boards and prep surfaces prior to use
  3. Read all manufacturer’s instructions before using grills, starters and any cooking tools
  4. Stir charcoal in the Big Green Egg and top off with Fresh Charcoal
  5. Clean out ash pit if needed
  6. Open Bottom vent and top vent for maximum air flow during startup process
  7. Make a well in the center of the lump and ignite the charcoal using speedilight starters or an EGGniter
  8. Heat to temp of 450˚ and adjust lower and upper vents to hold at 450˚
While grill is heating up – prep chicken thighs as follows

Food Prep & Cooking

  1. Place chicken thighs in mixing bowl
  2. Add light oil to coat chicken
  3. Season to taste with Cluck Rub
  4. Mix well to combine and adjust seasoning as needed
  5. Allow to sit on the counter while grill reaches cooking temperature
  6. Burp Big Green Egg and Open dome
  7. Add chicken – MEAT or BONE side down first, add towards center, but not directly in the center of the grill grate
  8. Grill on the first side for 4-5 minutes (boneless) or 8-10 minutes (bone in), turn chicken over, move to the more indirect part of the grill grate and grill the second side for 4-5 minutes (boneless) or 8-10 minutes (bone in), or until desired doneness is reached
    • If desired, Glaze during the last 3 minutes of cooking with BBQ Sauce or Honey
  9. Using tongs, remove chicken from the grill and bring into the kitchen.  Allow to rest for 2-3 minutes
  10. When done, properly cool chicken down, uncovered.  When cooled completely, cover and store
Shelf life is 2 days for fully cooked chicken– use leftovers for tacos, burritos or a quick heat and go chicken sandwich.  Discard chicken after 2 days if un-used

Extra Tips & Info

  • Cluck Rub gives the a beautiful balsamic chicken finish
  • The number one tool for grilling is a great thermometer
  • Chicken thighs are dark meat, which is normally juicy to begin with, but will be even juicier bone in
  • Start grilling toward the center, on direct heat, and then when you flip the chicken thighs, move them toward the edges to get a slower, less direct heat.
  • When checking the heat of a bone in thigh, make sure the thermometer isn't touching the bone to make sure you get an accurate reading.
  • It takes about 11 minutes for boneless and 20 minutes for bone in to cook, however, this cook time may vary depending on how large or small your chicken thighs are.
  • Bone in chicken thighs might have a little pink around the bone, which is normal.
For more helpful tips and advice, visit a Neighborhood Ace or online at Ace Hardware's Tips & Advice

Published on 3/8/2021.

Always follow manufacturer's instructions before using any product.

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