Grilling chicken thighs is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a backyard barbecue or a simple weeknight meal. Chicken thighs are a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that can be prepared in various ways. Follow these nine steps for perfectly grilled chicken thighs every time.

1. Choose your chicken: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness. This cut will also help prevent the meat from drying out during the grilling process.

2. Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, between 350°F and 400°F. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered in white ash for optimal heat distribution.

3. Clean and oil the grates: Once your grill has reached the desired temperature, clean the grates thoroughly using a grill brush. Then, lightly coat the grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

4. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or dry rubs.

5. Place chicken on grill: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Leave enough space between them to promote even cooking.

6. Grill on direct heat: Cook the chicken thighs over direct heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the skin to develop a crispy texture and golden color.

7. Flip and cook on indirect heat: Once they have achieved good color, flip the thighs over and move them to a cooler part of the grill (indirect heat). This will allow them to continue cooking without charring or drying out.

8. Check internal temperature: To ensure doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to check that each thigh reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F – this normally occurs after an additional 15-20 minutes of grilling time on indirect heat.

9. Rest and serve: Once the chicken thighs have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices. Then, serve your perfectly grilled chicken thighs with your choice of side dishes and enjoy!

Now that you know how to grill chicken thighs in 9 easy steps, you’re ready to impress your friends and family with your grilling skills. Happy grilling!