PREP TIME
5
MINS
IDLE TIME
6
HOURS
COOK TIME
30
MINS
PELLETS
Gold
BLEND
SERVES
5-6
PEOPLE
How do you cook chicken thighs on a pellet grill?
Chicken thighs are one of the easiest and most forgiving cuts of chicken to cook on a pellet grill. Their higher fat content helps keep the meat juicy while the wood-fired heat creates flavorful, crispy skin. Cook chicken thighs at 350°F to 375°F until they reach an internal temperature of at least 175°F, allowing the dark meat to become tender and full of flavor. They're perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or backyard barbecues.
Chicken thighs are a weeknight favorite for good reason. They’re affordable, easy to prepare, and packed with rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the subtle smoke of a pellet grill. This everyday recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with beautifully seasoned, crispy skin using simple ingredients and dependable cooking techniques. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, these are a delicious recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 lb chicken thighs
- â…“ cup yellow mustard
- ½ cup sweet BBQ sauce
- ½ lemon squeezed
- 2 tbsp GMG poultry rub (any poultry rub will do, we like ours!)
An Everyday Dinner That You Can Add To Your Menu
So many people ask us how to do a simple and quick chicken recipe, so we made this to show you how we make chicken for dinner daily.
Preparation:
- For 2-6 hours before cooking, place the chicken, mustard, bbq sauce, poultry rub, and lemon juice into a large bag and mix it up well. Place this into the refrigerator.
- Preheat your grill to 420 degrees.
- Evenly place the marinated chicken onto the grates stretched out.
- Cook for 15 minutes on each side, a total of 30 minutes. The sauce will begin to caramelize as the chicken cooks.
- Pull off and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes, then serve. Enjoy!
FAQs
What temperature should chicken thighs be cooked on a pellet grill?
For the best balance of juicy meat and crispy skin, cook chicken at 350°F to 375°F until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F to 185°F. Dark meat becomes more tender and flavorful when cooked slightly beyond the minimum safe temperature.
How long do chicken thighs take to cook on a pellet grill?
Most bone-in chicken thighs cook in 45 to 60 minutes, while boneless thighs usually cook in 30 to 45 minutes, depending on their size and your grill temperature.
What wood pellets are best for chicken thighs?
Apple, cherry, maple, pecan, and oak pellets all pair well with chicken. Fruit woods provide a mild, slightly sweet smoke, while oak delivers a more traditional barbecue flavor.
How do you get crispy chicken skin on a pellet grill?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the grill, and finish cooking at a slightly higher temperature if needed. This helps render the fat beneath the skin and creates a crisp, golden finish.
What side dishes go well with smoked chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs pair well with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, mac and cheese, coleslaw, corn on the cob, rice, fresh salads, or seasonal vegetables for a complete wood-fired meal.
