The Ultimate Guide: How Long to Cook Bone-in Chicken Thighs on a Blackstone Griddle
When it comes to cooking bone-in chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, timing is everything. As an experienced cook, I’ve perfected the art of achieving a juicy and flavorful chicken thigh with a perfectly crispy skin. In this article, I’ll share my tried-and-true method for cooking bone-in chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, ensuring that you get the best results every time.
Cooking bone-in chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle requires a bit of finesse and attention to detail. With the right technique, you can achieve a tender and succulent chicken thigh that is bursting with flavor. In this article, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking bone-in chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, so you can enjoy a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.
Preparing the Chicken Thighs
When it comes to cooking bone-in chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, proper preparation is key for achieving the best results. Follow these steps to ensure your chicken is seasoned and ready to be cooked to perfection:
1. Start with high-quality chicken thighs: Look for fresh, bone-in chicken thighs that are well-trimmed. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor and juiciness of the end result.
2. Season generously: Before cooking, season the chicken thighs with your favorite spices and herbs. This is your chance to infuse the meat with flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings, whether it’s a simple salt and pepper mixture or a blend of herbs and spices.
3. Let it marinate (optional): If you have the time, consider marinating the chicken thighs for a few hours or overnight. This step not only adds extra flavor, but also helps to tenderize the meat. Experiment with different marinades to find your favorite combination.
4. Bring the chicken to room temperature: For even cooking, take the chicken thighs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This will ensure that the meat cooks more evenly and prevents it from drying out.
5. Pat dry the chicken: Before cooking, make sure to pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and allows the skin to crisp up nicely on the griddle.
By following these steps, you’ll have well-seasoned and properly prepared chicken thighs that are ready to be cooked on your Blackstone griddle. Remember, the key to delicious chicken is in the details, so take your time in preparing the meat before it hits the heat.
Seasoning the Chicken Thighs
When it comes to cooking bone-in chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, the key to achieving maximum flavor lies in the seasoning. Properly seasoning the chicken thighs not only adds depth and complexity to the dish but also helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
To start, I like to use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika as a base seasoning. This blend creates a well-rounded flavor profile that complements the rich and juicy chicken thighs. I always make sure to season both sides of the chicken thighs generously, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different seasoning blends to suit your taste preferences. Some popular options include Cajun, Italian, or even Mexican seasoning blends. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to the seasoning.
Once the chicken thighs are seasoned to perfection, it’s a good idea to let them sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This helps to ensure that the seasonings are fully absorbed, resulting in a more flavorful and delicious final dish.
It’s important to note that seasoning is subjective, and the amount of seasoning you use may vary depending on your personal taste. However, it’s always better to slightly over-season than under-season, as the flavor will mellow out during the cooking process.
By taking the time to properly season the chicken thighs, you can elevate your cooking game and create a dish that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Don’t skimp on the seasoning – it’s the secret ingredient that takes your chicken thighs from ordinary to extraordinary.
Preheating the Blackstone Griddle
Before we start cooking the bone-in chicken thighs on the Blackstone griddle, it’s essential to properly preheat the griddle. This step ensures even heat distribution and helps the chicken thighs cook to perfection.
To preheat the griddle, I turn all the burners on medium-high heat. It usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes for the griddle to reach the desired temperature, which is around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a griddle thermometer to check the temperature if needed.
While waiting for the griddle to heat up, I take this time to prepare the chicken thighs. This includes seasoning generously and making sure they are at room temperature.
Once the griddle is hot enough, I turn down the burners to medium heat. This adjustment prevents the chicken thighs from cooking too quickly or burning. It’s important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Before placing the chicken thighs on the griddle, I make sure to give it a quick rub with some vegetable oil. This prevents the chicken from sticking and helps achieve that crispy skin we all love.
Now that the griddle is preheated, it’s time to start cooking the bone-in chicken thighs. Remember to be attentive and keep a close eye on them as they cook.
By following these steps and preheating the Blackstone griddle properly, you can ensure that your bone-in chicken thighs are cooked evenly and achieve that beautiful golden-brown crispy skin.
Cooking the Chicken Thighs on the Blackstone Griddle
Now that we have properly prepared our bone-in chicken thighs, it’s time to fire up the Blackstone griddle and start cooking. Cooking bone-in chicken thighs on a griddle requires attention and careful timing to achieve the perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy skin. Follow these steps to cook the chicken thighs to perfection:
- Preheat the Blackstone griddle: Before placing the chicken thighs on the griddle, it’s important to preheat it properly. Turn all the burners to medium-high heat and allow the griddle to heat up. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes for the griddle to reach the desired temperature.
- Adjust the burners: Once the griddle is hot, adjust the burners to medium heat. This will help maintain a consistent temperature and prevent the chicken thighs from burning.
- Oil the griddle: To prevent the chicken thighs from sticking to the griddle and to achieve that coveted crispy skin, lightly coat the griddle with vegetable oil. Use a brush or paper towel to spread the oil evenly across the surface.
- Place the chicken thighs on the griddle: Carefully place the bone-in chicken thighs on the griddle, skin side down. Make sure to leave some space between each thigh to allow heat to circulate properly.
- Cook the chicken thighs: Let the chicken thighs cook undisturbed for about 8-10 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
As the chicken thighs cook, you’ll notice the skin turning a beautiful golden brown and becoming crispy. Avoid flipping the chicken thighs frequently, as this can prevent the skin from getting crispy. Instead, be patient and let them cook undisturbed on each side.
By following these steps, you can achieve flavorful and perfectly cooked bone-in chicken thighs on your Blackstone griddle. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature is reached, and resist the temptation to cut into the chicken thighs too early. Instead, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving to lock in the juices and intensify the flavors. Now that you know how to cook bone-in chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, it’s time to enjoy your delicious creation.
Checking for Doneness
Once you’ve cooked your bone-in chicken thighs on the Blackstone griddle for the recommended time, it’s important to check for doneness to ensure they are cooked through and safe to eat.
To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. The USDA recommends that chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. If the temperature reads 165°F (74°C) or higher, your chicken thighs are ready to be taken off the griddle.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also visually check for doneness. The chicken thighs should have an internal temperature where the meat is white and opaque throughout, with no pink or translucent parts. You can also make a small cut in the thickest part of the thigh to ensure there are no signs of raw or undercooked meat.
Additionally, you can test the doneness of chicken thighs by pressing on them with a fork or tongs. If the meat feels firm and there is no give, it is likely fully cooked. However, be careful not to overcook the chicken thighs as they can dry out.
Remember, the cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the chicken thighs, the temperature of the griddle, and other factors. It’s always important to use a reliable method of checking for doneness to ensure that your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection.
Now that you know how to check for doneness, you can confidently cook bone-in chicken thighs on your Blackstone griddle and serve up delicious, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time.
Serving the Cooked Chicken Thighs
Once the bone-in chicken thighs are cooked to perfection on the Blackstone griddle, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy the delicious results. Here are a few tips on how to present and serve your cooked chicken thighs:
1. Rest the chicken thighs
Before serving, it’s important to let the cooked chicken thighs rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Simply transfer the grilled chicken thighs to a cutting board or serving platter and loosely cover them with foil. Let them rest for about 5 minutes.
2. Garnish and season
To enhance the flavors and presentation of your cooked chicken thighs, consider garnishing them with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also sprinkle some additional seasoning, such as smoked paprika or chili flakes, for an extra kick of flavor.
3. Serve with sides
Chicken thighs pair well with a variety of side dishes. Whether you prefer a light and refreshing salad, a warm and hearty grain pilaf, or some roasted vegetables, the choice is yours. Consider the flavors of your seasoning blend and choose sides that complement them.
4. Serve family-style or individually
Decide how you want to serve the chicken thighs – either in a family-style platter where everyone can dig in, or individually plated with sides. Both options have their own charm, so choose whichever suits your occasion and preferences.
Tips on How Long to Cook
Cooking bone-in chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle requires timing and attention to detail, but the result is juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin. Starting with high-quality chicken thighs, generously seasoning, and allowing them to sit before cooking are all crucial steps. Preheating the griddle properly, adjusting the burners, and using vegetable oil prevent sticking and achieve that desired crispy skin. Checking for doneness using a meat thermometer or visual cues is important, as is letting the chicken thighs rest before serving. Garnishing, seasoning, and serving with sides can elevate the dish even further. Whether you prefer family-style or individually plated servings, these tips will ensure that your bone-in chicken thighs on the Blackstone griddle turn out perfectly every time.
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