The Perfect Guide: How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs on a Blackstone Griddle

As a seasoned cook and avid griller, I’ve come to appreciate the versatility and flavor that a Blackstone griddle brings to the table. When it comes to cooking chicken thighs, this powerful outdoor cooking appliance is a game-changer. In this article, I’ll share with you the perfect cooking time for chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, ensuring that you achieve juicy and tender results every time.

Cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. With its even heat distribution and ample cooking surface, the Blackstone griddle provides the ideal environment for achieving perfectly cooked chicken thighs. In this article, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, including the optimal cooking time to ensure a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a novice in the kitchen, cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle is a foolproof way to satisfy your cravings. In this article, I’ll share with you my tried-and-true method for cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, including the recommended cooking time for achieving that golden-brown crust and succulent meat. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this simple yet flavorful chicken thigh recipe.

Preparing the Chicken Thighs

When it comes to cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, proper preparation is key in achieving delicious and perfectly cooked results. Here’s how I like to prepare my chicken thighs:

1. Trimming: Start by trimming any excess fat or skin from the chicken thighs. This not only helps to reduce the amount of grease and splattering during cooking but also ensures that the thighs cook evenly.
2. Seasoning: Next, season the chicken thighs generously with your favorite seasonings. I personally love using a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a well-rounded flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different spices to suit your taste preferences.
3. Marinating: For an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate the chicken thighs for a few hours or overnight in a mixture of your choice. A simple marinade of soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice works wonders in tenderizing the meat and infusing it with delicious flavors. However, marinating is optional and the chicken thighs will still turn out juicy and flavorful without it.
4. Bringing to Room Temperature: Before cooking, allow the chicken thighs to come to room temperature. This helps to ensure that the thighs cook more evenly and reduces the risk of them drying out. Simply take the chicken thighs out of the refrigerator and let them sit on the kitchen counter for about 30 minutes.

By following these simple preparation steps, you’ll be on your way to cooking perfectly seasoned and juicy chicken thighs on your Blackstone griddle. Remember, the key is to properly trim, season, marinate (if desired), and bring the thighs to room temperature before cooking.

Seasoning the Chicken Thighs

When it comes to cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, seasoning is key. It adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish. Here are a few steps I follow to ensure my chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned before cooking:

1. Salt and pepper: Begin by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This simple combination helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
2. Additional spices: I like to experiment with different spices to add a punch of flavor to my chicken thighs. Some of my go-to options include garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite spices!
3. Marinade (optional): If you have the time, consider marinating the chicken thighs before cooking. A marinade not only adds flavor, but also helps to tenderize the meat. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own with ingredients like soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic.
4. Let it rest: After seasoning the chicken thighs, it’s important to let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking. Do not skip this step as it makes a significant difference in the final result.

Remember, the longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor. If time permits, marinating the chicken thighs for a few hours or even overnight will result in an incredibly flavorful dish.

Now that the chicken thighs are properly seasoned, it’s time to move on to the next step: cooking them on the Blackstone griddle.

Preheating the Blackstone

To achieve the perfect cooking temperature and ensure even cooking of your chicken thighs, preheating your Blackstone griddle is essential. Preheating allows the griddle to reach the desired temperature and creates a hot cooking surface for your chicken thighs.

Here’s how I recommend preheating your Blackstone griddle:

1. Start by turning on the heat source of your Blackstone griddle. Whether you’re using gas, electric, or propane, make sure to ignite the burners or heat source.
2. Set the heat to medium-high or around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is ideal for cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, as it allows for a nice sear while still ensuring the inside is cooked thoroughly.
3. Allow the griddle to preheat for 10-15 minutes. This will give it enough time to reach the desired temperature and ensure that it’s evenly heated.
4. While the griddle is preheating, take this time to prepare your chicken thighs. Trim any excess fat or skin, season them generously, and let them come to room temperature.
5. Once the griddle has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to start cooking! Place your seasoned chicken thighs onto the hot griddle, making sure to leave some space between each piece.

Remember, preheating is crucial for achieving the perfect cook on your chicken thighs. It helps to seal in the juices and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly throughout.

Cooking the Chicken Thighs on the Blackstone

Once you have preheated your Blackstone griddle and prepared the chicken thighs, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to ensure that your chicken thighs are perfectly cooked and full of flavor.

1. Place the chicken thighs on the preheated griddle: Carefully place the chicken thighs onto the hot griddle. Make sure to leave enough space between each piece to allow for even cooking. It’s important to arrange the thighs in a single layer so that they cook evenly.
2. Cook on medium-high heat: Set the heat on your Blackstone griddle to medium-high. This will allow the chicken thighs to cook through without burning the outside. Cooking the thighs on medium-high heat will also help to achieve a delicious sear on the skin, adding extra flavor and texture to the final dish.
3. Cook for about 6-8 minutes: Cook the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the thighs. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, as this is the safest way to determine if the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Avoid flipping too often: While it may be tempting to constantly flip the chicken thighs, it’s best to resist the urge. By flipping the thighs too often, you can disrupt the cooking process and prevent them from achieving that beautiful crispy skin. Flip the thighs only once, halfway through the cooking time.
5. Let the chicken rest: Once the chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Checking for Doneness

When cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle, it’s essential to ensure that they are cooked thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. Here are a few ways to determine if your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection:

1. Temperature: The most accurate way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat. Simply insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone, and make sure it reaches the desired temperature.

2. Visual cues: Another method to determine if the chicken thighs are cooked is by looking at them. The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the juices that come out should run clear without any traces of pink. If you notice any pinkness or blood, continue cooking the chicken until it is fully cooked.

3. Texture: A properly cooked chicken thigh should have a firm and juicy texture. You can check this by gently pressing the meat with tongs or a fork. If it feels springy and firm, it is most likely cooked. Keep in mind that overcooking can result in dry and tough meat, so be careful not to cook it for too long.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the thighs and the temperature of your griddle. It’s always better to use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate results.

Tips on How Long to Cook

Cooking chicken thighs on a Blackstone griddle is a delicious and flavorful experience. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, I have learned the key techniques to achieve perfectly cooked chicken thighs. Preheating the griddle, trimming excess fat and skin, seasoning generously, and allowing the thighs to come to room temperature are all crucial steps in ensuring juicy and flavorful meat.

Cooking the chicken thighs on medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side, without flipping them too often, helps to achieve crispy skin. Resting the thighs after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and succulent meat.

To determine if the chicken thighs are cooked thoroughly, I can use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Visual cues such as golden brown and crispy skin, as well as clear juices without any traces of pink, are also indicators of doneness. Lastly, when gently pressed, the texture of the chicken thigh should be firm and juicy.

By following these guidelines, I can confidently cook chicken thighs on my Blackstone griddle to perfection, impressing my family and friends with a delicious meal.