How to Parboil Chicken Thighs for Grilling (Perfect Every Time!)

ByJennifer Lucks

How Long to Parboil Chicken T thighs Before Grilling?

Grilled chicken thighs are a summertime staple, but they can be tricky to cook perfectly. If you don’t cook them long enough, they’ll be tough and dry. But if you cook them too long, they’ll be overcooked and chewy.

One way to ensure that your chicken thighs come out juicy and flavorful is to parboil them before grilling. Parboiling is a cooking method that involves boiling food in water for a short period of time. This helps to cook the chicken through without drying it out.

In this article, we’ll discuss how long to parboil chicken thighs before grilling, as well as some tips for grilling chicken thighs perfectly. We’ll also provide a recipe for grilled chicken thighs that are sure to be a hit at your next cookout.

Time Temperature Notes
5-7 minutes 180 degrees Fahrenheit The chicken should be cooked through but not browned.
10-12 minutes 200 degrees Fahrenheit The chicken should be cooked through and slightly browned.
15-18 minutes 250 degrees Fahrenheit The chicken should be cooked through and browned.

What is parboiling?

Parboiling is a cooking technique that involves boiling food in water for a short period of time before finishing it in another cooking method, such as grilling, roasting, or baking. This process helps to tenderize the food and cook it evenly, while also reducing the amount of time it takes to cook the food through.

Parboiling is a good option for chicken thighs because it helps to make them more moist and juicy. The boiling water helps to break down the connective tissue in the chicken thighs, which makes them more tender. Additionally, parboiling helps to cook the chicken thighs evenly, so that they are not overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside.

Why should you parboil chicken thighs before grilling?

There are several reasons why you should parboil chicken thighs before grilling them.

  • It helps to make the chicken thighs more moist and juicy. As mentioned above, parboiling helps to break down the connective tissue in the chicken thighs, which makes them more tender. This results in chicken thighs that are juicy and flavorful, even when cooked over high heat.
  • It helps to cook the chicken thighs evenly. When chicken thighs are grilled directly from the refrigerator, the outside of the chicken thighs can cook faster than the inside. This can result in chicken thighs that are overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside. Parboiling the chicken thighs first helps to ensure that they are cooked evenly throughout.
  • It reduces the amount of time it takes to grill the chicken thighs. Parboiling the chicken thighs first helps to cook them through, so that they do not need to be grilled for as long. This can save you time on busy weeknights.

Overall, parboiling chicken thighs before grilling is a great way to ensure that you end up with juicy, flavorful, and evenly cooked chicken thighs.

How long should you parboil chicken thighs before grilling?

The amount of time you need to parboil chicken thighs before grilling will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs. For thicker chicken thighs, you will need to parboil them for longer. As a general rule, you should parboil chicken thighs for about 5 minutes per inch of thickness.

For example, if you are grilling chicken thighs that are 1 inch thick, you will need to parboil them for about 5 minutes. If you are grilling chicken thighs that are 2 inches thick, you will need to parboil them for about 10 minutes.

It is important to note that you should not overcook chicken thighs when parboiling them. If you overcook the chicken thighs, they will become dry and tough.

Parboiling chicken thighs before grilling is a great way to ensure that you end up with juicy, flavorful, and evenly cooked chicken thighs. By parboiling the chicken thighs first, you will reduce the amount of time it takes to grill them, and you will also help to prevent them from becoming dry and tough.

Here are some tips for parboiling chicken thighs before grilling:

  • Use a large pot or saucepan with enough water to cover the chicken thighs.
  • Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the boiling water and reduce the heat to medium-high.
  • Cook the chicken thighs for 5 minutes per inch of thickness.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the boiling water and drain them well.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  • Grill the chicken thighs according to your desired method.

By following these tips, you will be able to make perfectly grilled chicken thighs every time.

How Long To Parboil Chicken Thighs Before Grilling?

Parboiling chicken thighs before grilling is a great way to ensure that they are cooked through and juicy. The parboiling process also helps to tenderize the meat, making it more flavorful and easier to chew.

To parboil chicken thighs, you will need:

  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of water

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the chicken thighs, salt, and pepper.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Grill the chicken thighs according to your desired method.

The parboiling process will take about 10 minutes, but the total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken thighs and the heat of your grill.

How to Parboil Chicken Thighs Before Grilling?

To parboil chicken thighs before grilling, you will need:

  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of water

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the chicken thighs, salt, and pepper.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Grill the chicken thighs according to your desired method.

The parboiling process will take about 10 minutes, but the total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken thighs and the heat of your grill.

Here are some tips for parboiling chicken thighs before grilling:

  • Use a large pot or saucepan so that the chicken thighs can be submerged in the water.
  • Bring the water to a boil before adding the chicken thighs. This will help to kill any bacteria on the surface of the meat.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the chicken thighs for 10 minutes. This will help to cook the chicken through without overcooking it.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out when you grill it.
  • Grill the chicken thighs according to your desired method.

Parboiling chicken thighs before grilling is a great way to ensure that they are cooked through and juicy. The parboiling process also helps to tenderize the meat, making it more flavorful and easier to chew.

Tips for Parboiling Chicken Thighs Before Grilling

Here are some tips for parboiling chicken thighs before grilling:

  • Use a large pot or saucepan so that the chicken thighs can be submerged in the water. This will help to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly.
  • Bring the water to a boil before adding the chicken thighs. This will help to kill any bacteria on the surface of the meat.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the chicken thighs for 10 minutes. This will help to cook the chicken through without overcooking it.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out when you grill it.
  • Grill the chicken thighs according to your desired method.

Parboiling chicken thighs before grilling is a great way to ensure that they are cooked through and juicy. The parboiling process also helps to tenderize the meat, making it more flavorful and easier to chew.

Here are some additional tips for grilling chicken thighs:

  • Marinate the chicken thighs in a flavorful marinade before grilling. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the meat.
  • Grill the chicken thighs over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  • Turn the chicken thighs frequently while grilling. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly.
  • Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help to keep the chicken juicy.

By following these tips, you can grill chicken thighs that are perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful.

How long do I parboil chicken thighs before grilling?

  • Answer: The optimal parboiling time for chicken thighs is 5-7 minutes per side. This will help to cook the chicken through without drying it out.

What temperature should I parboil chicken thighs at?

  • Answer: The ideal parboiling temperature for chicken thighs is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to cook the chicken through without overcooking it.

Can I parboil chicken thighs in the oven?

  • Answer: Yes, you can parboil chicken thighs in the oven. To do this, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Add enough water to cover the chicken thighs halfway. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through.

Can I parboil chicken thighs in a slow cooker?

  • Answer: Yes, you can parboil chicken thighs in a slow cooker. To do this, add the chicken thighs to a slow cooker along with enough water to cover them halfway. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through.

What are the benefits of parboiling chicken thighs before grilling?

  • Answer: Parboiling chicken thighs before grilling has several benefits, including:
  • It helps to cook the chicken through without drying it out.
  • It helps to retain the chicken’s flavor and juices.
  • It helps to make the chicken more tender.
  • It helps to reduce the grilling time.

What are the risks of not parboiling chicken thighs before grilling?

  • Answer: Not parboiling chicken thighs before grilling can increase the risk of foodborne illness. This is because the chicken may not be cooked through all the way, which can allow harmful bacteria to grow.

How can I tell if chicken thighs are done parboiling?

  • Answer: You can tell if chicken thighs are done parboiling by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken thighs should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check if the chicken thighs are done by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the meat. The meat should be white and opaque, and the juices should run clear.

    parboiling chicken thighs before grilling is a great way to ensure that they are cooked through and juicy. By parboiling the chicken, you will help to lock in the moisture and flavor, and prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill. Be sure to parboil the chicken thighs for the correct amount of time, and then grill them until they are cooked through and browned. With this simple method, you can enjoy perfectly grilled chicken thighs every time.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when parboiling chicken thighs before grilling:

  • Parboil the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side.
  • Make sure the chicken thighs are submerged in the water.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Grill the chicken thighs until they are cooked through and browned.

By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly grilled chicken thighs every time.

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.

Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.

In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.

Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.