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Hey there Reader,

Summer grilling season is here, and we need to talk about the biggest mistake people make at the grill: reaching for chicken breasts when thighs are sitting right there, begging to be on the grill.

Here's the little secret most grillers don't want to admit: chicken thighs are nearly impossible to overcook on the grill, while breasts turn into rubbery hockey pucks faster than you can say "dinner's ready."

Here's What Makes it Work

• Bone-in, skin-on thighs hold more moisture and develop flavor while the skin crisps beautifully over medium heat.
• Two-zone grilling gives you control: start skin-side down over direct heat to render the fat and get that golden char, then move to indirect to finish without flare-ups.
• Pat dry before seasoning — moisture is the enemy of crisp. A quick rest before grilling helps, too.
• Don’t flip too soon. Give the skin time to release naturally from the grill (about 6–7 minutes) for maximum sear.

The Trick to Crispy Skin

Want to know the secret to the best grilled chicken thighs? It's all about the skin. We start them skin-side down over medium heat (adjusting as needed to avoid flare-ups) and resist the urge to flip them for the first 6-8 minutes. That sizzling sound? That's your money-saving cut developing the kind of crispy skin that makes people think you've been grilling for decades.

Two-Zone Setup: How to Control Flare-Ups

Here's how we set up our grill for delicious thighs:

• Hot side: Direct heat for that initial skin crisping
• Cool side: Indirect heat to finish cooking through without burning

Start skin-side down on the hot side, then move to the cool side to finish. Internal temp of 165°F, but honestly, thighs are so forgiving that even 175-180°F won't hurt them (and we think they taste better that way too). Need to master a 2-zone fire? Read our full guide.

Plus, Thighs Save You Money

At current prices, bone-in thighs run about $1.80-2.75 per pound versus $4.20+ for boneless breasts. That's money back in your pocket for better-tasting results. We're talking about feeding a family of four for under $10 instead of $18+.

Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ready to master the grill with thighs that'll have your friends asking for your secret? We've grilled chicken countless times to get it right.

​Get our favorite grilled chicken thighs recipe here →​

Prefer breasts? We get it. Some recipes just call for white meat. Our grilled chicken breast recipe (and quick marinade) makes sure they stay juicy every time: Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe →​

What's your biggest grilling challenge this summer? Hit reply and let us know – we read every response.

Cheers, Kita GirlCarnivore.com ​OG Meat Maven Since 2013

P.S. Next time you're at the grocery store, grab a pack of thighs and a pack of breasts. Grill them side by side using our recipes. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.

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