How Long to Pre Cook Chicken Thighs Before BBQ

Cooking chicken thighs on the grill can be tricky.

You want the smoky char on the outside, but you also need the meat to be cooked through and safe to eat.

That’s why many people ask: how long should you pre cook chicken thighs before BBQ?

The answer depends on the cooking method, but a little prep goes a long way to keep your chicken juicy, flavorful, and safe.

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Why Pre Cook Chicken Thighs Before Grilling

Chicken thighs are darker meat, which means they’re full of flavor but take longer to cook than breasts.

If you put them straight on the grill, the outside can burn while the inside stays undercooked.

Pre cooking helps by:

• Reducing grill time

• Lowering the risk of raw spots

• Keeping the meat juicy instead of dried out

For times when you don’t even have access to a grill, you can still enjoy BBQ-style chicken thighs.

Here’s a guide on how long to BBQ chicken thighs without a grill.

Pre Cooking Methods for Chicken Thighs

Boiling or Simmering

One of the easiest ways is to simmer the chicken thighs in seasoned water.

• Place chicken thighs in a pot of water or broth.

• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

• Cook for 10–15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches around 150°F (65°C).

• Finish them on the grill for about 5–7 minutes per side, until crispy and smoky.

This method ensures the thighs are cooked through but still pick up grill flavor.

Baking in the Oven

If you’d rather not use the stove, the oven works too.

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Bake chicken thighs for 20–25 minutes until they hit about 150°F (65°C) internally.

• Transfer to a hot grill and cook for 5–10 minutes, flipping once, to finish.

This is a great option if you’re prepping for a party and need to batch cook.

Slow Cooking or Sous Vide

For maximum tenderness, some prefer low-and-slow methods.

• In a slow cooker, thighs can be cooked for 3–4 hours on low.

• With sous vide, set the water bath to 165°F (74°C) and cook for 1–2 hours.

• Once done, place on a hot grill for a quick sear.

This method locks in flavor and makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender.

Safe Internal Temperature for Chicken Thighs

The USDA recommends that chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe.

Using a thermometer is the best way to check.

When pre cooking, you can pull them off heat a little earlier (around 150°F) because they’ll finish cooking on the grill.

If you often cook meat outdoors, having a quick reference tool is a big help.

A magnetic meat temperature guide can stick right on your grill or fridge so you never second-guess safe cooking temps.

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How Long to Grill After Pre Cooking

Once thighs are pre cooked, grilling is all about caramelization and smoke.

• Gas or charcoal grill temperature: medium-high, about 400°F (204°C)

• Time: about 5–7 minutes per side

• Goal: crispy skin, smoky flavor, and final internal temp of 165°F

Keeping Your Grill Ready for Chicken

Pre cooking is only half the battle — cleaning your grill is just as important for flavor and safety.

Built-up grease can cause flare-ups, and old residue can stick to your chicken.

A safe, bristle-free tool like the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper is a simple way to keep your grates clean without worrying about metal bristles.

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Final Thoughts

Pre cooking chicken thighs before BBQ isn’t just about saving time — it’s about balancing safety with flavor.

Whether you simmer, bake, or sous vide, the sweet spot is getting the thighs to about 150°F internally before finishing them on the grill.

That way, you’ll get juicy, smoky chicken every time without worrying about undercooked spots.

Want to make your BBQ even easier?

Click below the image to explore Easy Function’s full range of grilling tools that help you cook smarter, cleaner, and safer.