These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a tasty twist on a classic! Perfectly tender chicken is brushed with a sweet and spicy honey buffalo sauce, making each bite exciting.
Trust me, your grill will love this! Plus, they’re easy to whip up for a family dinner or a backyard BBQ—everyone will be coming back for seconds! 🌶️🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs keep the meat juicy while grilling. If you prefer, you can use bone-in, skinless thighs; just be mindful of cooking time as they may dry out faster!
Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand for convenience. If you’re looking for a milder alternative, you can try a hot sauce mixed with a bit of ketchup. It adds flavor without being too spicy.
Honey: Honey balances the heat from the buffalo sauce. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can work as a sweet substitute in this recipe.
Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a nice smokiness. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or cayenne pepper can be used, but they will change the flavor a bit. Paprika won’t have the smoky taste, and cayenne adds more heat.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives a nice punch. If you’re short on time, garlic powder could suffice, about 1/2 teaspoon for each clove.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Grilling chicken thighs can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can achieve juicy and flavorful results. First, let your chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before hitting the grill. This helps with even cooking and prevents it from being too cold in the center.
- Always oil your grill grates before cooking to avoid sticking.
- Start grilling skin-side down for a good char, which takes about 6-7 minutes.
- Then, flip the thighs, reduce the heat to medium, and grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer helps to avoid guesswork!
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken moist.
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 1 hour (or overnight) for marinating. The grilling itself will take around 20 minutes. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour and 35 minutes, if marinating for 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This will create a delicious marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each thigh is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for better flavor, overnight is best!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Before you start cooking, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. This ensures that your chicken will grill nicely without tearing.
4. Prep the Chicken for Grilling:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Make sure to discard any leftover marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
5. Start Grilling:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is nicely charred and starts to release easily from the grill. Be sure not to move them around too much; let them do their thing!
6. Flip and Continue Cooking:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and reduce the grill heat to medium. Grill them for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
7. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken extra juicy.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your delicious chicken with chopped green onions. Serve them hot and enjoy!
Enjoy your tasty Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs; just reduce the cooking time slightly, grilling them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
If you don’t have buffalo sauce on hand, you can mix hot sauce with equal parts melted butter for a similar flavor. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be cautious not to overcook them!
Can I Marinate the Chicken For Longer?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. Just be cautious if you’re using a very acidic marinade, as it can change the texture of the chicken if left too long.
