These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat! The combination of sweet honey and spicy buffalo sauce creates a delicious glaze that takes chicken to a whole new level.
Get ready for a finger-licking good time! I love serving these with a simple salad or some crispy fries. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra for leftovers—if they last that long! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs keep the meat juicy and flavorful during grilling. If you prefer, skinless thighs or chicken breasts can work. Just be mindful that the cooking time may change.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps caramelization on the grill. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you might try maple syrup or agave nectar as substitutes.
Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand for convenience. If you love experimenting, you can whip up a homemade version using hot sauce and melted butter. Adjust the heat to your taste.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds moisture and helps the marinade stick. Avocado oil is a good alternative if you want a higher smoke point.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika bring depth to the dish. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika works, but consider adding a dash of cayenne for a touch of heat.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Thighs Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken thighs needs a bit of care for the best results. The key is to maintain proper heat and cook them thoroughly while keeping them juicy. Here’s how:
- Marinate the chicken for at least one hour to let the flavors sink in; overnight is even better.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. If grilling over charcoal, make sure the coals are evenly distributed for consistent cooking.
- Start grilling skin-side down to achieve a crispy texture. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices!
How to Make Delicious Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour of marinating (or longer if you want even more flavor!). Then, you’ll need about 15-20 minutes to grill the chicken. So overall, plan for roughly 1 hour and 35 minutes to enjoy those juicy thighs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended and set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that every piece is coated nicely. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or even overnight if you have the time—this will really enhance the flavor!
3. Preheat and Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure it’s set up for direct grilling. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off, and discard the leftover marinade.
4. Grill the Chicken Thighs:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 7-10 minutes, or until the skin is nice and crispy and you can see those beautiful grill marks. Then, flip the thighs over and grill for another 7-10 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re perfectly grilled, remove the thighs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Finally, garnish with the sliced green onions before serving, and enjoy your tasty Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so reduce the grilling time by about 3-5 minutes on each side. Just make sure to check that the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety!
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing hot sauce with melted butter in a 2:1 ratio. For example, use 1/4 cup hot sauce and 2 tablespoons melted butter to get a similar flavor profile to buffalo sauce!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through, to keep the skin crispy.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance. Just whisk it together and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use. It will save you time on the day you plan to grill!
