These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat! The chicken is juicy, marinated in a spicy honey sauce, and grilled to perfection with a nice char. Perfect for a summer BBQ!
I love how the sweet and spicy flavors make these thighs super fun to eat! Serve them with some veggies or a salad, and you’ve got an easy and delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide great flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless thighs can work, but they might not be as juicy. Drumsticks are a tasty alternative, too!
Hot Buffalo Sauce: This sauce is essential for that classic tangy flavor. If you’re sensitive to heat, try using a milder hot sauce or mix in some ketchup for sweetness without the kick.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you need a vegan option, agave syrup works nicely. Maple syrup can also substitute, but it’ll have a different flavor.
Smoked Paprika: This ground spice gives a lovely smokiness. If you don’t have it, use regular paprika or even a touch of cayenne for heat, just be cautious with the amount!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Grilling chicken thighs takes a bit of attention, but it’s rewarding! Start by making sure your grill is preheated to medium-high to get that nice char. Here’s how:
- Before placing the chicken, oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook the thighs skin-side down first for about 5-7 minutes until they are crispy. This helps to lock in moisture.
- Flip the chicken carefully and continue grilling. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For added flavor, brushing with more marinade is great, but watch for flare-ups from the honey!
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling; this helps keep it juicy. Enjoy your meal with a sprinkle of green onions for a fresh touch!
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup hot buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. If you can marinate the chicken overnight, it will have even more flavor! The actual grilling will take about 15 minutes, making it a pretty quick dish to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by taking a large bowl and mixing together the hot buffalo sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything well until it’s nicely combined to form a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade, making sure they are all coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak in those flavors for at least 1 hour, or if you’ve got time, let it marinate overnight!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, shaking off any extra liquid, and place the thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin looks crispy and caramelized. If you’d like, you can brush some additional marinade on the chicken while it cooks, but be careful of any flare-ups because of the honey.
4. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done grilling, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to keep it juicy. Before you serve, sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for a fresh garnish. Enjoy your delicious grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken thighs! Just be aware that they will cook faster, so aim for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can use any hot sauce you prefer, like sriracha or even a spicy barbecue sauce. Just adjust the amount to match your heat preference!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil, skin-side up. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy. You can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness!
