– **Title**: Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade.
5. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for grilling. They stay juicy and tender. However, if you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts can work. Just adjust the cooking time as they cook faster!
Buffalo Sauce: This is key to getting that classic spicy flavor. If you want less heat, use a milder hot sauce or make your own with some chili powder and vinegar. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try a plant-based buffalo sauce.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness that balances the spice of the buffalo sauce. For a vegan choice, maple syrup or agave syrup will provide similar sweetness and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for strong flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, ready minced garlic from a jar can work, but I personally recommend fresh whenever possible!
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds depth and a smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika will do, but smoking it yourself or using a bit of liquid smoke can be fun alternatives!
How Do I Get Crispy Skin on My Grilled Chicken?
One common challenge is achieving crispy skin while grilling. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Start with a clean, oiled grill. This prevents sticking and helps achieve browning.
- Grill the chicken skin-side down first. This allows the fat to render and crisp up as it cooks.
- Avoid moving the chicken around too much. Let it sit in one place to develop a nice crispy char.
- Monitor the temperature closely. The ideal internal temperature for fully cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest after grilling; this helps juices redistribute and enhances flavor.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly crispy and flavorful grilled chicken thighs!
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:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (or overnight for better flavor). Grilling will take approximately 15 minutes. So, plan for a total time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes, keeping in mind the marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s all mixed well. This sweet and spicy marinade is what makes the chicken delicious!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in a large zip-top bag or in a shallow container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and put it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally, let it sit overnight to soak up all the flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C). It’s a great idea to oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to help prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Make sure to discard any leftover marinade, as it has been in contact with raw chicken.
5. Grill the Chicken Thighs:
Place the chicken thighs on the grill with the skin side down. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and has lovely grill marks. Then, carefully flip the thighs and grill for another 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once they’re cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it keeps the chicken juicy!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Now your Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are ready to enjoy! Perfect for dinner or your next BBQ!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, but be aware that they can dry out more easily than thighs. Cook the breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You might also want to marinate them for a shorter time, around 30 minutes, to maintain juiciness.
What if I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have buffalo sauce on hand, you can make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter (about 2 parts hot sauce to 1 part butter), or substitute with another spicy sauce like sriracha or a chipotle sauce for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also use them in salads or sandwiches!
Can I Make These Chicken Thighs in the Oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). To get a crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but keep an eye on them!
