These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are juicy and packed with flavor! The sweet honey mixed with spicy buffalo sauce makes a mouthwatering combination that everyone loves.
I can’t resist these thighs when they’re sizzling on the grill. They are perfect for summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. Plus, they disappear fast—get ready to share! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and juiciness when grilled. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use boneless skinless thighs, but they may dry out quicker.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This sauce adds a kick! If you like more heat, try a hotter sauce, or mix in additional hot sauce. For a milder option, you can use barbecue sauce or a sweet chili sauce.
Honey: Honey balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Maple syrup can serve as a great substitute if you need a different sweetness. Just adjust the amount to taste, as it can be a bit thinner than honey.
Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a smoky depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will still work, or cumin can bring a unique flavor too!
How Do I Get the Skin Extra Crispy on Chicken Thighs?
Getting crispy skin is all about the technique. Start with a hot grill and do not overcrowd the grill to allow good air circulation.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high before placing the chicken on it.
- Make sure the skin side is facing down when you start grilling. This helps crisp up the skin and create beautiful grill marks.
- Don’t flip the chicken too early; let it get nice and crispy for 6-8 minutes before flipping it.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s cooked through without drying out.
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 wing sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and requires at least 1 hour for marinating. If you have time, marinating overnight gives the chicken even more flavor. Cooking on the grill takes another 15 minutes, so total time will be around 1 hour and 30 minutes, plus marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. This will be the flavorful marinade that makes your chicken delicious!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to make sure each chicken thigh is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or even better, overnight if you’ve got the time!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To keep the chicken from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade, allowing any excess sauce to drip off. It’s okay if they still have some marinade on them. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes. Look for that nice crispy skin and grill marks!
5. Flip and Baste:
After 6-8 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over. Take the reserved marinade and brush it on the tops of the chicken as you cook them. Continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside for tender, flavorful chicken. Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and can dry out easily. Adjust the grilling time to about 5-7 minutes per side, and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Wing Sauce?
No problem! You can make a homemade version by mixing hot sauce with melted butter. For a milder option, use a blend of hot sauce and a bit of barbecue sauce or ketchup for sweetness and tang.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken 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 about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can dry the chicken out.
Can I Grill These Chicken Thighs Indoors?
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or a broiler in your oven. For the grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking times. For the broiler, place the thighs on a baking sheet and broil, flipping halfway through until the skin is crispy and they reach the desired temperature.
