These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs bring a sweet and spicy kick to your dinner plate! Marinated in honey and buffalo sauce, they turn out juicy with a crispy edge.
Get ready for a flavor explosion! I love serving these with a side of cool ranch dip to balance the heat. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy family meal—you’re going to want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are juicier, but boneless, skinless work great too! If you have chicken breasts, they can also be used, but make sure to adjust cooking time as they cook faster.
Honey: This adds sweetness to balance the heat of the Buffalo sauce. You can substitute agave nectar or maple syrup if you need a vegan option or want a different flavor profile.
Buffalo Sauce: Look for your favorite store-bought version, but a homemade blend of hot sauce mixed with melted butter can work too. If you prefer milder flavors, use a mild sauce instead.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives a nice tang. If you don’t have it, lemon juice is a suitable substitute or white vinegar, though it might be a bit stronger.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Gets Lots of Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to infusing it with flavor. Letting it soak in the marinade for at least 1 hour is effective, but overnight is ideal. Make sure to coat every piece well.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together. This ensures even mixing.
- Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or bowl, cover it, and refrigerate. Massage the chicken through the bag occasionally to redistribute the marinade.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken for Juiciness?
Grilling chicken thighs right can make a big difference. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C) to achieve that sear.
- Start with skin-side down if using skin-on. This helps to crisp the skin. Avoid flipping it too soon; let it get nice grill marks before turning.
- Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Invest in a meat thermometer for the best results!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender.
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce (hot sauce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
- Sliced green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time (or preferably overnight for even better flavor). Then, you’ll spend about 15 minutes cooking on the grill. In total, you should plan for a few hours, including marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the honey, Buffalo sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s all blended nicely. This will be the tasty marinade for the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated well, then seal the bag or cover the bowl. Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you want to pack in the flavor).
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for grilling the chicken so it cooks through without burning.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any extra marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down if using skin-on, and grill for about 5-7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and grill for another 5-7 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) to make sure it’s fully cooked.
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts or drumsticks instead. Just adjust the cooking time: breasts will cook faster, so monitor them closely to avoid drying out, and drumsticks might need a few extra minutes on the grill.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s a Good Substitute for Buffalo Sauce?
If you’re looking for a milder flavor, you can substitute the Buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce or a garlic hot sauce. Just keep in mind this will change the flavor profile slightly. You can also blend hot sauce with a bit of honey or mustard for a similar effect!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than Overnight?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. However, marinating for too long can sometimes make the meat a bit too salty or affect its texture. So, if you’re heading beyond the one-day mark, consider cutting back on the salt in the marinade.
