These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat! They’re juicy, sweet, and spicy all at once, making dinner feel extra special. Plus, grilling adds a nice smoky flavor.
I love how easy they are to whip up! Just mix the honey and buffalo sauce, marinate the chicken, and grill them. Perfect for backyard barbecues or cozy dinners at home! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs are ideal for grilling since the skin adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. If needed, you could use boneless skinless thighs; just reduce grilling time and check for doneness sooner.
Buffalo Sauce: This gives the dish its signature heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, look for a mild buffalo sauce or mix hot sauce with a little bit of ranch dressing for a creamy balance.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to counter the heat of the buffalo sauce. Maple syrup is a great substitute if you’re looking for a vegan option, or agave syrup works too for similar sweetness.
Olive Oil: This helps the marinade stick and keeps chicken moist. If you like, you can swap it for avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point often preferred for grilling.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Has the Perfect Grill Marks?
Getting those beautiful grill marks is all about the right technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill properly; aim for medium-high heat between 400°F and 450°F.
- Once heated, don’t crowd the grill. Leave enough space between each thigh for even heat distribution.
- Place the chicken skin-side down and don’t move it for the first 5-7 minutes. This allows it to sear and get crispy.
- If you want more pronounced grill marks, rotate the chicken 90 degrees halfway through cooking on each side. This helps create those classic cross-hash marks.
By following these tips, you’ll have beautifully grilled chicken thighs that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
How to Make 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 buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken. The grilling itself will take about 15 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes (longer if you choose to marinate overnight!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, pour in 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce and 1/4 cup of honey. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This will be your flavorful marinade for the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure that each piece is coated nicely. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or even overnight for a deeper flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F to 450°F. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Now, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Close the lid and grill for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and you see nice grill marks.
4. Finish Grilling:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and brush them with any remaining marinade. Grill for another 5-7 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once they’re cooked through and smelling amazing, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After resting, garnish your juicy chicken thighs with the sliced green onions. They add a nice pop of color and freshness. Now, dig in and enjoy your flavorful Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work just fine. Just be aware that they may cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking them.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Dish?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and increase the honey to keep the sweetness. Alternatively, try using a mild buffalo sauce or mixing in a little barbecue sauce for less heat.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through to ensure it stays juicy.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using it. This can save time on cooking day and allow the flavors to deepen even more!
