These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy! The marinade gives the chicken a golden, sticky glaze that makes every bite delicious.
Who can resist that mouthwatering combination? I love to serve these with a side of crispy veggies or fries for a fun twist. Perfect for summer BBQs or a cozy dinner night!
The best part? They’re easy to make! Just marinate, grill, and enjoy. You’ll have everyone asking for seconds, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs give you tender, juicy meat with crispy skin. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, but the cooking time will be shorter.
Buffalo Sauce: This provides a spicy kick, but feel free to adjust the heat! You can use a milder hot sauce or make your own blend by mixing hot sauce with a bit of vinegar and butter for a less spicy version.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the heat. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works well as substitutes, bringing a similar sweetness with a different flavor profile.
Olive Oil: I like using olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. Avocado oil is a fantastic alternative if you prefer a high smoke point, which is great for grilling.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika plus a dash of cayenne pepper can mimic the taste, or use chipotle powder for an extra smoky flavor.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Grilling chicken thighs to perfection is all about timing and technique. By following these steps, you can achieve juicy, flavorful results:
- **Marinate Well:** Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but overnight is even better to enhance the flavor.
- **Preheat the Grill:** Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give your chicken those beautiful grill marks and a crispy texture.
- **Skin-Side Down First:** Start by grilling the thighs skin-side down. This helps render the fat and crisp up the skin nicely. Cook until you see golden brown color.
- **Baste for Flavor:** Reserve some marinade for basting. This keeps the chicken moist and adds extra flavor during grilling.
- **Check Internal Temperature:** Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
- **Let it Rest:** Always let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This helps retain juices and keeps it moist.
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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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 the chicken (or overnight for better flavor). You’ll also need about 20 minutes for grilling. So, you can expect the total time to be around 30 minutes to 1 day, depending on your marinating choice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the buffalo sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend creates a delicious marinade to soak into your chicken thighs.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure they’re well coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you have time, leaving it overnight will pack in even more flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Before you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C). This is where the magic happens!
4. Prepare the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken thighs out of the fridge. Let any excess marinade drip off—save the marinade for basting later.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and you see nice grill marks. This creates a tasty crust!
6. Flip and Baste:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over, then reduce the grill heat to medium. Use the reserved marinade to baste the chicken, and grill for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
7. Rest Time:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used! Just reduce the grilling time since they will cook faster. Grill for about 3-5 minutes on the first side and then 5-7 minutes on the second side, or until fully cooked through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No problem! You can make a simple substitute by mixing hot sauce with a bit of melted butter. Combine 1/2 cup of your favorite hot sauce with 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the heat level to your liking!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through to keep them crispy.
Can I Grill the Chicken Indoors?
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan! Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and grease it lightly with olive oil. Follow the same grilling instructions as above, adjusting cooking times as necessary for your stovetop setup.
