These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are sweet and spicy delights perfect for grilling season! With juicy thighs coated in honey and fiery sauce, they pack a punch.
Trust me, the combination of flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. I always serve them with a side of veggies—gotta balance out that tasty heat! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs deliver the most flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless, skinless thighs also work well, though you might lose some richness.
Buffalo Sauce: A key ingredient for spice and flavor. If you prefer something milder, opt for a hot sauce with a lower heat level or even a mild barbecue sauce for a different twist!
Honey: Honey balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce. If you’re out, maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes, adding a slightly different sweetness.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you’re out, regular paprika will do, though you might miss that smokiness. Alternatively, try a dash of cayenne for heat.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth. In a pinch, garlic powder works but fresh really elevates the dish.
How Do I Perfectly Grill Chicken Thighs Without Drying Them Out?
Grilling chicken thighs can be simple, and the key is ensuring they stay juicy. Pay attention to marinating and cooking temperature!
- Marinate the chicken for as long as possible. Overnight is best for deep flavor.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high, so you achieve a crispy skin.
- Start cooking skin-side down for 5-7 minutes. This helps in getting that nice char.
- Flip carefully and lower heat to medium to avoid burning while the inside cooks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C)—this is your best friend for juicy chicken!
- Brush on extra marinade towards the end for a lovely glaze.
- Let the chicken rest before serving; this helps in redistributing the juices.
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour for marinating (overnight is best). After that, grilling will take about 20-25 minutes. So plan for about 1 hour and 40 minutes in total, but most of that time is just letting the chicken soak up the tasty marinade!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is well blended. This flavorful mixture will make your chicken delicious!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, leave it overnight for the best flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, get your coals ready for direct grilling. This step is important to get that nice grilled flavor.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade, letting the extra sauce drip off. Place the chicken skin-side down onto the hot grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and you see some nice char marks.
5. Flip and Cook:
Now it’s time to flip the chicken thighs over! Lower the heat to medium and continue grilling for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
6. Glaze with Marinade:
In the last few minutes of cooking, brush some of that delicious marinade onto the chicken. This will add even more flavor and help it caramelize slightly on the grill. Yummy!
7. Serve:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Before serving, sprinkle with some chopped green onions 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 dry out faster than thighs. To avoid this, monitor the cooking time closely, and consider brining or marinating them for extra moisture. Additionally, cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No worries! You can create a quick substitute by mixing hot sauce with a bit of melted butter to achieve that spicy, tangy flavor. Adjust the proportions to your taste, and you can add a splash of vinegar for additional depth!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Grill These on a Stovetop Grill Pan?
Absolutely! If using a stovetop grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken thighs as directed in the recipe, but keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn, as stovetop pans can heat differently than outdoor grills.
