These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are absolutely tasty! With a sweet and spicy glaze, they’re perfect for summer BBQs or cozy family dinners.
Honestly, who can resist that sticky honey and the fiery kick? I like to serve them with fresh veggies or on a bun for a fun twist. They always disappear quickly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs are perfect for grilling as they stay juicy and tender. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless thighs or chicken breasts can be used, but watch the cooking time to avoid dryness.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a favorite here, but feel free to use your preferred brand or level of heat. You can also try a different type of hot sauce like Sriracha or a homemade chili sauce if you like to experiment!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the spice. In a pinch, you could substitute maple syrup or agave nectar, though they will change the flavor slightly, working well to still add that sweet component.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the marinade a great kick, but garlic powder can replace it if you don’t have fresh on hand. Just use less, about 1/2 teaspoon, but fresh is always best for flavor.
Spices: Feel free to play with the spices! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can work. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can increase the heat if you like it spicy!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Grilled to Perfection?
Grilling chicken thighs can be tricky, but with these steps, you’ll get crispy skin and juicy meat! First, it’s important to have a good marinade. Let your chicken soak up those flavors for at least an hour, but ideally overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps achieve that lovely char on the skin.
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking—this gives the chicken a nice sear.
- Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for the first part to render some fat for even better crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
- Don’t rush! Let the chicken rest after grilling; this helps keep the juices sealed inside.
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to get everything prepared, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (overnight is even better!). Then, grilling takes about 15 minutes total. So, allow around 1 hour and 25 minutes altogether, depending on your marinating choice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the hot sauce, honey, melted butter, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This spicy-sweet mixture will make your chicken extra tasty!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly. If you’re using a dish, cover it with cling film. Pop it in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, though overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, which will help get that lovely char on your chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (you can throw away the leftover marinade). Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is nice and crispy, then flip the thighs over and grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs; just adjust the grilling time since they will cook more quickly. Grill them for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What if I Don’t Have Honey?
If you’re out of honey, you can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor might slightly differ, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the microwave for a minute or two, or you can reheat it on the grill for a couple of minutes on each side to retain the charred flavor.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to mix it well before using, as the ingredients may separate. This will also allow the flavors to meld for an even tastier marinade!
