These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a perfect mix of sweet and spicy! The honey gives a nice glaze, while the buffalo sauce adds a tasty kick. Yum!
Whenever I make these, they disappear fast! I love serving them at cookouts. They pair great with some crunchy veggies—or just eat them straight off the grill! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Skin-on, bone-in thighs are perfect for juiciness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless thighs can work too, but they may dry out more easily.
Honey: Honey gives sweetness and helps balance the heat. You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as substitutes if needed, but they’ll change the flavor slightly.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the buffalo sauce based on how spicy you like it! If you want a milder version, try a BBQ sauce mixed with a bit of hot sauce.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds moisture and helps with grilling. If olive oil isn’t available, avocado or canola oil can be great alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a tasty kick. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but start with much less—about 1/4 teaspoon equals 1 clove.
How Do You Grill Chicken Thighs for the Best Results?
Grilling chicken thighs can be a bit tricky, but with the right steps, you’ll have delicious, juicy results. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat; this helps sear the chicken nicely.
- Oil the grill grates well so the skin doesn’t stick.
- Starting with skin-side down helps baste the meat in its own fat.
- Only flip the chicken once to allow proper browning—about 6-7 minutes on each side is ideal.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Letting the chicken rest afterward helps keep it juicy.
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust based on heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating in the fridge. Cooking on the grill will take about 15 minutes. So, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes total, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by whisking together the honey, buffalo sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This will create a delicious marinade that adds great flavor to the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and put it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, overnight is even better for more flavor!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure to oil the grill grates lightly so your chicken doesn’t stick. This step is important for achieving those perfect grill marks!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade—it’s had its chance! Now, place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down, and grill for about 6-7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and grill for another 6-7 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a nice char on it.
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once your chicken is done grilling, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle and keeps it juicy. Before serving, top with sliced green onions for a fresh burst of flavor. Enjoy your yummy grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. Just reduce the grilling time by a few minutes, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
If you don’t have buffalo sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing hot sauce with a bit of melted butter. Use a 3:1 ratio of hot sauce to butter to get a creamy, spicy flavor that works well in this recipe!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or on the grill over low heat to keep the chicken juicy. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or wraps!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Longer?
You can marinate chicken thighs overnight for an extra flavor boost, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the vinegar in buffalo sauce can break down the meat and make it mushy. A minimum of 1 hour is still great for flavor!