These Easy Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are packed with flavor! The sweetness of honey mixes perfectly with spicy Buffalo sauce, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Just toss the chicken in the marinade, grill it up, and enjoy. I love serving these thighs with a side of ranch dressing for dipping—it’s like a tasty party on your plate! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skinless thighs give great flavor and stay juicy during grilling. You can swap them for boneless thighs or even chicken breasts if you prefer, but adjust cooking time for breasts as they cook faster.
Buffalo Sauce: I recommend using Frank’s RedHot for its classic taste. If you’re looking for a milder option, try a sweet chili sauce instead. Want to go DIY? Mix your favorite hot sauce with melted butter for a homemade version!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you’re avoiding sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup is a great substitute. Just keep in mind that maple has a distinct flavor that might change the overall taste slightly.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It’s fantastic for adding acidity. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work, but they might give a different tang. I love using cider vinegar for its unique flavor!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavored Right?
Marinating is key to juicy, flavorful chicken! Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade well so all flavors combine nicely—this really enhances the overall taste.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, but longer is better! 3 to 4 hours allows the spices to work their magic.
- Make sure the grill is hot when you place the chicken on it. This gives a good sear, locking in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Target 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out!
Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps maintain its juiciness. Don’t skip this step! Happy grilling!
How to Make Easy Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10-15 minutes of prep time to mix the marinade and coat the chicken. For marinating, let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but preferably 3 to 4 hours. Grilling will take an additional 12-16 minutes. So, plan for a total of around 1 hour and 30 minutes if marinating for 1 hour, or about 4 hours if you want to let it sit longer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk Together the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well mixed. This marinade is what gives your chicken the amazing flavor!
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, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour—longer is even better for flavor (aim for 3 to 4 hours if you can!).
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. A hot grill makes for perfectly grilled chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Be sure to discard any leftover marinade that was in the bag because it has been in contact with raw chicken.
5. Cook Until Done:
Grill the chicken thighs for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. You’ll want to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Look for those lovely char marks and caramelization—this means they’re cooking perfectly! You can baste them occasionally with some reserved sauce if you’d like a little extra flavor.
6. Let it Rest:
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it helps keep the chicken juicy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
After resting, garnish the chicken with sliced green onions. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious Easy Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs! They’re perfect with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet honey and spicy buffalo flavor with smoky grilled goodness!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-in?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just be aware that they’ll cook faster, so check for doneness at around 5 to 7 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What Can I Substitute for Buffalo Sauce?
If you want a milder flavor, you can replace buffalo sauce with sweet chili sauce or a homemade mix of hot sauce and melted butter. Just remember that the taste will vary, so pick a substitution that suits your taste!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken?
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, and enjoy again!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight is a great option! It allows the flavors to develop even more. Just make sure to check that it doesn’t become too salty from the marinade!
