These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs bring together sweet and spicy flavors that everyone will love! Juicy thighs are perfectly coated in a tasty honey buffalo sauce that’ll have you craving more.
Grilling them adds a nice smoky touch, making them extra yummy. I like to serve them with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a fun meal. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Skinless, boneless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for grilling. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless skinless chicken breasts can work, but just be mindful of cooking time, as they can dry out quicker.
Honey: Honey gives sweetness and helps balance the spicy buffalo sauce. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes!
Buffalo Sauce: This sauce adds heat and tang. You can use a milder hot sauce if you prefer less spice. Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor, or mix in a little ketchup for sweetness.
Olive Oil: Olive oil keeps the chicken moist while grilling. If you’re out of it, canola or avocado oil are good alternatives that handle heat well.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This brings acidity to the mix, brightening the flavors. Lemon juice is a solid substitute if you don’t have vinegar on hand. It enhances the dish and keeps things light!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs?
A key step to grilling chicken thighs is ensuring they are marinated well and cooked at the right temperature. Marinating for at least an hour allows the flavors to soak in, and resting the chicken after grilling helps keep it juicy.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C). This ensures a nice sear.
- When cooking, aim for 5-7 minutes each side, checking to avoid burning. Flip them only once for even cooking!
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This step helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken more tender and flavorful.
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken. Cooking on the grill will take another 10-15 minutes. Overall, set aside about 1 hour and 20 minutes to make this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, buffalo sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each thigh is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour—if you have time, marinate it overnight for even better flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to get that nice char on your chicken.
4. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any excess sauce drip off. Be sure to discard the leftover marinade; it’s not safe to reuse it!
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating, and they should be nicely charred when finished.
6. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy and delicious!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs!
Can I Substitute Chicken Thighs with Another Cut of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but keep in mind that they may cook faster and could dry out more easily. Adjust the cooking time to about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No problem! You can make your own buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter in a 2:1 ratio. If you want a milder version, mix sriracha with some ketchup or a little Worcestershire sauce for a flavor boost.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken Thighs?
Marinating the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour is great, but for maximum flavor, aim for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just make sure you don’t marinate for longer than that, as the acids in the marinade can start to break down the meat too much.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. If you want to freeze them, wrap tightly and use within 3 months.
