Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs combine the perfect balance of sweet and spicy in a juicy, tender bite. Marinated in a flavorful honey buffalo sauce, these chicken thighs are grilled to smoky perfection, making them a standout dish for any barbecue or weeknight dinner. With every bite, you’ll experience a mouthwatering fusion of bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
This recipe delivers a delicious twist on classic buffalo chicken by adding a touch of honey’s natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the heat. The grilling process locks in juices and adds a smoky char that elevates the dish. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your family and friends at your next meal or gathering.
Ingredients for Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Creating Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs is all about using quality ingredients that work together to create that irresistible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are juicy and tender, perfect for grilling. They hold up well to marinades and stay moist during cooking.
Honey: This adds a natural sweetness that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Look for pure honey for the best flavor.
Hot sauce: A key player in this dish! Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand for a personal touch.
Apple cider vinegar: This adds a tangy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile. It also helps tenderize the chicken.
Garlic powder: A must-have for that savory depth. It’s convenient and blends seamlessly into the marinade.
Onion powder: This complements the garlic and adds a subtle sweetness. Together, they create a flavor base that’s hard to beat.
Smoked paprika: This brings a hint of smokiness, enhancing the grilled flavor. It’s a great way to add complexity without extra effort.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning. They elevate the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Olive oil: Used to brush the grill grates, it prevents sticking and adds a touch of richness to the chicken.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing.
Feel free to experiment with these ingredients! You can swap out the honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness or add extra spices if you like it hotter. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Making Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs is a straightforward process that yields mouthwatering results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to grilling perfection!
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheating your grill is crucial. It ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops those beautiful grill marks.
Set your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. This temperature allows the chicken to sear nicely, locking in juices while creating that irresistible char.
Don’t skip this step; it makes all the difference!
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
Now, let’s whip up that delicious marinade.
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk everything together until it’s well blended.
Each ingredient plays a role: the honey adds sweetness, while the hot sauce brings the heat.
This marinade is the heart of your Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Time to marinate!
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish, then let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it even more delicious.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Once your grill is hot and the chicken is marinated, it’s grilling time!
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
Place the thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
This ensures your chicken is juicy and safe to eat.
Step 5: Baste and Rest
As the chicken nears completion, it’s time to baste!
Use the reserved marinade to brush over the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.
This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Now, you’re ready to serve up some amazing Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Tips for Success
Always preheat your grill for even cooking and great grill marks.
Don’t rush the marinating process; longer marination means more flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
For extra flavor, baste the chicken with marinade during grilling.
Let the chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy.
Equipment Needed
Grill: A gas or charcoal grill works well. If you don’t have one, a grill pan can do the trick.
Mixing bowl: For preparing the marinade. Any large bowl will suffice.
Meat thermometer: Essential for checking doneness. If you don’t have one, cut into the chicken to check for clear juices.
Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish: For marinating the chicken. A glass dish is a great alternative.
Variations
Spicy Honey Buffalo: Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a fiery kick.
Honey Mustard Twist: Substitute half of the honey with Dijon mustard for a tangy flavor profile.
Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the marinade for an aromatic touch.
Grilled Veggie Skewers: Pair the chicken with skewers of bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a colorful side.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your hot sauce is gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs with crispy celery sticks for a refreshing crunch.
Serve with a side of creamy blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
Complement the meal with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea.
For presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
FAQs about Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill, chicken breasts can work too. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may cook faster.
How spicy are these Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs?
The spice level can be adjusted easily. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the marinade. For those who love heat, feel free to add more!
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What should I serve with Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs?
These chicken thighs pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or a fresh garden salad. Don’t forget the celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for that classic buffalo experience!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor and togetherness.
Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, making it a dish that’s sure to impress.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a weekend barbecue, this recipe brings joy to the table.
The ease of preparation means you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying good food and great company.
So, gather your loved ones, fire up that grill, and savor the deliciousness of these chicken thighs!
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the heat of buffalo sauce, perfect for grilling enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the honey buffalo sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Reserve the other half of the sauce for basting and serving. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last few minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the reserved honey buffalo sauce.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more hot sauce to the marinade.
Serve the chicken with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor experience.
