These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat! The sweet honey and spicy buffalo sauce blend perfectly, giving you a flavor explosion in every bite.
Who doesn’t love juicy chicken with a kick? I like to serve these with a side of veggies or a fresh salad. Trust me, they’ll be gone in a flash! 🍗🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on thighs for flavor and juiciness. If you’re after a leaner cut, you could use boneless skinless thighs or chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily.
Buffalo Sauce: The star of the dish! If you’re looking for a milder version, consider using a mild buffalo sauce or even a hot wing sauce that suits your taste. For a homemade version, mix hot sauce with a little butter.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. If you’re out of honey, agave syrup or maple syrup can be good alternatives. Just keep in mind they might taste a bit different.
Olive Oil: This helps the marinade stick and keeps the chicken moist. You can swap it for avocado oil or any other neutral oil if you prefer.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika bring that wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re missing any, feel free to mix in some Italian seasoning for a different twist.
How Do You Achieve Crispy Skin on Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Getting that crispy skin is all about proper cooking techniques. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with a clean, well-oiled grill to prevent sticking.
- Grill on medium-high heat; too low won’t crisp the skin, and too high could burn it.
- Always begin with the skin-side down for the first phase of cooking to help render the fat and achieve that golden-brown skin.
- Don’t rush it! Allow each side to cook properly without flipping too soon. Aim for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This keeps the juices inside, making every bite juicy!
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 1 hour to marinate (or overnight for even better flavor). Once marinated, grilling will take about 15-20 minutes. So, plan for a total time of about 1 hour and 35 minutes if marinating for an hour, or about 1 hour and 15 minutes if marinating overnight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed. This is where all of the flavor comes from!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or, if you can, overnight. The longer, the better!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help achieve that nice char on the chicken!
4. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off (but don’t rinse them). Discard the leftover marinade since it’s now raw chicken mixture.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook them for about 6-8 minutes. Flip them over and grill for another 6-8 minutes. You can tell they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the skin looks crispy and caramelized.
6. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Top your grilled chicken with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of your Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs, but reduce the grilling time slightly since they will cook faster. Aim for about 5-7 minutes per side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can use a combination of hot sauce and a bit of melted butter to mimic that flavor. Simply mix 1/2 cup of your favorite hot sauce with 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a delicious substitute!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than Overnight?
While marinating for up to 24 hours is fine, extending past that may result in overly salty chicken due to the ingredients. Try to stick to less than 24 hours for the best texture and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the grilled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to defrost it in the fridge before reheating!
