Get ready for a burst of flavor with these grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs! They’re juicy, sweet, and have just the right amount of kick to make your taste buds dance.
Trust me, these thighs are a hit at every BBQ. I usually serve them with a side of crispy veggies or some cool ranch dip—perfect for balancing that spicy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but they may dry out more quickly on the grill.
Honey: Honey adds a lovely sweetness to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, agave syrup or maple syrup work well, too.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. If you want milder heat, try mixing in some barbecue sauce. You could also use a homemade buffalo sauce if you have a favorite recipe.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika or even onion powder can be a decent substitute, though you’ll miss that smoky touch.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Getting perfectly grilled chicken is easier than it sounds. First, marinate the chicken long enough; a few hours or overnight gives great results. Think of this marinade as a flavor booster!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, checking for an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).
- Use the reserved marinade to brush on during the last few minutes for extra flavor without risking contamination.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes post-grill; this keeps it juicy!
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to marinate the chicken (or longer if you prefer). Cooking the chicken on the grill will take about 15 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish, including marination. Perfect for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, buffalo sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is going to add a wonderful flavor to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade, making sure they are all well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and put it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour—if you have the time, letting it sit overnight will give you even tastier chicken.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help you get that nice char on the chicken!
4. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, but don’t throw the marinade away just yet! You’ll want to reserve it for brushing on the chicken while it cooks.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and a nice char on the outside. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
6. Add Extra Flavor:
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade to give it an extra boost of flavor. Yum!
7. Rest Before Serving:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help keep it juicy.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Now, dig in and enjoy your delicious Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just note that chicken breasts may cook faster, so adjust the grilling time to about 5-6 minutes per side. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing hot sauce with melted butter in a 2:1 ratio (for example, 1/3 cup hot sauce with 1/6 cup butter). This will give you a similar flavor profile, but adjust the amount to suit your heat preference!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour, but you can marinate them overnight if you want an even richer taste. Just make sure to keep them in the refrigerator during that time!
Can I Store Leftover Chicken?
Certainly! Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until warmed through. You can add a splash of buffalo sauce to keep it moist!
