These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a perfect mix of sweet and spicy! The honey adds a nice glaze, while the buffalo sauce gives it a kick. It’s like a flavor party on your grill!
Who wouldn’t love a dinner that’s both sticky and delicious? I mean, the messier, the better, right? Just grab some napkins and get ready for some tasty bites!
I love serving these with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing. It balances out the spice perfectly and makes every bite so enjoyable! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are best for this recipe. They stay juicy and flavorful while grilling. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but they may require less cooking time.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for that perfect heat. For a milder option, try a sweet chili sauce. If you like it really spicy, opt for sauces like Sriracha or a homemade chili garlic sauce.
Honey: This ingredient brings sweetness and balances the heat. Maple syrup can replace honey for a different flavor, or agave syrup can work as a vegan alternative.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds tanginess to the marinade. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or even lemon juice can serve as good substitutes.
Spices (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika): These spices enhance flavor. If you want a fresh twist, you can use fresh garlic and onion instead. For a different smoky flavor, try chipotle powder.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Skin Gets Crispy on the Grill?
Getting crispy skin is key to delicious grilled chicken. Here are some tips I’ve learned:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating. Moisture prevents crisping.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates to help the chicken not stick.
- Start grilling skin-side down. This helps get that crispy texture first.
- Don’t flip the chicken too soon. Give it time to develop grill marks and a nice crust, about 6-7 minutes on the first side.
- Watch your temperature! Cooking until the skin is crispy while keeping the temperature at medium helps cook evenly.
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe involves about 10 minutes of prep time, plus a minimum of 1 hour for marinating the chicken. You’ll also need around 20 minutes for grilling. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, take the hot sauce, honey, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely blended to create your tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a good coat. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour—longer if you can resist! Overnight is best for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat and Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A little bit of oil the grill grates will help prevent the chicken from sticking. Just use a paper towel dipped in oil or a grill-safe spray to keep things slick!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. You can toss the rest of the marinade as it’s not safe to reuse. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes or until the skin is crispy and has those lovely grill marks. Then, flip the thighs and lower the heat to medium. Keep grilling for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Finally, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a colorful touch before serving. Enjoy your Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just keep in mind that boneless thighs may cook faster, so grill them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for the Honey?
If you don’t have honey, agave nectar or maple syrup can work as great substitutes, providing a similar sweetness. Just remember that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor, but they will still create a delicious marinade!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but try to add a splash of water to keep them from drying out.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acidity can begin to break down the meat and change its texture. Aim for a sweet spot between 1 hour and overnight for the best results!
