Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs! They’re *absolutely* mouthwatering, with a perfect balance of sweet honey and spicy buffalo sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance! I remember the first time I made them for a family barbecue—everyone couldn’t get enough! The smoky flavors from the grill mingle with that sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze, creating a flavor explosion that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or just craving something delicious for dinner, these thighs are sure to impress. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to in your grilling repertoire!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs. I promise you, every ingredient contributes to that amazing flavor!
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on for extra juiciness!)
- 1/2 cup raw honey (the natural sweetness really shines through)
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your heat preference—go wild if you like it spicy!)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for that perfect marinade consistency)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds that delicious depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (because who doesn’t love a little savory kick?)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp here; seasoning is key!)
Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking—it makes the whole process so much smoother! Happy grilling!
How to Prepare Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Alright, let’s dive into the juicy details of making these grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs! The steps are super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how delicious they turn out. Let’s get cooking!
Preheat the Grill
First things first, preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those chicken thighs to cook evenly without drying out. A properly heated grill also helps to get that gorgeous char on the outside while keeping the inside nice and juicy. Trust me, nobody likes rubbery chicken!
Make the Marinade
Now, grab a bowl and mix together your honey, buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well combined. This marinade is where the magic happens, so make sure everything is well-blended. You’ll want to taste it—wow, it’s going to be so good!
Marinate the Chicken
Next up, it’s time to coat those chicken thighs in your scrumptious marinade. Make sure they’re fully covered and then let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating overnight in the fridge will take the flavor to a whole new level. The longer they sit, the more tender and flavorful they become, so don’t rush this step!
Grill the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to hit the grill! Place the thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C)—I always recommend using a meat thermometer to be sure. Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling, and then dig in! The glaze will be sticky, sweet, and spicy—just perfect!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—these thighs come together in no time!
- Flavorful combination of sweet honey and spicy buffalo sauce that’ll have your taste buds singing.
- Perfect for summer barbecues, impressing your friends and family with minimal effort.
- Gluten-free option, making it a great choice for everyone at the table.
- Ideal for meal prep—cook a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week!
Honestly, this recipe is a total winner! You’re going to love how simple and delicious it is, making it a staple in your cooking lineup!
Tips for Success
To ensure your grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t rush the marinating process; letting the chicken sit for a few hours or even overnight really enhances the flavor and tenderness. If you want a nice char, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Also, keep an eye on the temperature—using a meat thermometer is your best friend to ensure they’re cooked through without drying out. When serving, pair them with crunchy celery sticks and a side of blue cheese dressing for that classic buffalo experience. You’ll be the star of the barbecue, trust me!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each grilled honey buffalo chicken thigh. Keep in mind that these figures can vary slightly based on specific brands and ingredients used, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugar: 12g)
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a satisfying choice for any meal!
FAQ Section
I’ve got you covered with some frequently asked questions about these delicious grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs! Let’s dive in!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but keep in mind they can dry out more easily than thighs. To combat this, you might want to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking, and consider reducing the cooking time slightly.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you like it spicier, feel free to add more buffalo sauce to the marinade! You can also toss in some cayenne pepper or even chopped jalapeños for an extra kick. On the flip side, if you prefer it milder, reduce the buffalo sauce or mix in a bit of barbecue sauce to mellow it out.
What sides pair well with this dish?
These chicken thighs shine with classic sides like crunchy celery sticks and creamy blue cheese dressing. You can also serve them with a fresh garden salad, coleslaw, or even some grilled corn on the cob for a perfect summer meal. The combinations are endless!
Feel free to ask more questions if you have them! Happy grilling!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven to keep them juicy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also pop them back on the grill for a few minutes, which will help reintroduce that delicious char! Enjoy every last bite!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this air fryer chicken tenders recipe or this honey garlic chicken recipe!
Print
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs: 5 Flavorful Steps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for any barbecue.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix honey, buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce for desired heat.
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs
