Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs combine the bold heat of buffalo sauce with the sweetness of honey for a perfect flavor balance. These juicy, char-grilled chicken thighs are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or game day feasts. With a spicy glaze and crispy char, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)olive oilgarlic powderonion powdersaltblack pepperbuffalo saucehoneyunsalted buttermelted butteroptional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
directions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C) and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down if using skin-on, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
While the chicken is grilling, whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, and melted butter in a small saucepan over low heat until combined and warm.
Brush the grilled chicken with the honey buffalo glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
Remove from grill and brush with additional glaze if desired.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesGrilling time: 12-15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze for extra tang.
Top with crumbled blue cheese and celery for a buffalo wing-inspired twist.
Serve over rice or salad for a full meal.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave until heated through.Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier on the grill. Adjust cooking time for thickness.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. Adjust the buffalo sauce to taste or mix with more honey for a milder flavor.
Can I make this without a grill?
Yes, use a grill pan or bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, then broil to finish.
What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?
Any brand works, but choose your favorite based on spice level.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
No, but you can marinate it for a few hours for more flavor.
Can I use a sugar substitute for honey?
Yes, use agave or sugar-free honey alternatives for a lower-sugar option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, grill and glaze ahead, then reheat and brush with extra sauce before serving.
Conclusion
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs bring together smoky, spicy, and sweet in every bite. Perfectly suited for any occasion, they’re easy to make and packed with flavor. Serve them hot off the grill for a dish that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Print
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 10 mins (plus 30 mins marinating)
- Cook Time: 12–14 mins
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4–6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Juicy grilled chicken thighs slathered in a sticky honey buffalo sauce—perfectly sweet, tangy, and ideal for summer cookouts.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1/4 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together hot sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reserve 2 tbsp of the sauce for glazing later; pour the rest over the chicken thighs, coating evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Grill chicken thighs for 5–7 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush with reserved glaze on both sides and grill until caramelized and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, sear the thighs directly over the flame for 30 seconds per side.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Can finish under broiler if grill isn’t available.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.