Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a sensational blend of sweet and spicy flavors, offering the irresistible combination of honey’s mellow sweetness and the kick of buffalo sauce. Juicy, tender grilled chicken thighs make this recipe perfect for backyard barbecues, casual weeknight dinners, or entertaining friends. Easy to prep and quick to cook, this dish promises bold flavor without the fuss—ready in under 20 minutes and sure to have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs balance the smooth, caramel‑like sweetness of honey with the tang and heat of buffalo sauce, making your taste buds dance with delight. The chicken thighs stay tender and succulent under the sugary glaze, and grilling brings out smoky char that elevates the flavor. With a minimal ingredient list and straightforward steps, this recipe is a go-to for fuss‑free meals that deliver big on taste.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
- In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
- Season chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, and parsley. Add 2 tablespoons of the sauce and toss until each piece is fully coated.
- Preheat your grill to medium‑low. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken thighs smooth‑side down on the grill. Grill low and slow, turning every 3–4 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- During the final few flips, baste the thighs with the remaining honey buffalo sauce to build a sticky glaze. Grill until the internal temperature reaches between 165–170 °F (74–77 °C).
- Remove from heat, let rest briefly, then garnish with chopped green onions and serve with your favorite sides.
Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—165 °F is safe, but 170 °F helps break down connective tissue for extra tenderness.
- Clean and oil grill grates before cooking to get clean grill marks and prevent sticking.
- Let the chicken rest post-grill for 3–5 minutes to let juices redistribute and stay in the meat.
Substitutions And Variations
- Chicken cut: For a leaner option, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts—just reduce the grilling time to avoid drying them out.
- Sauce swap: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, or switch buffalo sauce for a spicier version for more heat.
- Grill flavor: Add hickory or apple wood chips to bring a smoky BBQ depth to the chicken.
- Indoors cooking: Use an air fryer at 400 °F (about 8 minutes per side) or bake at 425 °F for 18–20 minutes—just watch closely and baste with sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Cool completely, store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in heavy-duty freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a 375 °F oven for 10–12 minutes, or cover and microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approx. ¼ of the recipe):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g (Sugars: 10 g)
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
(Nutritional values can differ depending on the specific brands used and individual portion sizes.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crisp celery sticks and a creamy dip—either blue cheese or ranch—for a classic duo.
- Add grilled corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, or potato salad for a hearty BBQ spread.
- Slice over mixed greens for a protein-packed salad.
- Transform any leftovers into flavorful tacos or wraps by adding avocado, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite salsa.
Common Questions About Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Wondering about substitutions, safety, or versatility? Let’s clear things up.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes—boneless, skinless breasts work well here. Grill at the same temperature (450–500°F), but reduce cooking time to roughly 3–4 minutes per side to prevent dryness.
Is it safe to grill chicken with marinade?
Only if you discard the leftover marinade that touched raw chicken. Use the reserved portion of sauce for basting and serving to avoid contamination.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe in the oven or air fryer?
Definitely. In the oven, bake at 425 °F for about 18–20 minutes, flipping and brushing with sauce midway. For the air fryer, cook at 400 °F for about 8 minutes per side while glazing.
How spicy is the sauce?
It’s medium heat—zesty enough to wake your palate but mellowed by honey. Adjust heat level with more honey or by choosing a hotter or milder hot sauce.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely. Grill up a batch, slice the thighs, and refrigerate for easy proteins to add to salads, wraps, bowls, or lunches. Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Conclusion
I’m so glad you’re here to bring Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs into your kitchen—it’s one of those dishes that shines with flavor and simplicity. I absolutely love how the honey beautifully balances the bold buffalo kick, and how the thighs stay juicy even with quick grilling. Thank you for trying this recipe—from my grill to yours. I hope it adds spicy sweetness and effortless enjoyment to your meals. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious bites and shared food‑loving moments!
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are sweet, spicy, and full of smoky charred flavor. A quick, crowd-pleasing dish for any summer BBQ or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
¼ cup buffalo sauce
2 tbsp honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp dried parsley
2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
- Season chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, and parsley. Add 2 tablespoons of the sauce and toss until each piece is fully coated.
- Preheat your grill to medium‑low. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken thighs smooth‑side down on the grill. Grill low and slow, turning every 3–4 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- During the final few flips, baste the thighs with the remaining honey buffalo sauce to build a sticky glaze. Grill until the internal temperature reaches between 165–170 °F (74–77 °C).
- Remove from heat, let rest briefly, then garnish with chopped green onions and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Use chicken breasts as a leaner option.
Try baking or air frying if you don’t have a grill.
Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 28 g