Best Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs Recipe

– Advertisement –

If you’re craving something spicy, sweet, smoky, and utterly satisfying, look no further than these Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs. Chicken thighs are juicy, forgiving on the grill, and full of flavor—especially when drenched in a homemade honey buffalo sauce. This dish hits that perfect flavor balance between fiery heat and rich sweetness, all while delivering tender, juicy bites with a slightly charred, caramelized crust from the grill.

– Advertisement –

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Bold Flavors – Sweet honey balances the heat of buffalo sauce.
✅ Juicy Chicken Thighs – Thighs are more flavorful and less likely to dry out than breasts.
✅ Grill-Friendly – Perfect for summer BBQs or year-round grilling.
✅ Easy Prep, Big Payoff – Simple marinade and sauce with restaurant-quality results.
✅ Versatile – Serve with salad, rice, wraps, or grilled vegetables.

– Advertisement –

How to Make Honey Buffalo Sauce

This sauce is what makes the dish unforgettable—spicy, sweet, buttery, and tangy.

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:

   – Advertisement –
   

2. Stir continuously until butter is melted and everything is smooth.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Remove from heat and set aside ⅓ cup for brushing while grilling. Keep the rest warm for serving.

How to Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Step 1: Clean & Trim

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl or ziplock bag, toss the chicken with:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Massage seasonings into the meat to coat evenly.

Step 3: Marinate

Grilling Instructions (Gas or Charcoal)

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Step 2: Oil the Grill Grates

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Place chicken thighs on the grill over direct heat.

2. Cook for 4–6 minutes per side, flipping once.

3. During the last few minutes, brush with reserved honey buffalo sauce.

4. Continue grilling until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken

• Don’t press down on the chicken—this squeezes out juices.

• Use a meat thermometer for best results.

• Let it rest before slicing—this keeps it juicy.

• For extra char, finish with a quick sear over high heat in the final minute.

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile. Here are some great ways to serve them:

On the Plate

• With roasted sweet potatoes and green beans

• With grilled corn and quinoa salad

• With coleslaw and brown rice

In a Bowl

• Build a grain bowl with rice, black beans, avocado, and lime crema

• Add to a salad with romaine, blue cheese, and ranch dressing

In Wraps or Tacos

• Chop and stuff in a tortilla with slaw, cheese, and salsa

• Add to lettuce wraps with cucumber and ranch drizzle

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Freezer

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: 1–2 minutes (cover to retain moisture)

• Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes

• Grill or skillet: Reheat gently and brush with more sauce

Variations

Less Spicy

Extra Heat

Add Citrus

Air Fryer or Oven Version

Common Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes! Just increase the grilling time by about 5–7 minutes and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Absolutely. Store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes. Grill a large batch, store in containers with rice or veggies, and reheat as needed.

Can I grill these indoors?

Use a grill pan on medium-high heat, or bake them if you don’t have outdoor access.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a fiery-sweet, crave-worthy recipe that’s simple to prepare but big on flavor. The smoky char from the grill paired with the richness of honey and butter in the buffalo sauce makes this dish a standout—perfect for summer cookouts or weekday dinners.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Honey Buffalo Sauce:
• ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Original (or preferred hot sauce)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for extra tang)

Instructions

1. Prep the chicken:
   Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub with olive oil, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Honey Buffalo sauce:
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
   Add hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and vinegar (if using). Stir until smooth and warmed through. Set aside ¼ cup for brushing and the rest for serving.
3. Grill the chicken:
   Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F / 200°C). Oil the grates.
   Grill chicken thighs for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
   During the last 2 minutes, brush generously with reserved Honey Buffalo sauce and flip once more to caramelize.
4. Serve:
   Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with remaining sauce or serve it on the side.

Notes

• Don’t skip the resting: It keeps the chicken juicy.
• Extra saucy? Double the sauce and serve with grilled veggies or rice.
• No grill? You can bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a charred finish.

– Advertisement –