Zesty Honey Buffalo Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

Sizzling summer barbecues demand bold, grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs that dance with tantalizing flavor and heat.

Tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant buffalo sauce bring serious zest to your outdoor cooking adventure.

The combination of sweet honey and spicy buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill.

Succulent meat infused with layers of smoky and zesty notes will have everyone asking for seconds.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between fiery buffalo kick and smooth honey sweetness.

Grill masters and chicken lovers unite – this recipe turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience that sparks conversation and satisfies deep hunger.

Cooking Directions for Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

• Flavor Fusion

Create a tangy-sweet sauce by blending buffalo sauce, honey, and crushed garlic in a mixing bowl. This magical combination will transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

• Chicken Seasoning

Sprinkle chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Massage a portion of the prepared sauce onto the meat, ensuring every inch gets coated with deliciousness.

• Grill Magic

Fire up the grill to a gentle medium-low temperature. Place chicken thighs on the grates, positioning them smooth side down. Slowly cook, turning occasionally to develop a beautiful golden exterior and lock in succulent juices.

• Sauce Finale

During the last cooking rounds, generously brush remaining sauce over the chicken. Continue grilling until the meat reaches a perfect internal temperature and juices run clear.

• Delicious Presentation

Transfer grilled thighs onto a serving platter. Scatter freshly chopped green onions on top for a vibrant pop of color and a crisp flavor boost. Serve alongside your favorite summer side dishes for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Variations for Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

• Grilling Mastery Tips
• Marinade Magic: Let chicken thighs soak in the honey-buffalo sauce for 30 minutes before grilling to intensify flavor absorption and guarantee tender meat.
• Temperature Control: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking, preventing dry results.
• Fat Advantage: Chicken thighs have more fat content than breasts, which helps keep the meat incredibly juicy and prevents burning during grilling.
• Sauce Application Strategy: Reserve some sauce for final basting to prevent burning and maintain a glossy, caramelized exterior without charring.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: Don't have a grill? Easily adapt this recipe by using a cast-iron skillet or baking in the oven at 400°F for equally delicious results.

Ways to Plate Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

• Zesty Picnic Plate: Serve these honey buffalo chicken thighs alongside crisp coleslaw and corn on the cob for a classic summer meal that bursts with tangy and sweet flavors.
• Spicy Wrap Adventure: Slice the grilled chicken and wrap it in a soft tortilla with cool ranch dressing, fresh lettuce, and diced tomatoes for a quick and satisfying lunch option.
• Game Day Appetizer Twist: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, skewer them, and arrange on a platter with extra buffalo sauce for dipping during sports watching or casual gatherings.
• Ranch Cooling Companion: Drizzle cool ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side to balance the spicy honey buffalo sauce, creating a delightful flavor contrast that everyone will love.

Save & Store Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

• Quick Chill Strategy: Store leftover chicken thighs in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Refrigeration Rhythm: Consume refrigerated grilled chicken thighs within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety, keeping them sealed in shallow containers to maintain moisture.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken remains delicious for up to 4 months, perfect for future quick meals.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Splash a tablespoon of chicken broth or extra honey-buffalo sauce to restore juiciness and revive the original grilled flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent cut with rich flavor, choose boneless and skinless for easy grilling and maximum sauce absorption.

• Buffalo Sauce, Honey: Crafts a perfect sweet-spicy harmony, selecting high-quality hot sauce ensures dynamic taste profile.
• Garlic Cloves: Aromatic powerhouse that deepens savory undertones, fresh cloves provide more intense flavor compared to pre-minced versions.

• Black Pepper, Salt, Parsley: Balances and elevates overall taste, using freshly ground black pepper intensifies the recipe's warmth.
• Chopped Green Onions: Optional vibrant garnish that adds fresh, crisp texture and mild oniony brightness to the finished dish.

Gear for Grilling Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

• Grill: Essential for achieving the perfect char and smoky flavor on the chicken thighs.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the honey-buffalo sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending the sauce smoothly and evenly.
• Tongs: Crucial for safely flipping and moving chicken on the grill.
• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing chicken and garnishes.
• Sharp knife: Useful for mincing garlic and chopping green onions.

Irresistible Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent honey buffalo chicken thighs combine classic American flavors with a spicy-sweet marinade. Grilled to perfection, these tender chicken thighs promise a memorable meal that satisfies hungry palates and delivers bold, zesty excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.91 kg) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• ¼ cup (59 ml) buffalo sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Sauce: Whisk buffalo sauce, honey, and minced garlic into a vibrant, complex glaze that will elevate the chicken’s flavor profile.
2. Season and Marinate: Coat chicken thighs thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and dried parsley, then massage a portion of the honey-buffalo mixture directly into the meat, allowing deep flavor penetration.
3. Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium-low, creating an optimal cooking environment that preserves moisture and promotes even caramelization.
4. Cooking Process: Place chicken smooth-side down, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure uniform cooking and developing a rich, golden exterior while generously brushing with remaining sauce during final stages.
5. Doneness Check: Confirm chicken reaches 165°F-170°F internal temperature with clear juices, indicating perfect cooking and food safety.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove from heat, let rest briefly to redistribute internal juices, then garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast.
7. Serving: Plate with complementary grilled accompaniments, presenting a harmonious dish that balances sweet, spicy, and smoky flavor dimensions.

Notes

• Infuse Flavor Deeply: Marinate chicken with honey-buffalo glaze at least 30 minutes before grilling to maximize taste absorption and tenderness.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-low heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking of delicate chicken thighs.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy chicken every time.
• Rest Meat Strategically: Allow grilled chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after cooking, helping juices redistribute for maximum moisture and flavor retention.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg