Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs (Sweet, Spicy & Smoky)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are the ultimate combination of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. With a juicy interior and a perfectly charred exterior, these chicken thighs are coated in a bold honey-buffalo glaze that strikes the perfect balance between heat and sweetness. Ideal for summer cookouts or weeknight grilling, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken thighshoneyhot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)unsalted buttermelted buttergarlic powderonion powdersmoked paprikasaltblack pepperolive oil

directions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to make the buffalo glaze.

Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and a little olive oil.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and grill marks appear.

During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with the honey buffalo glaze on both sides.

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Brush with additional glaze before serving for extra flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesGrilling time: 12-15 minutesResting and glazing time: 5 minutesTotal time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for even more flavor and crispy skin.

Add a splash of lime juice to the glaze for a citrusy kick.

Include a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Grill over wood chips or charcoal for an enhanced smoky flavor.

Swap hot sauce for BBQ sauce for a milder, sweeter version.

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 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.Avoid microwaving to maintain the grilled texture.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate and refrigerate the chicken ahead of time. Grill when ready to serve.

What kind of hot sauce works best?

Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but any cayenne pepper-based sauce will work.

Can I cook these in the oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp up.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It’s mildly spicy with a sweet balance. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

It’s not required, but a short marination in the glaze (30 minutes) can enhance the flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I grill indoors?

Absolutely. Use a grill pan on the stovetop or an indoor electric grill.

What sides go well with this?

Coleslaw, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.

How do I keep the glaze from burning?

Apply the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs offer a bold and balanced flavor profile that makes them a standout dish for any grilling occasion. With their sticky-sweet glaze, smoky char, and tender texture, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for cookouts and quick meals alike. Try them once, and you’ll keep coming back for more.

Print