Name: Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless; ¼ cup Buffalo Sauce; 2 tablespoon Honey; 2 Garlic Cloves, minced; ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper; ¼ teaspoon Salt; ½ teaspoon Parsley (dried); 2 tablespoon Chopped Green Onions

If you’re craving a main dish that’s tangy, sweet, and packed with smoky charred goodness, Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are about to become your new obsession. This super quick recipe delivers everything you love about classic buffalo wings—zippy heat, a touch of honeyed sweetness, irresistible grill marks—but in a meal-worthy cut that’s juicy and utterly satisfying. The oh-so-simple marinade does double duty as a baste, infusing each bite with layers of flavor while keeping the chicken impossibly moist. If you’ve never tried Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs before, prepare to fall head over heels!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine. These basic ingredients, each with a starring role, come together in vibrant, saucy harmony. Don’t skip a single one—they’re what create the magic color, juicy texture, and crave-worthy taste of homemade Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs.

Chicken Thighs: Go for boneless, skinless thighs; they stay tender and soak up all that bold sauce.
Buffalo Sauce: The foundation of the spicy, tangy kick—use your favorite brand or homemade!
Honey: Just a couple of tablespoons mellow out the heat, giving the glaze a glossy finish and a hint of sweetness.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the marinade with aromatic depth that you’ll taste in every bite.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle, peppery bite and layers into the overall seasoning.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the savory and spicy flavors into balance.
Parsley (dried): A touch of herbal brightness that makes the chicken pop visually and flavor-wise.
Chopped Green Onions (optional): Sprinkle these over the finished dish for a fresh, colorful garnish and a subtle crunch.

How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Whisk Up the Honey Buffalo Marinade

Begin by combining your buffalo sauce, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Grab a whisk and stir until the sauce is smooth, shiny, and well blended. You’ll immediately notice that signature buffalo aroma mixing with a touch of sweetness—just try not to dip a finger in before the chicken is ready!

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken Thighs

Lay your chicken thighs out on a plate or in a shallow dish. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and dried parsley, making sure every nook gets some love. Now spoon a couple of tablespoons of your honey buffalo sauce right over the chicken, tossing and rubbing to coat each piece completely. This first round of sauce gives the thighs a head start on flavor.

Step 3: Heat and Prep the Grill

Fire up your grill to medium-low heat. Letting the grill warm up for a few minutes ensures those beautiful char marks and helps the chicken cook evenly. Oil the grate lightly or use non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Thighs Low and Slow

Carefully lay the chicken thighs on the grill with the smooth side facing down. This helps them cook evenly and present well. Resist the urge to crank the heat—the secret to Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs that are juicy, not dry, is grilling low and slow. Turn the thighs every 3–4 minutes using tongs.

Step 5: Baste and Finish Cooking

During those final turns, brush the chicken with more honey buffalo sauce. The glaze will caramelize just a bit, creating a sticky, glossy coating. Keep turning and basting until the juices run clear and the internal temperature is between 165 and 170 degrees—usually about 15 minutes total.

Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Garnish

Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after pulling it from the grill. This keeps all the juices locked inside for that perfect, tender bite. Slice or serve whole, then add a shower of fresh green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Keep things fresh and vibrant with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a scatter of fresh parsley. If you want to dial up the indulgence, a crumble of blue cheese or a swirl of ranch dressing will make these Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs downright irresistible.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like crunchy celery sticks, crisp garden salads, or grilled corn on the cob pair beautifully with the spicy-sweet chicken. For something heartier, try roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or even a cool pasta salad to balance out the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs into a party hit by slicing them and stuffing into toasted rolls for sandwiches, or wrap in tortillas with slaw for spicy buffalo tacos! They’re also fantastic atop a loaded salad with extra sauce drizzled on top for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftover Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs can be packed into an airtight container and refrigerated for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making them just as delicious the next day sliced over salads or tucked into wraps.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, these chicken thighs freeze like a dream. Lay cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to pre-freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep beautifully for up to three months; just be sure to label them for easy grabbing later.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or a covered skillet with a splash of water or extra buffalo sauce to keep things moist. If you want that just-from-the-grill texture, reheat in a hot oven (about 350 degrees) for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but keep a close eye on them as they tend to cook a bit faster and can dry out. The thighs are more forgiving and stay extra juicy, especially on the grill.

How spicy is the final dish?

The heat level depends entirely on your buffalo sauce. If you prefer things on the mild side, choose a mild buffalo sauce and increase the honey slightly. Love it fiery? Go with a hot sauce and keep the honey as is!

Can I cook Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs indoors?

Definitely—these are just as tasty when cooked on a stovetop grill pan or even baked on a wire rack at 425 degrees. You’ll still get that crave-worthy flavor, though the outdoor grill does add a little something extra in smoky taste and char.

What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of a thigh; it should read between 165 and 170 degrees. The juices will run clear and the chicken will look opaque and juicy, not pink.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

You sure can! Prep the honey buffalo marinade up to three days ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Give it a quick stir before using in case the honey has settled to the bottom.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about gathering around the grill and savoring a platter of Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs—especially when they’re this easy and packed with flavor. Whether you serve them family-style on a summer night or meal-prep a batch for the week, this recipe always brings rave reviews. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple on your dinner rotation!

Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 17 reviews

Author: Mary & Susan
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 people
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with a sticky glaze that caramelizes on the grill. Juicy and flavorful, these chicken thighs are a great addition to your summer grilling repertoire.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs:

2 lbs Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless

Honey Buffalo Sauce:

¼ cup Buffalo Sauce
2 tablespoon Honey
2 Garlic Cloves, minced

Seasoning:

¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
¼ teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Parsley (dried)

Optional Garnish:

2 tablespoon Chopped Green Onions

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Instructions

Prepare Honey Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
Season Chicken Thighs: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and parsley. Coat thighs with 2 tablespoons of the honey buffalo sauce.
Grill Chicken Thighs: Heat grill to medium-low heat. Grill chicken thighs, turning every 3-4 minutes until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165-170 degrees. Baste with honey buffalo sauce during the last few turns.
Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve with favorite grilling sides.