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Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Succulent boneless chicken thighs are rubbed with simple seasonings, then slowly grilled until perfectly tender and smoky. A homemade blend of buffalo sauce, honey, and garlic creates a glaze that caramelizes with every flip, packing in a tangy, sweet, and spicy kick. This dish easily fits any barbecue spread—delicious paired with grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or fresh salad. The honey buffalo sauce can be prepared ahead for convenience, while low and slow grilling guarantees juicy results. Garnish with green onions for a fresh finish and enjoy a crowd-pleasing main course that balances bold flavor and ease.

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Created By Sarah
Last updated on Tue, 20 May 2025 20:40:33 GMT
A plate of chicken with sauce. Save
A plate of chicken with sauce. | sarahmeal.com

These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs deliver everything you hope for in a backyard meal—juicy chicken infused with a sweet and tangy glaze, smoky notes from the grill, and just the right touch of spice. The simple homemade honey buffalo sauce caramelizes perfectly as the chicken cooks, giving you sticky flavorful bites each time. I love pulling this recipe out for family cookouts because it always wins over the crowd without much fuss.

The first time I threw these on the grill, the sticky glaze had everyone licking their fingers and asking for the recipe. It has become my go to dish for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and absorb flavor well Look for thighs with even thickness for the best grilling results
  • Buffalo sauce: The main flavor base Use a brand you love or make it from scratch for more control over the heat
  • Honey: Brings in sweetness and promotes caramelization Choose raw local honey if possible for richer depth
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic deepens the glaze and rounds out the sauce Use firm brightly colored cloves
  • Black pepper: Adds subtle heat Use freshly ground for the most flavor
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors Choose kosher or sea salt for the cleanest taste
  • Dried parsley: Offers a gentle herbal lift and color Make sure it is fresh and not faded
  • Chopped green onions: Optional garnish for a burst of freshness Select firm bright green stems

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Honey Buffalo Glaze:
Mix buffalo sauce honey and minced garlic together in a bowl until you have a smooth cohesive glaze This will become both your marinade and grilling sauce
Season and Marinate the Chicken:
Sprinkle thighs with salt black pepper and parsley on all sides Place them in a bowl or zip bag and toss with a couple spoonfuls of the glaze to coat Let it sit at room temperature as the grill heats
Preheat and Prepare the Grill:
Fire up your grill to medium low heat so the chicken cooks gently and stays moist Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled
Grill the Chicken and Baste:
Lay chicken thighs smooth side down on the hot grates Grill gently for about three to four minutes per side flipping frequently Each time you turn the chicken brush on more glaze to build up a sticky flavorful coating Keep going until thighs are cooked through and reach at least 165 degrees F inside
Rest and Serve:
Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest so juices settle Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot with your favorite barbecued sides
A plate of chicken wings with sauce. Save
A plate of chicken wings with sauce. | sarahmeal.com

I cannot get enough of the honey in this glaze The way it creates a caramelized crust on the grill is always a hit with my family Everyone fights for the crispiest piece

Storage Tips

Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat gently covered in the oven or microwave so it does not dry out The glaze stays sticky and delicious even the next day

Ingredient Substitutions

If spicy heat is not your thing swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce or teriyaki You can also swap out dried parsley for fresh herbs like cilantro or basil Boneless chicken breasts work but do not stay as juicy as thighs so watch your cook time

A plate of grilled chicken with sauce. Save
A plate of grilled chicken with sauce. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve with classic picnic sides like potato salad corn on the cob or coleslaw For easy weeknight dinners pair the chicken with steamed rice and a green salad I love piling leftovers onto toasted buns for quick buffalo chicken sandwiches

Cultural Context

Buffalo sauce hails from upstate New York where it became famous as a wing coating This recipe gives those well known flavors a summer barbecue spin using boneless thighs for maximum tenderness and easy grilling

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I keep chicken thighs juicy on the grill?

Grill the thighs over medium-low heat and avoid overcooking. Letting them rest after grilling also helps retain their juices.

→ Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?

Yes, bone-in thighs work well. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.

→ Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in the sauce?

Marinating is optional but adds extra flavor. Even a short rest in the sauce enhances the taste.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Classic options like grilled corn, potato salad, coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad complement these flavors beautifully.

→ Can I cook these chicken thighs indoors?

Absolutely. A grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat works well for this dish inside your kitchen.

Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs grilled low and slow, finished with a caramelized honey buffalo glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and spicy.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
25 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (8 chicken thighs)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Chicken

Ingredient 01 900 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs

→ Glaze

Ingredient 02 60 ml buffalo sauce
Ingredient 03 30 ml honey
Ingredient 04 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Seasoning

Ingredient 05 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Ingredient 06 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
Ingredient 07 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley

→ Garnish (optional)

Ingredient 08 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

How to Make It

Instruction 01

In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, and minced garlic until fully blended.

Instruction 02

Evenly sprinkle chicken thighs on all sides with salt, black pepper, and dried parsley.

Instruction 03

Transfer seasoned chicken to a large bowl or sealable bag. Add 2 tablespoons of the honey buffalo glaze and toss thoroughly to coat. Set aside to marinate while preheating the grill.

Instruction 04

Preheat grill to medium-low heat, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled.

Instruction 05

Place chicken thighs smooth-side down on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping regularly. Each time you flip, baste chicken with additional honey buffalo glaze. Continue until chicken is cooked through and glaze is caramelized, with internal temperature reaching 74°C to 77°C.

Instruction 06

Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh green onions if desired. Serve immediately with preferred accompaniments.

Additional Tips

  1. For deeper flavor, the chicken can be marinated in the honey buffalo glaze for up to 2 hours before grilling.
  2. Prepare the glaze up to one week ahead and store refrigerated; stir well before use.
  3. Maintaining a gentle grilling temperature prevents flare-ups and guarantees juicy, tender results.
  4. The chicken may also be cooked indoors using a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Essential Tools

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Basting brush or spoon

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains potential allergens from buffalo sauce ingredients, such as milk or butter derivatives.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 305
  • Fat Content: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 8 grams
  • Protein Content: 32 grams