Best Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs Recipe

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.

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.

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:

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   • ½ cup buffalo sauce

   • ¼ cup butter

   • 3 tablespoons honey

   • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

   • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

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

• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

• Trim excess fat if needed.

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

• Optional but recommended: Let chicken marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

• Bring to room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling.

Grilling Instructions (Gas or Charcoal)

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

• Gas grill: Medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C)

• Charcoal grill: Medium heat with two zones (direct and indirect)

Step 2: Oil the Grill Grates

• Use tongs and an oiled paper towel to lightly grease the grates to prevent sticking.

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

• Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes.

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

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

• Freeze cooked thighs (without sauce) for up to 3 months.

• Reheat and then toss in fresh sauce.

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

• Use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce hot sauce by half.

• Add extra honey for a sweeter glaze.

Extra Heat

• Add cayenne or crushed red pepper to the sauce.

• Use a hot buffalo sauce like Frank’s Xtra Hot.

Add Citrus

• Squeeze fresh lime over the chicken after grilling.

• Add orange zest to the honey buffalo sauce for a zesty twist.

Air Fryer or Oven Version

• Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.

• Brush with sauce during the last 5 minutes.

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.