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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are best for juiciness and flavor, but you can use skinless thighs if you prefer. Make sure to adjust cooking time for boneless cuts, as they cook faster.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is popular, but feel free to use any hot sauce you like! Sriracha or a homemade hot sauce can add different flavor profiles. Adjust based on your heat preference.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps balance the heat. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can work in a pinch, though they may slightly change the flavor.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder are essential here, but you can use fresh minced garlic and chopped onion if you have them. Just sauté them briefly before mixing with the other ingredients to bring out their flavors.
How Can I Ensure Deliciously Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Getting perfectly grilled chicken thighs is all about technique. First, marinate the chicken well! A good marinade not only boosts flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Letting the chicken sit overnight in the fridge can really enhance the taste.
- Preheat your grill to the right temperature. Medium-high heat is essential for getting that nice sear on the skin.
- Don’t rush when cooking! Start skin-side down to crisp it up. After 5-7 minutes, flip and reduce the heat to medium to finish cooking through.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is safe to eat – aim for 165°F (75°C).
Lastly, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful!
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation plus at least 1 hour of marinating time. Once you fire up the grill, you’ll need about 20 minutes to cook the chicken. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 35 minutes preparing and cooking your delicious grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by whisking together the hot sauce, honey, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Make sure everything is well combined and mixed thoroughly—this will be the flavorful marinade for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place your chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. If using a bag, seal it and gently shake to mix. If you’re using a dish, turn the thighs to coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—if you can let them marinate overnight, that will deepen the flavor even more!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals have turned hot and ashy before cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken Thighs:
Once the grill is hot, take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Keep the marinade for basting later. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and has lovely grill marks. Flip the chicken over and reduce the heat to medium.
5. Baste and Cook Through:
Now, brush the chicken thighs with the reserved marinade and continue grilling for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure; cooking it through is key to a tasty dish!
6. Rest and Serve:
When the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the thighs, keeping them juicy. Before serving, sprinkle with sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, you can substitute them with chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster, so monitor them closely to avoid drying out. Adjust the grilling time to about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a honey alternative, agave syrup or maple syrup can work well in this recipe. Both will provide a similar sweetness. If you’re using agave syrup, you can use it in the same quantity as honey. For maple syrup, you might want to slightly reduce the amount to 1.5 tablespoons, as it has a stronger flavor.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken thighs for 1 hour up to 24 hours. For best flavor, aim for at least 4-6 hours. Just remember to keep it refrigerated! If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can still impart some nice flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or on a grill for a few minutes until heated through. You can also slice them up to add to salads or sandwiches for an easy meal!
