– **Title**: Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well mixed to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all chicken pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for more flavor.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
5. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot, optionally with additional hot sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect here because they stay juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a lighter option, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used instead but adjust cooking time!
Honey: This adds sweetness to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. If you need a replacement, maple syrup or agave nectar works well, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! If you prefer less heat, try a mild wing sauce or even a BBQ sauce blended with hot sauce for a different flavor.
Olive Oil: It keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade stick. You can swap it for canola or vegetable oil if you prefer, or even melted butter for a richer taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken thighs can be tricky, but it’s all about the right temperature and timing. Start by shaking off excess marinade to avoid flare-ups. Here’s how to get the perfect grill marks and juicy meat:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. Oiling the grates is crucial to prevent sticking.
- Cook chicken skin-side down for 6-7 minutes, letting that skin crisp up before flipping.
- After flipping, baste with the reserved marinade for added flavor during the last few minutes.
- Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
Letting the chicken rest for a brief moment after grilling helps the juices redistribute. This extra step makes a big difference in tenderness! Enjoy your meal with some fresh green onions sprinkled on top for a nice crunch.
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour to marinate (or longer if you prefer). After that, you’ll grill for about 15 minutes. So all together, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes to have these tasty chicken thighs ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. This will be your flavorful marinade for the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure they are nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and then pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for maximum flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remember to oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to help prevent the chicken from sticking. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any extra marinade drip off (but save that marinade for basting!). Place the chicken thighs on the grill skin-side down and grill for about 6-7 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden. Flip the chicken over and grill for another 6-7 minutes.
4. Basting and Checking for Doneness:
During the last few minutes of grilling, take the reserved marinade and baste the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. Keep grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C)—use a meat thermometer to check! Once it’s done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve:
After the chicken has rested, garnish it with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve alongside your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work just fine. Just be mindful that the cooking time may be shorter, around 5-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute buffalo sauce with hot sauce mixed with a bit of melted butter to mimic the flavor. You can also try combining your favorite hot sauce with a touch of honey for sweetness, adjusting to your heat preference.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can microwave it for a quick option, keeping an eye on it to prevent drying out.
Can I Grill This in the Oven Instead?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, and baste with the marinade during the last few minutes. Make sure it also reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C)!
