These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are everything you want in a summer (or anytime) barbecue dish—juicy, smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet and spicy. The chicken is seasoned simply and grilled low and slow for maximum tenderness, then slathered in a homemade honey buffalo glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue for a weeknight dinner or hosting a weekend cookout, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for grilling because they stay juicy and cook quickly, making them ideal for busy nights or casual entertaining. The honey buffalo sauce is incredibly easy to whip up and delivers bold flavor without being overwhelming—just the right kick of heat balanced with a touch of sweetness. Serve these with classic sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, or potato salad, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will be raving about.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
¼ cup buffalo sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
2 tablespoons honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the buffalo sauce, honey, and minced garlic until well combined. This will be your sweet and spicy glaze.
Season the chicken thighs on all sides with salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Place the seasoned chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag, add about 2 tablespoons of the honey buffalo sauce, and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it sit while you preheat the grill so the flavors can start to infuse.
Preheat your grill to medium-low heat. Once it’s hot, place the chicken thighs smooth-side down on the grates. Cooking them low and slow is the secret to keeping them juicy and tender.
Grill the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping regularly. Each time you turn the chicken, baste it with more of the honey buffalo sauce using a brush or spoon. This helps build up a flavorful glaze that caramelizes slightly as it cooks. Continue this process until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to 170°F and the juices run clear.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions if desired, and serve with your favorite sides. These thighs are amazing with grilled veggies, cornbread, pasta salad, or even over a crisp garden salad.
Notes
You can prep the honey buffalo sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 2 hours before grilling. This step is optional but adds even more depth.
Don’t skip the low-and-slow grill method—it helps avoid flare-ups and keeps the chicken moist and tender.
If you’re cooking indoors, this recipe works just as well using a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in thighs will take a bit longer—typically 25–30 minutes depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mildly spicy with a hint of sweetness from the honey. If you like more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier buffalo sauce.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Absolutely. Bake the seasoned chicken thighs at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, basting with the honey buffalo sauce halfway through and again toward the end. For a little char, you can broil them for the last 2–3 minutes.
What can I serve with Honey Buffalo Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or even a simple green salad. It’s also delicious sliced up in wraps or sandwiches the next day.
How long does the cooked chicken keep?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out.
Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are everything you want in a summer (or anytime) barbecue dish—juicy, smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet and spicy. The chicken is seasoned simply and grilled low and slow for maximum tenderness, then slathered in a homemade honey buffalo glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue for a weeknight dinner or hosting a weekend cookout, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for grilling because they stay juicy and cook quickly, making them ideal for busy nights or casual entertaining. The honey buffalo sauce is incredibly easy to whip up and delivers bold flavor without being overwhelming—just the right kick of heat balanced with a touch of sweetness. Serve these with classic sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, or potato salad, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will be raving about.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
¼ cup buffalo sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
2 tablespoons honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the buffalo sauce, honey, and minced garlic until well combined. This will be your sweet and spicy glaze.
Season the chicken thighs on all sides with salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Place the seasoned chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag, add about 2 tablespoons of the honey buffalo sauce, and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it sit while you preheat the grill so the flavors can start to infuse.
Preheat your grill to medium-low heat. Once it’s hot, place the chicken thighs smooth-side down on the grates. Cooking them low and slow is the secret to keeping them juicy and tender.
Grill the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping regularly. Each time you turn the chicken, baste it with more of the honey buffalo sauce using a brush or spoon. This helps build up a flavorful glaze that caramelizes slightly as it cooks. Continue this process until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to 170°F and the juices run clear.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions if desired, and serve with your favorite sides. These thighs are amazing with grilled veggies, cornbread, pasta salad, or even over a crisp garden salad
Notes
You can prep the honey buffalo sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 2 hours before grilling. This step is optional but adds even more depth.
Don’t skip the low-and-slow grill method—it helps avoid flare-ups and keeps the chicken moist and tender.
If you’re cooking indoors, this recipe works just as well using a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.