Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs: 4 Easy Steps

Q: What can you make with buffalo chicken?

Oh, the possibilities! Leftover buffalo chicken thighs are amazing in wraps, tacos, salads, or even chopped into mac and cheese for a spicy twist. It’s a great way to stretch one meal into several.

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one recipe that’s going to earn you the “Queen of the Grill” crown this summer, it’s these Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs. Seriously—this dish is smoky, saucy, and just spicy enough to make your taste buds dance. And the best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough for a backyard BBQ showstopper.

Whether you’re cooking for picky kiddos, hungry husbands, or just your own happy self, these chicken thighs are a slam dunk. They’re sweet, tangy, and have that little kick that makes you go, “Okay, just one more bite.”

Why You’ll Love These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs already have a reputation for being juicier and more forgiving than chicken breasts (no offense, white meat lovers). But toss them in a sticky, slightly spicy honey buffalo sauce and pop them on the grill? You’ve got a flavor explosion that’s low-effort but high reward.

✅ Fast prep, minimal mess
✅ Grill-friendly but totally indoor-cook adaptable
✅ Bold buffalo flavor with a touch of honey sweetness

This is comfort food with a smoky summer twist—and the leftovers? Chef’s kiss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it easy. Everything here is pantry-friendly and weeknight-approved:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
¼ cup Buffalo sauce (choose your fave brand or make it homemade!)
2 tbsp honey (this is the magic ingredient, y’all)
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp dried parsley
2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, but they add a nice fresh bite)

How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Don’t let the grill scare you. This is as foolproof as it gets.

Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix up your buffalo sauce, honey, and garlic. It should smell like sweet-and-spicy heaven already.
Season the Chicken
Sprinkle your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and parsley. Then toss them in 2 tablespoons of your honey buffalo sauce to coat.
Preheat That Grill
Get your grill to a medium-low heat. You want it hot enough to sear, but not so fiery that the sugar in the honey burns.
Grill Low and Slow
Place the thighs smooth side down. Turn every 3–4 minutes to keep them juicy. Slow grilling helps lock in that flavor and keeps them from drying out.
Baste and Finish
During the last few flips, baste those thighs with more of the honey buffalo mixture. That sticky glaze is what dreams are made of.
Serve with Style
Sprinkle with green onions and serve with your favorite sides—corn on the cob, coleslaw, or even some garlic bread if you’re feeling wild.

Tips for Grilling Success

No grill? No problem! You can totally cook these in a grill pan or even bake them at 400°F for 25–30 minutes. Just finish under the broiler for that caramelized finish.
Worried about dry chicken? Use a meat thermometer. Pull the chicken off at 165–170°F and let it rest for a few minutes.
Want more heat? Add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade or serve with extra buffalo sauce on the side.

A Little Backstory from My Kitchen

I first made these Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs on a last-minute weeknight when I had nothing thawed but some chicken thighs and a nearly empty bottle of buffalo sauce. With a little honey and garlic magic, it turned into a surprise hit.

Now? My kids ask for “the sweet spicy chicken” at least once a week. And I don’t mind one bit—it’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for my busy mom-life dinner schedule.

Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs sizzling on a hot grill with honey buffalo sauce and green onions

FAQs About Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can, but they might not be quite as juicy. If you do, be sure not to overcook them—and consider marinating for an hour beforehand.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in a skillet or air fryer!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prep the sauce and season the chicken the night before. Let it marinate for maximum flavor punch.

How long can you marinate chicken in buffalo sauce?

Buffalo sauce is acidic, so you don’t want to marinate too long. For Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs, 30 minutes to 2 hours is perfect. Any longer and the texture can get a little mushy—nobody wants sad chicken.

How do you know when chicken thighs are done on the grill?

The best way to tell is by using a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165–170°F. Also, the juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part. If it still looks a little pink, give it a few more minutes.

What can you make with buffalo chicken?

Oh, the possibilities! Leftover buffalo chicken thighs are amazing in wraps, tacos, salads, or even chopped into mac and cheese for a spicy twist. It’s a great way to stretch one meal into several.

Is grilled buffalo chicken healthy?

Yes! Grilled chicken thighs offer a good balance of protein and healthy fats. Plus, grilling means less oil than pan-frying. Just be mindful of how much sauce you use if you’re watching sugar or sodium—but hey, everything in moderation, right?

Conclusion

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to jazz up your dinner rotation, Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a must-try. They’re easy, flavorful, and a little bit sassy—just like we like it around here.

Crank up the grill, grab that honey buffalo sauce, and get ready to wow your taste buds (and maybe even your neighbors with those amazing smells wafting over the fence).

Ready to spice up your chicken game? Let’s get grilling! 🍗🔥

Keep the Flavor Going: More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re already head-over-heels for these Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs, you’re going to want to keep the spicy-sweet magic rolling. Here are a few more mouthwatering dishes that pair perfectly or follow the same flavor-packed vibe:

Try this zesty twist on a salad with the Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad—it’s the perfect way to turn your leftover chicken thighs into a next-day lunch win.
Want more heat with a crunch? These Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are party-perfect and great for game day (or let’s be real—any day).
Take your salad game to the next level with this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon—a protein-packed meal that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
And if you love that bold buffalo flavor in a more comforting form, don’t miss the Bold and Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet. Creamy, spicy, and totally crave-worthy.

No matter which one you pick next, you’ll stay on the flavorful track. Bookmark your faves, share them with your fellow chicken lovers, and let’s keep the grill (and your dinner plans) sizzling! 🍗🔥