
Sink your teeth into these Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs—every bite bursts with sweet spice and smoky char. That sticky homemade glaze caramelizes right on the grill, so each piece is packed with crazy flavor. It’s the one dish I throw together when friends pop over. Everybody's always grabbing seconds, and it never takes much effort.
The first night I tossed these on the grill, folks couldn't stop licking their fingers. The sticky glaze is addictive. Now it's my summer crowd-pleaser without a doubt.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Chopped green onions: For finishing touches, throw a handful on top Use crisp, rich green ones if you can
- Dried parsley: Adds a light hint of herbs and brightens things up Always check that it’s still green and not old
- Salt: Boosts the flavors all around Choose coarse types for best results
- Black pepper: Delivers a mellow spicy kick Freshly cracked pepper brings maximum flavor
- Garlic cloves: Freshly chopped garlic kicks up the glaze and makes the sauce pop Pick out cloves that look tight and bright
- Honey: Gets everything sticky-sweet and helps those beautiful char marks If you can, go for local raw honey
- Buffalo sauce: Brings the heat and zing, and you control the spice if you make your own
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Stay moist and soak up marinade like crazy Aim for pieces that are evenly thick
Simple Cooking Steps
- Rest and Serve:
- Let your chicken chill on a plate so the juices settle Slice up some green onions and sprinkle on top Dig in while it’s nice and warm with your favorite sides
- Grill and Baste Chicken:
- Put the thighs smooth side down over medium heat Flip them every few minutes, slapping on more glaze each time to really get that sticky layer going Keep at it until the inside is nice and cooked—you're shooting for 165 degrees F
- Heat the Grill:
- Get your grill set to medium low. Quickly wipe the grates clean, then rub or spray on a bit of oil to keep chicken from sticking
- Season and Marinate:
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and parsley on each thigh Toss them into a bowl or bag, scoop on some glaze, and mix so everything gets coated Let it hang out while the grill heats up
- Mix Up the Glaze:
- Stir buffalo sauce, honey, and minced garlic together in a small bowl You want it smooth and combined—that'll be your marinade and basting sauce

I'm obsessed with how the honey makes a crispy, caramel edge. It’s always a huge hit at our house—everyone’s reaching for the most charred piece they can find.
Smart Storage
Pop any leftover chicken into a sealed container and slide it into the fridge for up to three days. Want it to stay tender? Reheat gently, covered, either in the oven or microwave. The glaze gets even better by tomorrow!
Swaps and Options
Don’t love spicy? Switch out buffalo sauce for BBQ or even teriyaki. You could also sub dried parsley with fresh cilantro or basil. Boneless chicken breasts work too—just keep an eye on them since they tend to cook quicker and might dry out.

Serving Ideas
Try these thighs with picnic favorites like coleslaw, corn, or potato salad. For weeknights, scoop some rice and toss a salad on the side. Got leftovers? Stuff them into buns for easy buffalo chicken sandwiches.
Fun Food Background
Buffalo sauce comes from upstate New York—originally for wings. Here, we’re giving those famous flavors a grilled twist and making it super simple with tender boneless thighs.
Recipe FAQs
- → What’s the secret to juicy grilled chicken thighs?
Keep the heat around medium-low. Don’t let them go too long on the grill. Once they’re off, let them chill for a couple minutes so the juices don’t run all over.
- → Does it work with bone-in thighs too?
Yep, you can totally swap for bone-in. Just grill them a little longer to be sure they’re cooked through.
- → Should I let the chicken hang out in the sauce before grilling?
You don’t have to, but soaking them a bit gives bigger flavor. Even a quick dip helps.
- → Got any favorite sides to go with this?
Try it with things like coleslaw, a cold potato salad, fresh mixed salad, or even corn done on the grill.
- → What if I can’t grill outside, can I make these inside?
For sure! Just use a grill pan or a heavy skillet on your stove, medium heat does the trick.