Grilled Buffalo BBQ Chicken Thighs bring together the best of both worlds: the tangy heat of buffalo sauce and the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ. This combination creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates juicy chicken thighs to a new level of deliciousness.
Perfect for game days, backyard gatherings, or a simple family dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a bit of spice with their barbecue. Try this sauce on these delicious smoked chicken thighs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken thighs – We like to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe.
- Olive oil
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Hot sauce – Spicy buffalo sauce is a signature sauce loaded with flavors. It has the right amount of heat smokiness. I prefer to use Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce.
- Ketchup – I like to use no-sugar-added ketchup to keep the sweetness level down. Use your favorite ketchup.
- Apple cider vinegar – The apple cider vinegar gives the sauce a nice tangy flavor that helps to balance the sweetness.
- Honey – You want to select a good quality honey. Preferably one that is fresh and in liquid form. Honey can get crystallized over time, which won’t work as well for this sauce.
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce Bring a lot of umami flavor.
- Garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Butter – Salted or unsalted is fine, whatever you have on hand.
Equipment Needed
- Grill – I use a Weber Genesis E325 for most of my grilling, though I also have a Z Grills Smoker/Grill combo that I sometimes use. You can use whatever grill you have, whether it’s gas or charcoal.
- Propane or Charcoal – Depending on your setup.
- Grill Tools – I swear by this set of sturdy grill tools from Cuisinart that includes everything you need for grilling, like tongs, a flipper, a digital temperature fork, silicone basting brush, and more.
- Meat thermometer – Many smokers have a thermometer built in, but if you don’t have one you’ll want to get an instant-read thermometer like this awesome Thermapen.
Helpful Tips
- To ensure the chicken thighs absorb all the delicious flavors, marinate them in the buffalo BBQ sauce for at least a couple of hours. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with the perfect balance of heat and smoky sweetness.
- Chicken thighs can handle higher heat, but it’s important to avoid burning the sauce. Grill them over medium heat, turning frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent the sauce from charring. This will give you juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with a beautifully caramelized glaze.
- For an extra layer of flavor, brush a fresh coat of buffalo BBQ sauce on the chicken thighs during the last few minutes of grilling. This adds a glossy finish and intensifies the spicy-sweet taste. Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
Grilled Buffalo BBQ Chicken Thighs
Grilled Buffalo BBQ Chicken Thighs bring together the best of both worlds: the tangy heat of buffalo sauce and the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ. This combination creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates juicy chicken thighs to a new level of deliciousness.
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4 Servings
Calories: 863kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) garlic powder
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) hot sauce such as Frank’s RedHot
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) honey
- 2 tablespoons (24 g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil to help the spices adhere.
- Season the thighs with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let them sit at room temperature while you prepare the sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the hot sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to bubble. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter until the sauce is smooth and well-blended. Let it cool slightly.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour about half of the Buffalo BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
- Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and has nice grill marks.
- Flip the chicken thighs and move to indirect heat. Close the lid and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken thighs with the remaining Buffalo BBQ sauce.
- Once the chicken thighs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
Notes
- To ensure the chicken thighs absorb all the delicious flavors, marinate them in the buffalo BBQ sauce for at least a couple of hours. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with the perfect balance of heat and smoky sweetness.
- Chicken thighs can handle higher heat, but it’s important to avoid burning the sauce. Grill them over medium heat, turning frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent the sauce from charring. This will give you juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with a beautifully caramelized glaze.
- For an extra layer of flavor, brush a fresh coat of buffalo BBQ sauce on the chicken thighs during the last few minutes of grilling. This adds a glossy finish and intensifies the spicy-sweet taste. Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition
Calories: 863kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 71g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 264mg | Sodium: 1813mg | Potassium: 1378mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 684IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 3mg
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Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.