Crispy Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Name: Crispy Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Honey
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; garlic powder, to taste; 1/4 cup buffalo sauce; 2 tbsp honey; Yogurt-based ranch dressing, for serving

Crispy grilled chicken thighs brushed with buffalo sauce and honey deliver a balanced sweet-spicy flavor that comes together in minutes. The skin crisps up on the grill while the meat stays juicy inside.

🌍American 🏷️Buffalo chicken 🏷️Chicken thighs 🏷️Grilled chicken 🏷️Crispy chicken Spicy

🏷️

🏷️Sweet and spicy

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TikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
1/4 cup buffalo sauce
2 tbsp honey
Yogurt-based ranch dressing, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Season the chicken thighs generously on all sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2
Place the seasoned chicken thighs onto a hot grill pan.
3
Cover the chicken with a piece of aluminum foil and press down firmly with a grill press to ensure even contact and a crispy crust.
4
Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side. Flip the chicken thighs, cover again with foil and the press, and cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
5
Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
6
Drizzle the buffalo sauce and honey over the chicken thighs.
7
Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce mixture.
8
Serve immediately, with yogurt-based ranch dressing for dipping if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up; excess moisture prevents browning.
Brush the buffalo-honey mixture on during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking to prevent the sauce from burning.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender.
Use medium-high heat and avoid moving the chicken too often; constant flipping prevents the skin from crisping.

Substitutions

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs → bone-in, skin-on thighs (add 5–10 minutes cooking time)
Buffalo sauce → hot sauce mixed with melted butter (adjust ratio to taste)
Honey → maple syrup or brown sugar syrup (same quantity, similar sweetness and glaze)
Yogurt-based ranch → blue cheese dressing or a drizzle of hot honey

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat to preserve crispness.

Equipment

grill or grill pan · instant-read thermometer

Common Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?

Yes. Bone-in thighs will take 5–10 minutes longer to cook through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Oil the grill grates well before heating, and let the chicken develop a crust for 3–4 minutes before moving it. Avoid moving it too early.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes. Pan-sear the chicken skin-side down in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, then finish in a 400°F oven for 12–15 minutes. Brush with sauce in the last few minutes.