Grilled Buffalo Chicken Thighs Recipe

Chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.

Buffalo sauce: Provides the signature tangy and spicy flavor.

Olive oil: Helps to coat the chicken and keep it moist during grilling.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a hint of sweetness.

Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.

To achieve perfectly grilled chicken thighs, make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the meat on the grates. This ensures a good sear and helps lock in the juices. When applying the buffalo sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, use a basting brush to evenly coat the chicken. This technique prevents the sauce from burning and allows it to caramelize slightly, enhancing the flavor.

• bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They cook faster and are easier to eat, though they may be slightly less juicy.

• bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: They have a similar cooking time and flavor profile.

• buffalo sauce - Substitute with sriracha mixed with melted butter: This combination provides a similar spicy and tangy flavor.

• buffalo sauce - Substitute with hot sauce mixed with vinegar and melted butter: This mixture mimics the tangy and spicy characteristics of buffalo sauce.

• olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: It has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: It is also neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point, making it suitable for grilling.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: It provides a more intense garlic flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with granulated garlic: It has a similar texture and flavor intensity.

• onion powder - Substitute with granulated onion: It has a similar texture and flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely minced fresh onion: It provides a fresher, more intense onion flavor.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: It adds a smoky flavor in addition to the mild heat.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: It adds a bit more heat and complexity.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: It adds a salty flavor along with umami.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: It provides a similar salty flavor but with a slightly different texture.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: It has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: It adds more heat and a different type of spiciness.

• Allow the grilled buffalo chicken thighs to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• Place the cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help maintain their moisture and flavor.

• Store the chicken in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. This ensures the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.

• For longer storage, place the wrapped chicken thighs in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date to keep track of how long the chicken has been stored. This is especially helpful for maintaining food safety and quality.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing process helps retain the texture and flavor of the chicken.

• Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is heated through without drying out.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. This method helps keep the chicken moist.

• For an extra burst of flavor, brush on additional buffalo sauce during reheating. This will refresh the spicy kick and make the chicken taste freshly grilled.

• Serve the reheated chicken with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad, to complete the meal.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the chicken with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps maintain the juiciness of the chicken.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method gives the chicken a nice, crispy skin.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This is the quickest method but may result in slightly less crispy skin.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to keep the skin crispy while reheating the chicken evenly.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap the chicken thighs in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through. This method helps to retain the smoky flavor of the original dish.

• Grill: Used to cook the chicken thighs to perfection with a smoky flavor.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the olive oil and spices to create the rub for the chicken.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken thighs on the grill without piercing the meat.

• Basting brush: Perfect for brushing the buffalo sauce onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken thighs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to let the chicken rest after grilling.

• Knife: Useful for trimming any excess fat or skin from the chicken thighs before grilling.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the spices and olive oil.

• Plate: For serving the grilled buffalo chicken thighs once they have rested.

Prepare the spice mix ahead: Combine the olive oil and spices in advance to save time on the day of grilling.

Marinate overnight: Rub the chicken thighs with the spice mixture the night before to enhance flavor and save prep time.

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked quickly by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before you start cooking to reduce grilling time.

Brush sauce efficiently: Use a silicone brush to quickly and evenly apply the buffalo sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.