Citrus Glazed BBQ Chicken (California Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

Imagine the scent of citrus zest sizzling over an open fire, mingling with the savory aroma of roasting chicken. This BBQ Chicken with California Citrus Glaze captures the very essence of a Golden State summer in a single bite. It is sticky, sweet, tangy, and boasts that perfect char that only real wood fire can provide. Whether you are gathering friends for a backyard bash or just craving a vibrant weeknight dinner, this dish brings the sunshine straight to your plate.

Why This Recipe is a Summer Essential

I adore this recipe because it balances complex flavors with surprisingly simple preparation. The high heat of the Arteflame center locks in the juices instantly, while the gentle heat of the flat top creates a sticky, caramelized finish that you just can't achieve on a standard grate without flare-ups. It is the perfect marriage of sweet honey, bright citrus, and savory smoke, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.

Kitchen Wisdom

• Pat it Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Use paper towels to get the skin bone-dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy texture.
• Watch the Sugar: The glaze contains honey and fruit juice, which can burn easily. Keep the glazed chicken on the cooler outer ring of the grill to caramelize gently.
• Rest is Best: Let the meat rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing moist, tender meat.

Make It Your Own

If you don't have fresh citrus on hand, high-quality bottled juice works in a pinch. For a spicy kick, try swapping the black pepper for a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes in the rub.

Ingredients

The Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 to 6 Chicken quarters (leg and thigh attached), or bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

The California Citrus Glaze

• 1 cup Freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup Fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup Honey (or agave syrup for a lighter taste)
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce (adds umami depth)
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
• Zest of 1 orange, 1 lemon, and 1 lime for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start by building a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want to aim for a consistent heat across the flat cooktop.
2. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes. The center grate will be your high-heat sear zone, while the outer flat top will be perfect for roasting the chicken through.
3. Wipe the cooktop down with a little vegetable oil to ensure a non-stick surface before placing any meat down.

Step 2: Prepare the Citrus Glaze

1. While the grill heats, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan.
2. Place the saucepan directly on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame, near the center where it is hottest.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 5-8 minutes until the flavors meld.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Move the pan to the cooler outer edge to keep warm.

Step 3: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. This ensures crispy skin.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil and coat generously with the mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken skin-side down on the medium-hot part of the flat cooktop (not directly over the open flame yet).
4. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Roast and Glaze

1. Flip the chicken over and move it slightly further from the center to roast slowly.
2. Cook for another 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the California Citrus Glaze generously over the chicken.
4. Flip the chicken occasionally to caramelize the glaze, being careful not to burn the sugars in the honey.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove it from the grill.
2. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
3. Garnish with the fresh citrus zest and serve immediately with extra glaze on the side.

Tips for Success

Mastering this recipe on the Arteflame requires a little attention to heat management, particularly because of the sugar content in the glaze. Honey and fruit juices love to caramelize, which creates delicious flavor, but they can burn quickly if exposed to direct, searing heat for too long. Always apply the glaze during the final stages of cooking. Additionally, utilize the heat zones of your Arteflame flat top intelligently. Start the chicken closer to the center to get that beautiful golden crust on the skin, then move the pieces toward the outer edge to cook the inside gently without drying out the meat. If you notice the skin getting too dark before the inside is done, simply move the chicken further to the edge. Always use a meat thermometer; it is the only way to guarantee juicy, safe-to-eat chicken without slicing into it prematurely and losing those precious juices.

• Room Temperature Meat: Take your chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
• Reserve Glaze: Keep a small bowl of glaze separate from the brush-on batch for dipping at the table.
• Clarified Butter: For an extra rich finish, mix a tablespoon of butter into the glaze right before serving.

Variations

While the classic California Citrus Glaze is a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be tweaked to suit your specific palate or dietary needs. You can easily shift the flavor profile from sweet and tangy to spicy or herbaceous with just a few ingredient swaps. The beauty of cooking on the Arteflame is that you can even cook different variations side-by-side on the flat top to please everyone at the party. Here are a few creative ways to remix this dish without losing the essence of that summery, citrusy vibe. Experimenting with these variations can help you discover a new family favorite that utilizes the same technique but delivers a completely different taste experience.

• Spicy Cal-Mex: Add 1 tablespoon of chipotle powder or chopped jalapeños to the glaze for a smoky heat kick.
• Asian Fusion: Swap the honey for brown sugar and add a tablespoon of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds.
• Herb Garden: Infuse the glaze with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs while it simmers for an earthy undertone.
• Tequila Lime: Add a shot of tequila to the simmering glaze for a margarita-inspired twist.
• Maple Bourbon: Replace the honey with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for a richer, autumnal flavor profile.

Best Pairings

To create a cohesive dining experience, your side dishes should complement the brightness of the citrus glaze without overpowering it. Since you already have the Arteflame fired up, it makes sense to utilize the remaining surface area of the flat cooktop to prepare your sides alongside the chicken. Grilled vegetables are a natural choice, as their natural sweetness is enhanced by the grill, mirroring the caramelization on the chicken. You want sides that are relatively light and fresh to balance the sticky, savory richness of the glazed meat. Avoid heavy, cream-based sauces that might clash with the acidity of the lemon and lime. Instead, opt for textures and flavors that scream "summer dining." Here are some top-tier suggestions to round out your meal.

• Grilled Asparagus: Toss with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest, then sear quickly on the flat top.
• Charred Corn Salad: Grill corn on the cob, slice off the kernels, and mix with cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime.
• Smoked Potato Salad: Par-boil potatoes, finish them on the grill for a crispy edge, and toss in a mustard vinaigrette.
• Beverage Pairing: A crisp, cold Sauvignon Blanc or a hoppy IPA cuts through the sweetness of the glaze perfectly.

Conclusion

There is something undeniably special about the combination of open-fire cooking and fresh, zesty ingredients. This BBQ Chicken with California Citrus Glaze isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of outdoor living and bold flavors. The Arteflame grill makes the process effortless and enjoyable, turning the act of cooking into a social event where friends and family can gather around the fire. The result is chicken that is perfectly charred on the outside, moist on the inside, and dripping with a sauce that will have everyone licking their fingers. We hope this recipe inspires you to fire up the grill and bring a taste of the Golden State to your own backyard. Don't forget to share your culinary creations with us and experiment with the variations to make this recipe truly your own.