Smoky BBQ Chicken with Delaware Peach Glaze

There is something undeniably magical about the height of summer grilling season, especially when you can incorporate the freshest seasonal produce into your menu. This BBQ Chicken with Delaware Peach Glaze recipe is a celebration of that magic, blending the smoky char of the grill with the luscious, nectar-sweet profile of ripe Delaware peaches. Known for their incredible juiciness and high sugar content, these peaches create a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the flat cooktop of your Arteflame grill. The result is a sticky, savory, and sweet masterpiece that captures the essence of outdoor dining.

Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion, this dish delivers on all fronts. The high heat of the Arteflame ensures the chicken skin gets perfectly crisp while locking in moisture, and the peach glaze acts as the perfect counterpoint to the savory meat. It is a recipe that requires simple ingredients but yields complex, gourmet flavors that will have your guests asking for seconds before they have even finished their first plate.

Ingredients

The Chicken

• 4 to 6 large chicken quarters (or bone-in, skin-on thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

The Delaware Peach Glaze

• 3 ripe Delaware peaches, pitted and diced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start your fire in the center of the Arteflame grill using charcoal or wood. Allow it to burn down until the center grate is extremely hot (over 800°F) and the outer flat top griddle reaches a consistent medium-high cooking temperature.
2. Lightly oil the flat top cooktop with vegetable oil or seasoning paste to ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 2: Prepare the Peach Glaze

1. Place a cast-iron saucepan directly on the flat top surface of the grill.
2. Combine the diced peaches, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in the pan.
3. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the peaches break down and the sauce thickens into a syrup-like consistency (about 10-15 minutes).
4. Move the pan to a cooler outer edge of the grill to keep warm without burning.

Step 3: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken quarters completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then generously coat with the mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken skin-side down on the hot flat top cooktop. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
4. Flip the chicken and move it slightly further from the center fire to roast slowly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

1. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the peach glaze generously over the chicken.
2. Flip the chicken briefly to caramelize the glaze on the hot surface, being careful not to let the sugars burn (about 1 minute per side).
3. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
4. Serve topped with any remaining chunky peach glaze from the pan.

Tips

Cooking with fruit-based glazes on an open fire requires a bit of strategy to avoid burning the sugars. The most important tip for this recipe is timing; always apply your glaze towards the very end of the cooking process. If you apply the sugary peach mixture too early, it will char and turn bitter before the chicken is cooked through. Utilizing the different heat zones of the Arteflame is crucial here—sear the meat hot near the center, then move it to the cooler outer ring to finish cooking internally before glazing.

Additionally, selecting the right peaches makes all the difference. You want peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and fragrant, indicating high sugar content which helps the glaze thicken naturally without cornstarch. If your peaches are a bit firm, you may need to simmer the sauce longer or add a splash of water to help them break down. Don't be afraid to grill a few peach halves alongside the chicken for a beautiful garnish that echoes the flavors in the sauce.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different palate preferences or dietary needs. While the classic Delaware peach flavor is the star, small tweaks can transform the dish entirely. Here are a few ways to mix things up:

• Spicy Habanero Peach: Add half a finely diced habanero pepper to the glaze reduction for a serious kick that balances the sweet fruit.
• Bourbon Infused: Stir in a shot of bourbon whiskey during the last few minutes of simmering the glaze for a rich, oaky depth.
• Herb Garden: Add fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary to the sauce while it simmers, removing them before serving for an earthy aromatic note.
• Nectarine Twist: If peaches aren't in season, nectarines or apricots work wonderfully as a direct substitute with the same ratios.
• Smoky Chipotle: Swap the red chili flakes for a teaspoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers for a deeper, smokier heat.

Best pairings

To create a balanced meal, you want sides that complement the richness of the chicken and the sweetness of the glaze without overpowering them. Since you already have the grill fired up, it makes sense to utilize the flat top for your sides as well. Fresh, acidic, or salty components tend to work best to cut through the sticky sweetness of the peach glaze.

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn with a lime-butter rub offers a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.
• Tangy Coleslaw: A vinegar-based (rather than mayo-based) slaw provides a bright, acidic crunch that cleanses the palate.
• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: Cook these on the flat top with rosemary and sea salt for a hearty, starch component.
• Arugula Salad: A simple salad with peppery arugula, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette balances the fruitiness of the chicken.
• Drink Pairing: An unsweetened iced tea or a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the sugar perfectly.

Conclusion

Mastering this BBQ Chicken with Delaware Peach Glaze is about more than just following a recipe; it is about embracing the rhythm of outdoor cooking. The sizzle of the chicken hitting the hot steel, the aroma of caramelizing peaches mixing with wood smoke, and the joy of sharing a meal made from fresh ingredients define the Arteflame experience. This dish captures the fleeting sweetness of summer in every bite, offering a perfect harmony of flavors that feels both rustic and refined.

We hope this recipe inspires you to visit your local farmer's market, grab a basket of fresh peaches, and fire up the grill. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with a spicy bourbon variation, the result is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Gather your friends and family, pour some cold drinks, and enjoy the unforgettable taste of sweet and savory BBQ done right.