Belgian Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken

Introduction

This Belgian Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken is a juicy, flavorful masterpiece, thanks to a rich, dark Belgian beer brine. The Arteflame grill ensures a perfect sear at 1,000F on the center grate, then gently finishes the meat to the perfect doneness on the flat top cooktop. Get ready for a chicken dish that bursts with flavor, stays incredibly moist, and grills beautifully over an open fire.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 cups dark Belgian beer
• 2 tbsp coarse salt
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the paper and allow the fire to establish for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Brine the chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Belgian beer, coarse salt, brown sugar, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic, and mustard.
2. Submerge the chicken thighs in the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 3: Sear the chicken

1. Remove chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place the chicken skin-side down on the center grill grate over high heat (1,000F) for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown sear forms.

Step 4: Finish cooking on the flat top

1. Move the seared chicken to the Arteflame flat cooktop towards the outer edge.
2. Let it cook, flipping occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until an internal temperature of 165F is reached.
3. Remove from the grill when internal temperature hits 150F, as it will continue cooking outside the grill.

Step 5: Add butter and herbs

1. Melt butter onto the chicken in the last few minutes of grilling.
2. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary before serving.

Tips

• Brine the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Always let meat rest after grilling for best flavor and juiciness.

Variations

1. Spicy Belgian Chicken: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the brine for a spicy kick.
2. Garlic Herb Chicken: Mix minced rosemary, thyme, and extra garlic into the brine.
3. Maple Belgian Chicken: Substitute brown sugar with 2 tbsp maple syrup for a sweet, smoky flavor.
4. Smoky Bacon Chicken: Wrap the chicken thighs in bacon before grilling for extra flavor.
5. Lemon Belgian Chicken: Add the juice of one lemon to the brine for a tangy twist.

Conclusion

The Belgian Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken is the ultimate grilled dish, bringing bold flavors and incredible juiciness. Thanks to the Arteflame grill’s high-heat searing and even cooking on the flat top, you'll achieve perfect results every time.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus or Brussels sprouts
• Roasted potatoes cooked on the flat top
• Belgian-style fries with aioli
• A glass of Belgian Dubbel beer
• Crusty artisan bread