Hawaiian Chili Peppa Chicken – Spicy & Smoky Grilled

Introduction

Get ready to bring the bold flavors of Hawaii to your backyard with this incredible Hawaiian Chili Peppa Chicken. Marinated in a fiery blend of chili peppers, garlic, and soy sauce, this chicken is grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. By searing the meat on the center grill grate at 1,000°F and finishing it on the flat griddle, we lock in the moisture while achieving a crispy, smoky char. Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Hawaiian chili pepper (or substitute Thai chili), finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over top of the oiled napkins.
3. Light the paper napkins and let the fire build. The grill will be ready to use in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a bowl, mix chili peppers, garlic, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, black pepper, sea salt, butter, and grated ginger.
2. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Once the grill is fully heated, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the center grill grate (1,000°F) to create a steakhouse-quality sear.
2. Sear for about 2 minutes per side, locking in the juices.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Griddle

1. Move the seared chicken to the flat cooktop surrounding the center grate.
2. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, turning occasionally for even cooking.
3. Remember to remove the chicken from the grill at 150°F since it will continue cooking after being removed.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
• Resting the chicken ensures it remains juicy and tender.
• Stick to butter for grilling instead of olive oil—it enhances the flavor.
• For extra smokiness, add a small piece of fruitwood to the fire.

Variations

1. Sweet & Spicy: Add 1 tablespoon of pineapple juice to the marinade for a tropical sweetness.
2. Teriyaki Twist: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add a pinch of brown sugar.
3. Coconut Glaze: Substitute honey with coconut milk and add shredded coconut on top before grilling.
4. Lemongrass Infusion: Marinate the chicken with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves for a Southeast Asian touch.
5. Spicy Mango: Blend fresh mango into the marinade for a fruity yet spicy flavor.

Best Pairings

• Grilled pineapple slices for a sweet contrast
• Hawaiian macaroni salad for a classic island touch
• Steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavors
• Grilled corn with lime butter for extra smokiness
• A cold glass of tropical pineapple-coconut juice

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Chili Peppa Chicken is full of bold, smoky flavors with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Using the Arteflame grill ensures that the chicken is juicy on the inside and irresistibly crisp on the outside. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy the best grilled chicken Hawaii can offer right at home!