Introduction
Transport your taste buds to the islands with this Hawaiian Curry Grilled Chicken! Juicy, flavorful, and kissed by fire, this chicken is marinated in a spiced coconut curry blend before hitting the Arteflame grill. The result? Perfectly seared, tender chicken infused with a rich, tropical taste. Using the high heat of the central grill grate for an incredible sear and finishing on the flat top cooktop, this reverse-searing method locks in flavor and juiciness like no other.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill
- Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
- Place the napkins inside the grill.
- Stack firewood over the napkins.
- Light the paper napkins.
- Let the fire build up; you'll be ready to grill in about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, honey, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken on the Center Grill Grate
- Once the grill is ready, place a bit of unsalted butter on the center grill grate.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off.
- Place the chicken on the center grill grate at 1,000F for an incredible sear.
- Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes until a rich, golden crust forms.
Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop
- Move the seared chicken to a slightly cooler zone on the flat cooktop.
- Allow it to cook gently, flipping occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest; the internal temperature will rise to 165F.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate the juicy, charred chicken with a side of grilled pineapple or coconut rice.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for extra island flavor.
Tips
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor.
- Allow the chicken to rest after grilling so that juices redistribute.
- Don’t skip the high-heat sear—it locks in moisture!
- For extra smokiness, use hardwood firewood like oak or hickory.
Variations
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Spicy Hawaiian Curry Chicken: Add 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
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Pineapple Glazed Curry Chicken: Blend fresh pineapple juice with the marinade for a sweet twist.
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Coconut Lime Curry Chicken: Mix in the juice of one lime to add brightness.
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Thai Inspired Curry Chicken: Add 1 tbsp fish sauce and a splash of coconut vinegar.
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Tandoori Style Curry Chicken: Swap curry powder for tandoori spice for an Indian-style flair.
Best Pairings
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Coconut rice
- Mango salsa
- Charred sweet potatoes
- Light tropical cocktails like a piña colada
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Curry Grilled Chicken is bursting with tropical flavors and grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. The reverse-searing method ensures each bite is juicy and packed with bold, smoky taste. Give it a try and bring a slice of paradise to your backyard!