Introduction
This Hawaiian-inspired Guava Smoked Chicken is bursting with rich, fruity flavors. Marinated in guava juice, smoked over an open flame, and finished with a perfect sear on the Arteflame grill, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The radiant heat from the Arteflame ensures juicy, tender chicken with a fantastic caramelized glaze. Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 cups guava juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
- Wood chunks for smoking (such as apple or cherry)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill
- Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
- Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light the paper.
- Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to heat up, ensuring the center grate reaches 1,000°F.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix guava juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag and pour in the marinade.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 3: Smoke the Chicken
- Add wood chunks to the fire for a smoky flavor.
- Place the marinated chicken on the outer edges of the flat-top cooktop to gently smoke for 20-25 minutes.
Step 4: Sear and Finish Cooking
- Move the chicken to the center grill grate and sear for 1-2 minutes per side to lock in juices.
- Transfer back to the griddle, closer to the center for higher heat, and cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest to reach 165°F.
Tips
- Use fruitwood like apple or cherry for a sweet, smoky flavor.
- Baste the chicken with extra marinade while smoking to enhance flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Variations
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Spicy Hawaiian: Add 1 tsp chili flakes and 1 tbsp sriracha to the marinade for extra heat.
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Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange and a splash of lime juice for a tangy kick.
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Ginger Infused: Mix in 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the marinade for a warm, zingy taste.
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Tropical BBQ: Replace honey with pineapple juice and add 1 tbsp BBQ sauce for a tropical BBQ twist.
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Coconut Glaze: Add 2 tbsp coconut milk for a creamy texture and slight tropical sweetness.
Best Pairings
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Coconut rice
- Fresh mango salsa
- Cool cucumber salad
- A glass of chilled pineapple or guava juice
Conclusion
Hawaiian Guava Smoked Chicken on the Arteflame Grill is a game-changer for BBQ lovers. The combination of smoky wood flavors, caramelized guava glaze, and juicy seared chicken will transport your taste buds straight to paradise. Fire up your grill and give it a try!