Hickory BBQ Chicken on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Grill up some deliciously smoky Hickory BBQ Chicken using the Arteflame grill's unique searing and flat-top cooking method. This recipe locks in juicy flavor with a quick sear on the center grill grate at over 1,000F before slow cooking on the flat cooktop. Infused with hickory wood smoke and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce, this chicken will be the star of your cookout.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup hickory wood chips (for smoking)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 tbsp butter (for the flat cooktop)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Grill

Start by getting your Arteflame grill ready for grilling. Use hickory wood for a great hickory flavored chicken. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins, place them in the grill, stack firewood on top, and light. After about 20 minutes, the grill should be hot, with the center reaching over 1,000°F for searing.

2. Prepare the Chicken

While the grill heats up, season your chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.

3. Sear the Chicken

Place the chicken on the center grate to sear, skin-side down, for about 2-3 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes. This searing process locks in the juices and gives you that delicious char.

4. Move to the Flat Cooktop

After searing, move the chicken onto the cooler outer flat-top cooktop. Add butter under the chicken to enhance flavor. Brush the BBQ sauce generously on both sides of the chicken and let it cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping occasionally. This should take about 20-25 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

5. Let It Rest

Remove the chicken from the grill when it hits an internal temperature of 150°F-155°F, as the meat will continue cooking to perfection while resting. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Always sear your chicken to lock in the juices before moving it to the flat cooktop.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook the chicken.
• For an extra smoky flavor, add more hickory chips during cooking.
• Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to match your flavor preferences.
• Brush additional BBQ sauce on the chicken while it rests for extra flavor.

Variations

1. Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder to your BBQ sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
2. Mustard BBQ Chicken: Use a mustard-based BBQ sauce for a tangy, Carolina-style twist.
3. Garlic Parmesan BBQ Chicken: Mix 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic into your BBQ sauce for an Italian-inspired flavor.
4. Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken: Stir 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of bourbon into your BBQ sauce for a rich, smoky-sweet finish.
5. Spicy Sriracha BBQ Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce to your BBQ sauce for some heat!

Best Pairings

Serve your Hickory BBQ Chicken with grilled corn on the cob, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh coleslaw to balance the rich smoky flavor.

Conclusion

Hickory BBQ Chicken on the Arteflame grill is a mouthwatering, smoky masterpiece. The combination of hickory smoke, a perfect sear, and slow cooking on the flat-top creates tender, juicy chicken packed with flavor. Whether it's a family dinner or a backyard cookout, this BBQ chicken is sure to impress.