Idaho Huckleberry BBQ Chicken on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of Idaho huckleberries in this perfectly grilled BBQ chicken. The Arteflame grill ensures a steakhouse-quality sear that locks in the juices, followed by a perfect finish on the flat cooktop. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience with minimal cleanup!

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup fresh or frozen huckleberries
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until it reaches optimal cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the huckleberry BBQ sauce

1. Place the huckleberries directly on the flat cooktop and let them soften.
2. Use a spatula to gently mash the berries as they heat.
3. Move them to a medium-heat zone and mix in ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Simmer the sauce while stirring occasionally until thickened, then move it to the coolest part of the grill to keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the chicken thighs

1. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the center grill grate (about 1,000°F) for 2-3 minutes to create a steakhouse-quality sear.
2. Flip the chicken and sear for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Finish cooking the chicken

1. Move the seared chicken thighs to the Arteflame flat cooktop, near the center, to continue cooking at a lower heat.
2. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, turning occasionally.
3. Brush the chicken with the huckleberry BBQ sauce and allow it to caramelize.

Step 5: Rest and serve

1. Remove the chicken when it reaches 160°F, as it will continue cooking off the grill.
2. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Serve with extra huckleberry BBQ sauce on the side.

Tips

• Use fresh huckleberries for the best flavor, but frozen works well too.
• Make sure to sear the chicken on the center grill grate for the best texture and juiciness.
• Adjust heat zones on the flat cooktop for perfect caramelization of the BBQ sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Huckleberry BBQ Chicken: Add 1 tsp of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Maple Huckleberry Glaze: Replace brown sugar with 1/4 cup pure maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
• Smoky Hickory BBQ: Add 1 tsp liquid smoke to the sauce for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Citrus Huckleberry BBQ: Mix in the juice of one orange for a citrusy zing.
• Garlic Herb Huckleberry Chicken: Add 1 tsp minced garlic and 1 tsp dried thyme for an herby taste.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Grilled asparagus with lemon
• Homemade coleslaw
• Chilled Idaho potato salad

Conclusion

Grilling this Idaho Huckleberry BBQ Chicken on the Arteflame grill gives you a juicy, flavorful meal with a perfect caramelized finish. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. Try different variations to customize the flavor to your liking!