Italian Grilled Sgroppino Infused Chicken Thighs

Introduction

Transport yourself to the sun-drenched piazzas of Venice with this uniquely sophisticated twist on outdoor grilling. The Sgroppino, a traditional Venetian cocktail made from lemon sorbet, vodka, and Prosecco, is usually served as a palate cleanser or a dessert drink. However, we have reimagined this iconic flavor profile as a luxurious marinade for chicken thighs. The acidity of the lemon and the carbonation of the Prosecco work miracles as natural tenderizers, while the vodka acts as a solvent to carry aromatic compounds deep into the meat. When cooked on the Arteflame grill, the sugars from the sorbet caramelize beautifully against the high heat, creating a golden, crispy skin that encases succulent, juicy meat. This recipe is not just a meal; it is a conversation starter that blends the zest of Italian summer with the rustic charm of wood-fired cooking.

Ingredients

The Meat

• 6-8 Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

The Sgroppino Marinade

• 1 cup Lemon sorbet, melted
• 1/2 cup Prosecco (dry sparkling wine)
• 1/4 cup Vodka
• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp Fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
• Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted lemon sorbet, Prosecco, and vodka. Whisk gently to incorporate.
2. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped mint, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Whisk again until the mixture is emulsified.
3. Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably 4 hours. Avoid marinating for more than 8 hours, as the acidity and alcohol can begin to break down the meat texture too much.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using hardwood logs. Allow the fire to burn down until you have a bed of hot coals and the cooktop reaches a searing temperature.
2. Lightly oil the flat steel cooktop with vegetable oil or a grill-safe fat to ensure a non-stick surface.
3. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let the excess liquid drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.

Step 3: Sear and Grill

1. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the center grill grate (directly over the fire) or the hottest part of the flat cooktop ring closest to the center. Sear for 2-3 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning due to the sugar content in the sorbet.
2. Flip the chicken thighs and move them to the flat steel cooktop, positioning them in a zone with medium-high heat.
3. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Once the chicken reaches the target temperature, remove it from the grill and place it on a serving platter.
2. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist bite.
3. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprig of mint before serving.

Tips

Mastering this recipe on the Arteflame requires a bit of attention to heat management. Because the marinade contains lemon sorbet, there is a higher sugar content than in standard marinades. This means the skin can char quickly if exposed to direct flames for too long. The secret is to get a quick, hard sear to crisp the skin, then immediately move the thighs to the cooler, outer zones of the flat cooktop to finish cooking gently. If you want an extra burst of flavor, save a small amount of the marinade *before* adding the raw chicken, simmer it in a small cast-iron saucepot on the grill until thickened, and brush it over the chicken during the final minute of cooking. Always use a digital meat thermometer to ensure safety without overcooking the meat.

Variations

While the classic lemon profile is divine, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit different palates or seasonal ingredients. The versatility of the Sgroppino base allows for creative culinary experimentation without losing the essence of the dish.

• Sgroppino Rosso: Substitute lemon sorbet with raspberry or strawberry sorbet and use a splash of Rosé sparkling wine instead of Prosecco for a berry-infused, pink-hued finish.
• Creamy Herb: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream into the marinade and increase the rosemary for a richer, more savory version that mimics a cream sauce.
• Spicy Citrus: Add 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes or a chopped Calabrian chili to the marinade to cut through the sweetness of the sorbet with a gentle Italian heat.
• Alcohol-Free: Replace the Prosecco with sparkling grape juice and the vodka with a splash of white grape vinegar or additional lemon juice to keep the tenderizing properties without the alcohol.

Best pairings

To create a cohesive dining experience, pair these Sgroppino Infused Chicken Thighs with sides that complement the bright, citrusy notes without overpowering them. The richness of the chicken skin needs acid or starch to balance the palate.

• Grilled Asparagus: Toss fresh asparagus in olive oil and grill them right alongside the chicken on the flat top. The char adds a nice earthiness.
• Creamy Polenta: A soft, buttery polenta serves as the perfect bed for the chicken, soaking up the juices.
• Arugula Salad: A simple salad of arugula, shaved parmesan, and balsamic glaze provides a peppery contrast to the sweet lemon marinade.
• The Drink: Naturally, the best drink to serve is a classic liquid Sgroppino cocktail or a chilled glass of Prosecco.

Conclusion

This Italian Grilled Sgroppino Infused Chicken Thighs recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when cocktail culture meets open-fire cooking. It breaks the mold of traditional BBQ flavors, offering a sophisticated blend of sweet, tart, and savory notes that dance on the tongue. The Arteflame grill enhances this experience, providing the perfect platform to achieve that coveted crispy skin while keeping the inside impossibly tender. whether you are hosting a summer garden party or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner rotation, this dish brings the spirit of Venetian luxury right to your backyard. Gather your friends, pour the Prosecco, and enjoy the sweet life—La Dolce Vita.