Maine Blueberry BBQ Chicken on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

This Maine Blueberry BBQ Chicken is the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. By using the Arteflame grill, we lock in the juices with a steakhouse-quality sear and then finish cooking the chicken on the flat cooktop to perfection. The BBQ sauce made from fresh Maine wild blueberries and balsamic vinegar creates a delicious caramelized glaze that makes this dish irresistible. Let’s get grilling!

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup fresh Maine wild blueberries
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build.
4. In about 20 minutes, your grill will be ready for cooking.

Step 2: Make the BBQ Sauce

1. On the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill, melt the butter.
2. Add the blueberries, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Stir frequently and let the mixture cook until it thickens into a barbecue sauce.
4. Move the sauce to a cooler part of the griddle to keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
2. Place the chicken skin-side down on the center grill grate.
3. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side to create a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the seared chicken to the flat griddle area of the cooktop.
2. Cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
3. Brush generously with the blueberry BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
4. Once at 160°F, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to reach 165°F.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the chicken hot with extra blueberry BBQ sauce on the side.
2. Garnish with fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of chopped herbs if desired.

Tips

• Remove the chicken from the Arteflame grill at 160°F as it will continue cooking up to 165°F.
• Use butter instead of olive oil for richer flavor.
• Cook all side dishes on the Arteflame griddle for an easy and flavorful meal.

Variations

1. Spicy Blueberry BBQ Chicken: Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the blueberry BBQ sauce for some heat.
2. Honey Garlic Blueberry Chicken: Replace brown sugar with honey and add minced garlic for a sweet and savory twist.
3. Lemon Herb Blueberry Chicken: Add the zest of one lemon and fresh thyme to the BBQ sauce for a bright, herbal note.
4. Smoky Maple Blueberry Chicken: Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup and add a dash of liquid smoke for deep smoky flavor.
5. Whiskey Blueberry BBQ Chicken: Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the sauce for a rich, boozy depth of flavor.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter and sea salt
• Roasted sweet potatoes cooked on the Arteflame griddle
• A crisp, refreshing coleslaw
• A glass of chilled Maine blueberry wine or iced tea

Conclusion

Grilling this Maine Blueberry BBQ Chicken on the Arteflame ensures maximum flavor with a perfectly caramelized finish. The juicy chicken, paired with the sweet and tangy blueberry BBQ sauce, creates an unforgettable dish. Gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy this delicious meal.