Savory Norwegian BBQ Chicken Thighs with Beer-Caramelized Onions & Jarlsberg

Introduction

Imagine the perfect collision of rustic Nordic flavors and American BBQ tradition; that is exactly what these Norwegian BBQ Chicken Thighs deliver. This dish is not just about grilling meat; it is a celebration of textures and rich, savory profiles that can only be achieved over a wood fire. We take juicy, skin-on chicken thighs and sear them to perfection, locking in the moisture while creating that irresistible crispy exterior. But the true magic lies in the topping.

Using the versatile flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill, we slowly caramelize red onions in butter and beer until they are sweet, sticky, and deeply flavorful. The grand finale involves crowning the chicken with these drunken onions and a generous slice of Jarlsberg cheese. As the cheese melts into the nooks and crannies of the meat, it brings a distinctively nutty, mild sweetness that defines Norwegian cuisine. This recipe transforms a simple backyard barbecue into a gourmet dining experience.

Ingredients

• 4-6 Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, skin-on for best results)
• 2 tbsp BBQ Rub (Your favorite savory blend)
• 1 large Red Onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp Butter (unsalted)
• 1/2 cup Beer (Pilsner or Lager works best)
• 4-6 slices Jarlsberg Cheese
• Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start by building a medium fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a solid heat gradient on the flat cooktop griddle.
2. Allow the grill to heat up for about 15-20 minutes. The center grate should be hot for searing, while the outer flat top is perfect for the vegetables.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface to ensure a non-stick cooking experience.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Generously coat your chicken thighs with your chosen BBQ rub, ensuring you get under the skin slightly for maximum flavor penetration.
2. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down directly on the hot center grill grate (or the hotter inner edge of the flat top) to get a hard sear.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, then flip them over and move them to a cooler zone on the flat cooktop to finish cooking through slowly.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

1. While the chicken is roasting on the cooler zone, melt the butter on a medium-heat section of the flat cooktop.
2. Toss in the sliced red onions. Sauté them until they soften and begin to brown.
3. Pour the beer over the onions slowly. Let the liquid reduce and the onions absorb the malt flavor, cooking until they are sticky, dark, and caramelized.

Step 4: The Norwegian Melt

1. Check the internal temperature of the chicken (aim for 165°F / 74°C).
2. Once the chicken is nearly done, spoon a generous amount of the beer-caramelized onions onto each thigh.
3. Top the onions immediately with a slice of Jarlsberg cheese.
4. Cover with a basting dome or simply let the ambient heat melt the cheese until it drapes perfectly over the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the grill once the cheese is bubbly and melted.
2. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Tips

To truly master this dish, temperature management is key. The beauty of the Arteflame is the heat zones; ensure you move your chicken away from the center fire after the initial sear so the meat remains juicy without burning the skin. When working with the onions, patience is your best friend. Don't rush the caramelization process. Pouring the beer in stages allows the onions to drink up the flavor rather than boiling in it.

Regarding the cheese, Jarlsberg is specified for a reason. Its melting point is perfect for grilling, and its nutty profile compliments the bitterness of the beer and the sweetness of the onions. If your cheese isn't melting fast enough, splash a tiny bit of water on the grill next to the chicken and cover it with a dome; the steam will melt the cheese in seconds without overcooking the meat.

Variations

While the classic Norwegian approach is hard to beat, there are several ways to tweak this recipe to suit different palates or dietary needs. You can easily swap the protein or adjust the flavor profile of the topping to create something entirely new while keeping the core technique intact.

• The Spicy Viking: Add sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the onions while they caramelize for a fiery kick.
• Alcohol-Free: Substitute the beer with apple cider or a high-quality chicken stock to maintain moisture and add a different depth of flavor.
• The Swiss Twist: If you cannot find Jarlsberg, high-quality Swiss cheese or Gruyère makes an excellent, albeit slightly sharper, substitute.
• Boneless Option: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a faster cook time, though you will sacrifice the crispy skin element.
• Mushroom Medley: Add sliced wild mushrooms to the onion and butter mixture for an earthier, forest-inspired variation.

Best pairings

Because this dish is rich with cheese and savory caramelized onions, you want side dishes that provide balance. Something acidic or fresh helps cut through the heaviness of the Jarlsberg and chicken fat. Root vegetables are a traditional Nordic pairing and cook beautifully on the Arteflame alongside the main course.

• Grilled Root Vegetables: Parsnips, carrots, and potatoes roasted on the flat top with fresh dill.
• Cucumber Salad: A traditional Norwegian cucumber salad with vinegar, sugar, and dill provides a crisp, acidic contrast.
• Lingonberry Jam: A small side of lingonberry preserves adds a tart sweetness that pairs famously with Swedish and Norwegian savory dishes.
• Drink Pairing: Stick to the theme with a crisp Norwegian Pilsner or a shot of Aquavit to cleanse the palate.

Conclusion

This Norwegian BBQ Chicken Thigh recipe is more than just a meal; it is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create complex, comforting flavors. The combination of the crispy, smoky chicken with the sweet, beer-infused onions and the creamy blanket of Jarlsberg cheese is unforgettable. It brings a piece of Scandinavia to your backyard, utilizing the Arteflame grill to its full potential by searing and sautéing simultaneously.

Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a hearty meal on a crisp autumn evening, this dish fits every season. Gather your friends and family around the fire, share the story of the ingredients, and enjoy a meal that warms both the body and the soul. Velbekomme (Bon appétit)!