Smoky Swedish Winter BBQ Chicken with Sage Butter Recipe

Introduction

There is something profoundly magical about grilling in the winter. The crisp air contrasts beautifully with the radiating heat of the Arteflame, creating an atmosphere that the Swedish call "mysig"—cozy and intimate. This Swedish Smoky Winter BBQ Chicken recipe embraces that spirit, turning a simple meal into an aromatic experience. The star of the show is the sage butter, which infuses the bird with earthy, savory notes that pair perfectly with the wood-fired smokiness.

In this recipe, we utilize the Arteflame’s diverse heat zones to achieve crispy skin while keeping the meat incredibly juicy. By spatchcocking the chicken and roasting it alongside hearty root vegetables directly on the flat-top plancha, you create a complete, rustic meal that warms you from the inside out. It is not just dinner; it is a celebration of winter flavors, bringing the rugged elegance of Nordic cooking right to your backyard.

Ingredients

The Chicken & Vegetables

• 1 Whole Chicken (approx. 4-5 lbs), spatchcocked (backbone removed)
• 4 Medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into wedges
• 3 Large carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise
• 2 Parsnips, peeled and quartered
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (for rubbing vegetables and chicken)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The Garlic Sage Butter

• 1 stick (½ cup) Unsalted butter
• 1 bunch Fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Lemon, zested and halved for grilling
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika (optional for extra warmth)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Start a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using dry hardwoods like oak or hickory.
2. Allow the fire to burn down until you have a bed of hot coals and the cooktop reaches a high searing temperature (usually about 20-30 minutes).
3. Lightly oil the carbon steel cooktop to prepare the surface for grilling.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

1. Pat the spatchcocked chicken completely dry with paper towels (this ensures crispy skin).
2. Rub the chicken generously with olive oil, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
3. Toss the potatoes, carrots, and parsnips in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Make the Sage Butter

1. Place a heat-safe sauce pot or a small cast-iron skillet directly on the flat cooktop.
2. Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic and chopped sage.
3. Let it sizzle gently for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the sage crisps up slightly. Stir in the lemon zest and smoked paprika, then move the pot to the outer edge of the grill to keep warm without burning.

Step 4: Sear and Roast the Chicken

1. Place the chicken skin-side down on the medium-hot zone of the plancha (not directly next to the open fire, but close enough to sear).
2. Grill for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
3. Flip the chicken over. Brush generously with the sage butter mixture.
4. Move the chicken slightly further from the center to roast slowly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 5: Grill the Vegetables

1. While the chicken roasts skin-side up, arrange the root vegetables on the flat top around the chicken.
2. Turn the vegetables occasionally, allowing them to caramelize and absorb the juices and butter running off the chicken.
3. Grill the lemon halves, cut-side down, for 2 minutes until charred.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to redistribute the juices.
2. Drizzle any remaining sage butter over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Squeeze the charred lemon juice over the dish before serving.

Tips

Grilling in the winter requires a bit more attention to temperature management than summer cooking. The cold ambient air can cool the outer edges of your griddle faster, so keep a robust fire going in the center of your Arteflame. When applying the sage butter, use a basting brush specifically for high heat. Basting the chicken periodically while it cooks skin-side up not only adds flavor but helps keep the breast meat moist in the dry winter air.

For the best results with the root vegetables, cut them into uniform sizes. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Since the Arteflame cooktop is slightly slanted, place the vegetables on the lower side of the chicken if possible; this allows the rendering chicken fat to naturally flavor the potatoes and carrots as they roast, essentially confiting them in savory goodness.

Variations

This Swedish-inspired recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit whatever ingredients you have in your winter pantry. The beauty of the Arteflame is that it handles various textures and flavors with ease. If you are not a fan of sage, or simply want to try a different flavor profile, small tweaks can completely transform the dish while keeping that cozy winter barbecue feel.

• Herbal Twist: Swap sage for fresh rosemary and thyme for a more traditional roast chicken flavor.
• Nordic Sweetness: Add wedged apples to the grill alongside the root vegetables for a classic Swedish sweet-savory combination.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter for a warming heat.
• Creamy Finish: Mix a dollop of Dijon mustard into the butter sauce right before serving.
• Protein Swap: This sage butter method works exceptionally well with pork chops or a whole side of salmon.

Best pairings

To round out this Swedish winter feast, you need sides and drinks that stand up to the bold, smoky flavors of the chicken and the richness of the sage butter. Think about textures and acidity to cut through the fat. Since you are already cooking outdoors, serving something warm to drink is almost mandatory to keep the chill at bay and enhance the hygge atmosphere.

• Lingonberry Jam: A dollop of tart lingonberry jam provides a bright, acidic contrast to the savory butter.
• Pickled Cucumbers: Quick-pickled cucumbers (Pressgurka) add a refreshing crunch.
• Crusty Sourdough: Grill thick slices of bread on the plancha to mop up the sage butter.
• Glögg (Mulled Wine): A warm cup of spiced wine is the ultimate beverage pairing for winter grilling.
• Dark Beer: A porter or stout complements the smoky char of the chicken.

Conclusion

Cooking this Swedish Smoky Winter BBQ Chicken on the Arteflame is more than just preparing a meal; it is about embracing the elements and creating warmth through good food. The combination of crispy skin, aromatic sage butter, and tender root vegetables captures the essence of winter comfort food. It is a hearty, rustic dish that brings people together around the fire.

Whether you are hosting a snowy backyard gathering or just enjoying a quiet evening by the flames, this recipe delivers flavor and experience in equal measure. So, bundle up, light the fire, and enjoy the unparalleled taste of wood-fired cooking. Once you try chicken this way, you may find yourself grilling all winter long.