Grilled BBQ Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce on the Arteflame
Introduction
Take your BBQ chicken to the next level with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, perfectly seared and grilled on your Arteflame. This recipe is ideal for balancing the smokiness of the grill with the subtle sweetness of honey and the zing of mustard. By searing the chicken over the high heat of the center grate and finishing it on the flat top, you’ll achieve juicy, tender chicken with a deliciously caramelized glaze.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for grill prep)
- 2 tbsp butter (for searing)
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Begin by preparing your Arteflame grill. Soak three paper napkins in vegetable oil, place them in the grill, and stack firewood on top. Light the grill and allow it to heat up for about 20 minutes, creating the ideal temperature for searing and cooking your chicken.
2. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This sweet and tangy sauce will coat your chicken for maximum flavor. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken.
3. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry to ensure crisp skin. Season each piece generously with salt and pepper. Once the grill is hot, melt the butter on the center grate. Place the chicken skin-side down on the center grill grate for about 3-4 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy sear. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
4. Move to the Flat Top and Glaze with Honey Mustard Sauce
After searing, move the chicken to the flat cooktop, adjusting based on the heat zones. Use the center edge for faster cooking and the outer areas for gentler heat. Begin basting the chicken with the honey mustard sauce using a brush, coating each piece generously. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, flipping and basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 150°F (to prevent overcooking). Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and serve with extra honey mustard sauce on the side.
Tips for Success
- Control the Heat Zones: The Arteflame's flat top allows you to adjust the cooking speed by moving the chicken to different heat zones, ensuring that it cooks evenly without burning.
- Sear with Butter: Using butter adds richness to the sear, enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
- Baste Frequently: Keep brushing the honey mustard sauce onto the chicken while grilling for a caramelized, sticky glaze.
5 Variations of Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken
- Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken: Add a tablespoon of Sriracha or chipotle sauce to the honey mustard mixture for extra heat.
- Maple Honey Mustard Chicken: Swap the honey for maple syrup to bring a rich, earthy sweetness.
- Herb Infused Honey Mustard Chicken: Mix in fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the sauce for a herby flavor.
- Lemon Garlic Honey Mustard Chicken: Add lemon juice and zest along with fresh minced garlic to the honey mustard sauce for a zesty, garlicky punch.
- Bourbon Honey Mustard Chicken: Stir in a splash of bourbon to the honey mustard glaze for a smoky, boozy kick.
Best Pairings
- Grilled sweet potatoes or butternut squash
- A fresh cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette
- Grilled corn with herb butter
- Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
Conclusion
Grilling chicken with honey mustard sauce on the Arteflame grill brings out the best of both worlds: rich smoky flavors paired with the tangy sweetness of the sauce. With the Arteflame’s unique heat zones and flat top cooking, you’ll get tender, juicy chicken every time.