Introduction

Bring the bold flavors of Kentucky-style BBQ to your backyard with this irresistible recipe. Using an Arteflame grill, we’ll sear bone-in chicken pieces over intense heat before slow-cooking them to perfection on the flat griddle cooktop. This method locks in the juices while creating a caramelized crust, ensuring moist, flavorful chicken every time. Infused with a blend of Kentucky-style spices and basted with a tangy BBQ sauce, this dish is perfect for gatherings or a hearty outdoor meal.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 bone-in chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup Kentucky-style BBQ sauce
• Wood chunks for fire

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and ignite them.
3. Let the grill preheat for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
2. Coat the chicken pieces evenly with the spice blend and brush with melted butter.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Place the chicken skin-side down on the center grill grate.
2. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a crispy, golden-brown crust forms.

Step 4: Move to the Flat Griddle Cooktop

1. Transfer the seared chicken to the flat griddle cooktop, positioning it closer to the center for higher heat.
2. Cook, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.

Step 5: Baste with BBQ Sauce

1. Generously brush the chicken with Kentucky-style BBQ sauce.
2. Continue cooking on the griddle until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the grill when it reaches 150°F, as it will continue cooking to 165°F off the heat.
2. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Use butter instead of oil for better flavor and an enhanced sear.
• For extra smoky flavor, add wood chunks around the fire.
• Adjust cooking zones on the Arteflame grill by moving the chicken towards the outer edges if it’s cooking too fast.

Variations

• Spicy Kentucky BBQ Chicken: Increase the cayenne pepper to 2 teaspoons and add a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
• Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken: Mix 2 tbsp of Kentucky bourbon and 1 tbsp of honey into the BBQ sauce.
• Herb-Infused BBQ Chicken: Add 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp dried oregano to the spice mix.
• Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken: Replace smoked paprika with 1 tsp chipotle powder and add 1 tbsp brown sugar to the spice mixture.
• Mustard-Based Kentucky BBQ Chicken: Use a South Carolina-style mustard BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.

Conclusion

With the Arteflame grill, you achieve steakhouse-quality searing and perfect slow-cooked tenderness, making this Kentucky-style BBQ Chicken an unbeatable recipe. By mastering the heat zones and allowing the flavors to develop over time, you’ll impress everyone with each juicy bite. Whether hosting a BBQ or just treating yourself, this grilling method ensures perfect results every time.

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet corn with butter
• Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch
• Grilled potato wedges with rosemary
• Smoky baked beans with a hint of molasses
• A cold Kentucky bourbon cocktail