Introduction
Sticky chicken is a deliciously sweet, savory, and tangy dish, perfect for grilling. The high heat of the Arteflame grill helps caramelize the sauce, creating a beautifully sticky glaze on the chicken. This recipe is ideal for those who love a good balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a little bit of spice for extra depth.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken drumsticks)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill
Light your Arteflame grill by placing three oil-soaked napkins in the firepit and stacking firewood on top. Light the grill and let it heat up for about 20 minutes while you prepare the marinade and chicken.
Step 2: Make the Sticky Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), minced garlic, and ginger. This sauce will coat the chicken and create that perfect sticky glaze.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs (or drumsticks) in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the sticky sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor). Reserve the remaining sauce for basting.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Once the grill is hot, sear the chicken on the center grill grate for about 3-4 minutes per side, creating a nice char. After searing, move the chicken to the flat cooktop area to finish cooking. Baste the chicken frequently with the remaining sticky sauce, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sauce caramelizes into a sticky glaze. This should take another 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips:
- Extra Sticky Glaze: If you want the sauce to be extra thick and sticky, simmer the reserved sauce on the flat cooktop for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens before basting.
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but even 30 minutes will still give you a great result.
- Heat Control: If the chicken is cooking too quickly, move it to a cooler part of the flat cooktop to avoid burning the sauce.
Conclusion:
Sticky chicken cooked on the Arteflame grill delivers a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. The sticky glaze caramelizes beautifully over the high heat of the grill, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken with a mouthwatering crust.
Variations:
- Sticky BBQ Chicken: Replace hoisin sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Spicy Sticky Chicken: Double the amount of sriracha for a spicier kick.
- Lemon Honey Sticky Chicken: Add the juice and zest of one lemon for a tangy, citrusy flavor.
- Sticky Teriyaki Chicken: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a classic Japanese-inspired flavor.
- Sticky Garlic Ginger Chicken: Increase the garlic and ginger for an extra aromatic and flavorful punch.
Best Pairings:
- Grilled vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers
- Jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sticky sauce
- A light, crisp cucumber salad
- A cold lager or pale ale to balance the sweetness of the chicken
