Grilled Washington Huckleberry BBQ Chicken

Introduction

This Grilled Washington Huckleberry BBQ Chicken is an irresistible blend of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors. Featuring Washington huckleberry BBQ sauce and cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill using the reverse searing method, this dish delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a caramelized glaze that embodies summer grilling at its best.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 1 cup Washington huckleberry BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil over three paper napkins and place them in the bottom of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the soaked napkins and light the paper.
3. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the surrounding cooktop is hot.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Rub the seasoning blend all over the chicken thighs.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Place the chicken directly on the center grill grate for a quick sear — about 1–2 minutes per side.
2. This locks in the juices and gives the chicken a beautiful charred crust.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the seared chicken to the flat steel cooktop surrounding the grill grate.
2. Brush with a generous layer of Washington huckleberry BBQ sauce.
3. Let cook slowly, flipping occasionally and brushing on more sauce, until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
4. Remove from the grill at this point, allowing carryover cooking to bring it to the final 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with additional warmed huckleberry BBQ sauce.

Tips

• Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the final phase of cooking to prevent burning the sugars in the sauce.
• Butter on the flat cooktop helps caramelize the BBQ sauce and adds richness to the flavor.
• Use the hotter inner area of the flat cooktop to speed up cooking if needed; rotate chicken towards the edges to keep it from overcooking.
• Don’t skip the resting period—always let meat finish cooking off the heat and retain its juices.

Variations

1. Spicy Huckleberry BBQ Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Huckleberry Maple Glazed Chicken: Mix equal parts Washington huckleberry BBQ sauce and pure maple syrup for a sweeter profile with sticky char.
3. Garlic Herb Huckleberry Chicken: Add minced garlic and a mix of chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to the sauce for a more savory twist.
4. Citrus-Huckleberry Chicken: Mix in orange zest and a splash of orange juice with the BBQ sauce for a refreshing burst of brightness.
5. Huckleberry Bourbon BBQ Chicken: Stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the BBQ sauce for a smoky, deeper flavor that works especially well with thighs or drumsticks.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn brushed with honey butter on the flat top
• Charred green beans with a sprinkle of sea salt
• Flat-top roasted fingerling potatoes with rosemary
• Grilled peaches or pineapple to complement the huckleberry sweetness
• Dry rosé wine or a Washington Riesling for a refreshing balance

Conclusion

Grilling this Washington huckleberry BBQ chicken on the Arteflame grill brings out the best of its tangy-sweet flavors while sealing in juiciness with a perfect sear. This recipe is all about simple techniques and big flavor—made even better by the professional-quality outcome of the Arteflame’s unique design.