Texas Barbecue Chicken on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Bring big, bold Southern flavor to your backyard with this juicy Texas Barbecue Chicken grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. Using the unique reverse-sear method, this recipe locks in moisture and enhances the deep, smoky flavor of the barbecue sauce right on the blazing hot center grate, then finishes gently on the spacious Arteflame flat griddle. This method is all about maximizing flavor without burning while showcasing the powerful efficiency and even heat zones of the Arteflame grill.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup Texas-style barbecue sauce (preferably smoky and spicy)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp butter (for griddle)
• Vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
• 3 paper napkins (for lighting the grill)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a bit of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of your Arteflame grill.
3. Stack seasoned firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire burn down until the grill is at cooking temperature (about 20 minutes).

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
2. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Center-Grate

1. Once the center grill grate reaches over 1,000°F, place the chicken thighs skin-side down to sear.
2. Sear 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, locking in the juices.

Step 4: Move Chicken to Flat Cooktop

1. Add butter to the Arteflame flat cooktop griddle near the center for higher heat.
2. Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the buttered area, skin side up.
3. Baste generously with Texas-style barbecue sauce.
4. Let cook, basting every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reads 165°F (remove at 150°F as it will continue cooking while resting).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes so juices redistribute fully.
2. Serve hot, with extra sauce on the side.

Tips

• Use the hotter area of the flat griddle near the center to finish cooking faster, and the outer edge to keep things warm without overcooking.
• Rotate the chicken occasionally to prevent hot spots and ensure even caramelization of the sauce.
• Always monitor internal temperature with a dependable meat thermometer.
• The Arteflame flat top allows you to grill all your sides at once — use the extra space!
• Let chicken rest after grilling to boost tenderness and flavor.

Variations

1. Sweet and Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken: Swap Texas-style BBQ sauce for a honey-based BBQ sauce and add a touch of cayenne pepper for balance.
2. Lemon Herb BBQ Chicken: Mix BBQ sauce with chopped thyme, rosemary, and the zest of one lemon for a Mediterranean twist.
3. Chipotle Peach BBQ Chicken: Blend barbecue sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo and peach preserves for sweet heat.
4. Kansas City Style BBQ Chicken: Use a thick molasses-based BBQ sauce with bold tomato flavor for a rich, sticky glaze.
5. Spicy Bourbon BBQ Chicken: Add a splash of bourbon and a pinch of chili flakes to your Texas barbecue sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Texas Barbecue Chicken on the Arteflame is not only mouthwatering, but also a showcase of what outdoor cooking should be — bold, juicy, flavorful, and simple. By mastering the reverse sear on your Arteflame grill, you ensure juicy meat with a crisp finish using only fire, steel, and skill. Light it up, grill it down, and enjoy every smoky bite.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn with butter and lime
• Fire-kissed sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter
• Charred jalapeño-cheddar cornbread
• Griddle-grilled green beans with garlic
• Ice-cold Texas lager or bourbon lemonade