Introduction
Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a rich, aromatic ginger soy sauce, then grilled to perfection on the Arteflame for a smoky and irresistible taste. This recipe brings out the best of Japanese-inspired flavors while taking advantage of the Arteflame grill’s ability to sear the chicken at 1,000F on the center grill grate before finishing it on the flat top griddle.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place the soaked napkins inside the grill.
- Stack firewood over the napkins.
- Light the napkins and allow the fire to build.
- Wait about 20 minutes until the grill is ready for high heat searing.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal the bag and let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken on the Center Grill Grate
- Once the grill is hot, place butter on the center grill grate.
- Remove chicken thighs from the marinade and let excess drip off.
- Sear the chicken on the center grill grate for about 1-2 minutes per side until a nice char develops.
Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Griddle
- Move the seared chicken thighs to the flat griddle cooktop.
- Let them cook for another 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken when it reaches 150°F, as residual heat will continue cooking it to perfection.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- For extra flavor, save some marinade before adding the chicken and drizzle it over before serving.
- Let the chicken come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
- Use high-quality soy sauce for a richer flavor.
- Cook all your sides on the flat top while the chicken grills.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
Variations
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Spicy Ginger Soy Chicken: Add 1 tbsp sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
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Teriyaki Glazed Chicken: Brush the chicken with a thickened teriyaki sauce in the last 2 minutes of grilling.
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Miso Ginger Chicken: Add 1 tbsp white miso paste to the marinade for added umami depth.
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Honey Garlic Chicken: Use 3 tbsp honey instead of 2 for more sweetness and add 1 extra garlic clove.
-
Citrus Soy Chicken: Add the juice of half a lemon or orange for a citrusy twist.
Best Pairings
- Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus) cooked on the flat griddle.
- Steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Japanese-style coleslaw with sesame dressing.
- Grilled miso eggplant for added umami.
- Cold soba noodles tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce.
Conclusion
The Arteflame grill gives this Japanese-inspired grilled chicken an unbeatable smoky char while keeping it juicy and flavorful. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite sides, this dish is sure to impress!