Japanese Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

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

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins inside the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build.
5. Wait about 20 minutes until the grill is ready for high heat searing.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper.
2. Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them.
3. 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

1. Once the grill is hot, place butter on the center grill grate.
2. Remove chicken thighs from the marinade and let excess drip off.
3. 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

1. Move the seared chicken thighs to the flat griddle cooktop.
2. Let them cook for another 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Remove the chicken when it reaches 150°F, as residual heat will continue cooking it to perfection.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
3. 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

1. Spicy Ginger Soy Chicken: Add 1 tbsp sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
2. Teriyaki Glazed Chicken: Brush the chicken with a thickened teriyaki sauce in the last 2 minutes of grilling.
3. Miso Ginger Chicken: Add 1 tbsp white miso paste to the marinade for added umami depth.
4. Honey Garlic Chicken: Use 3 tbsp honey instead of 2 for more sweetness and add 1 extra garlic clove.
5. 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!