Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs with Peanut Sauce on the Arteflame

Introduction

Take your BBQ chicken to the next level by pairing it with a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce. The rich, nutty taste of the sauce, combined with the smokiness of grilled chicken thighs, creates an incredible balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. Cooking on the Arteflame grill helps lock in the juices with a perfect sear on the center grate, while the flat top allows for gentle, even cooking to finish. This recipe is sure to impress at any gathering!

Ingredients

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for grill prep)
2 tbsp butter (for searing)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional for heat)
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 cup coconut milk or water (to thin sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

To prepare the Arteflame, pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the grill. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the grill. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes while you prepare the chicken and peanut sauce.

2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and sriracha for heat (if desired). Gradually add the coconut milk or water until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Set aside for later use.

3. Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Melt the butter on the center grate of the grill, and place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grate. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes until the skin becomes golden-brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and sear for another 2 minutes on the other side.

4. Finish Cooking on the Flat Top

After searing, move the chicken thighs to the flat top of the Arteflame, adjusting based on the heat zones (closer to the center for faster cooking or toward the edge for slower heat). Continue cooking the thighs for about 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Glaze with Peanut Sauce

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush each chicken thigh with a generous layer of the peanut sauce. Allow the sauce to caramelize slightly on the chicken as it finishes cooking, enhancing the flavor.

6. Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the grill once it reaches 150°F and let it rest for 5 minutes. The internal temperature will rise to perfection during this time. Garnish the thighs with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions, and serve with extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

Searing for Flavor: Start by searing the chicken on the center grate to lock in moisture and get that crispy skin before moving it to the flat top.
Balance the Peanut Sauce: Adjust the thickness of the peanut sauce by adding more coconut milk or water if needed, and control the spice level with the amount of sriracha.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest after grilling ensures that the juices redistribute, making the thighs extra juicy.

5 Variations of BBQ Chicken Thighs in Peanut Sauce

Spicy Peanut Chicken Thighs: Add extra chili sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Lemongrass Peanut Chicken Thighs: Add finely chopped lemongrass to the sauce for an aromatic Southeast Asian twist.
Honey Ginger Peanut Chicken Thighs: Mix extra honey and fresh grated ginger into the peanut sauce for a sweet and zesty flavor.
Curry Peanut Chicken Thighs: Stir in a teaspoon of curry powder or Thai red curry paste into the peanut sauce for a rich, complex flavor.
Coconut Peanut Chicken Thighs: Use coconut cream in the sauce for a thicker, creamier peanut sauce with extra richness.

Best Pairings

Grilled vegetable skewers or charred asparagus
Jasmine rice or coconut rice
Cucumber salad with a light sesame dressing
Grilled pineapple slices with lime zest

Conclusion

Grilled BBQ chicken thighs with peanut sauce are the perfect fusion of savory, smoky, and nutty flavors. By using the Arteflame grill, you’ll achieve beautifully seared, juicy chicken thighs complemented by the rich peanut sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to be a hit.