Hickory-Smoked Colorado Chicken on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

This Hickory-Smoked Colorado Chicken is packed with deep, roasted flavor using a hickory smoke spice blend. The Arteflame grill’s high heat sear locks in the juices, and its flat cooktop ensures even cooking. Master this simple yet flavorful recipe and impress everyone with perfectly grilled, juicy chicken thighs.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp hickory smoke spice blend
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the paper and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is properly heated.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
2. Rub them with the melted butter.
3. Mix the hickory smoke spice blend, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
4. Thoroughly coat the chicken thighs with the seasoning mix.

Step 3: Sear the chicken thighs

1. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the center grill grate over direct high heat.
2. Sear for about 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
3. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Finish cooking on the flat cooktop

1. Move the seared chicken thighs to the outer flat cooktop.
2. Continue grilling, flipping occasionally until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
3. Remove the thighs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes. The residual heat will bring them up to 165°F.

Tips

• Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes to keep it juicy.
• Adjust cooking temperatures using the different heat zones of the flat cooktop.
• For extra smokiness, throw in a wood chunk while grilling.

Variations

• Spicy Colorado Chicken: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper and 1 tbsp hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
• Honey Glazed Chicken: Replace brown sugar with 2 tbsp honey for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tsp thyme for a citrusy and fresh touch.
• BBQ Colorado Chicken: Substitute the spice blend with your favorite BBQ rub and glaze with BBQ sauce.
• Maple Chipotle Chicken: Mix in 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1/2 tsp chipotle powder for a smoky-sweet kick.

Conclusion

The Hickory-Smoked Colorado Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that showcases the power of the Arteflame grill. With a perfect balance of smoky spice and juicy texture, this recipe is a must-try for any grilling enthusiast.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Charred asparagus with sea salt
• Roasted sweet potatoes on the Arteflame flat cooktop
• Smoky baked beans cooked directly on the griddle
• A crisp Colorado craft beer or a bold red wine