Maryland BBQ Chicken Thighs on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Maryland BBQ Chicken Thighs cooked on the Arteflame Grill bring out bold flavors with a tangy barbecue sauce. Using the center grill grate at over 1,000°F, this recipe locks in juices with an intense sear before finishing on the flat cooktop for perfect doneness. The Arteflame’s evenly heated surface ensures the ultimate grilled chicken with a balance of crispy, charred edges and juicy, tender meat.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup Maryland-style barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to heat the grill for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.
3. Rub the chicken thighs with the melted butter, then coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the center grill grate at high heat (1,000°F).
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 flat cooktop, closer to the center for more heat or toward the edges for a gentler cook.
2. Brush the chicken with the Maryland-style barbecue sauce.
3. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally and basting with more sauce.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Rest

1. Remove the chicken from the grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (it will rise to 175°F while resting).
2. Let the thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Use the hotter zones for a faster sear and the cooler zones for slow finishing.
• For extra flavor, add a touch of wood smoke while grilling.
• Brush on the sauce in layers to build a caramelized crust.

Variations

1. Spicy Maryland BBQ: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix and use a spicy BBQ sauce.
2. Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix fresh thyme and rosemary with melted butter before rubbing onto the chicken.
3. Honey Glazed Chicken: Replace brown sugar with 1 tbsp honey and drizzle extra honey while grilling.
4. Mustard BBQ Chicken: Use a mustard-based BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
5. Smoky Maple Chicken: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the sauce for a rich, smoky-sweet finish.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Coleslaw with apple cider vinaigrette
• Grilled sweet potatoes with cinnamon
• Creamy mac and cheese
• Freshly baked cornbread

Conclusion

Maryland BBQ Chicken Thighs on the Arteflame Grill bring out the best flavors with a perfect balance of sear and tenderness. This grilling technique ensures a deliciously satisfying dish, ready to impress family and friends.