Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs with Curry Peanut Sauce on the Arteflame

Introduction

For a delicious twist on BBQ chicken, this recipe pairs perfectly grilled chicken thighs with a bold, creamy curry peanut sauce. The sweet, smoky flavors from the grill are enhanced by the rich, aromatic curry and nutty peanut sauce. Cooking on the Arteflame grill ensures juicy, seared chicken with a golden-brown crust, while the flat top provides even cooking for a flawless finish.

Ingredients

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for grill prep)
2 tbsp butter (for searing)
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp red curry paste (or yellow curry powder)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp honey
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Prepare the Arteflame by soaking three paper napkins in vegetable oil and placing them in the grill. Stack the firewood over the napkins and light the grill. Allow it to heat for about 20 minutes to ensure the grill reaches the optimal temperature for searing.

2. Prepare the Curry Peanut Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, red curry paste, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). The sauce should be smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with additional coconut milk if needed. Set the sauce aside for later.

3. Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry to help achieve a crispy skin. Season generously with salt and pepper. Melt the butter on the center grate of the grill and place the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden-brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.

4. Move to the Flat Top and Glaze with Curry Peanut Sauce

Once the thighs are seared, move them to the flat top, adjusting based on the heat zones to ensure even cooking. Start basting the chicken thighs with the curry peanut sauce, using a brush to coat them generously. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally and adding more sauce as needed. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken thighs from the grill once they reach 150°F and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the internal temperature to rise to the perfect level while ensuring juicy chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions and serve with extra curry peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

Sear on High Heat: Sear the chicken thighs on the hottest part of the Arteflame center grate to lock in moisture and crisp the skin before finishing on the flat top.
Baste Generously: The curry peanut sauce will add layers of flavor and caramelize beautifully, so make sure to baste the chicken frequently as it cooks.
Adjust the Heat: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of curry paste or cayenne pepper in the sauce.

5 Variations of Curry Peanut BBQ Chicken

Spicy Curry Peanut Chicken: Add extra curry paste and cayenne pepper for a spicy version of the dish.
Coconut Curry Peanut Chicken: Use extra coconut milk in the sauce for a creamier, more tropical flavor.
Thai-Inspired Curry Peanut Chicken: Add a splash of fish sauce and some fresh Thai basil to the sauce for a true Thai-inspired flavor.
Ginger Lime Curry Peanut Chicken: Add fresh grated ginger and extra lime juice for a bright, tangy twist.
Sweet Chili Curry Peanut Chicken: Mix sweet chili sauce into the peanut curry sauce for a slightly sweeter and tangier profile.

Best Pairings

Grilled naan bread for dipping in extra sauce
Jasmine rice or coconut rice
Grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
A cucumber salad with a light sesame dressing

Conclusion

Grilling BBQ chicken thighs with a curry peanut sauce on the Arteflame brings together the perfect balance of smoky, nutty, and spicy flavors. The sauce caramelizes beautifully over the high heat of the grill, giving you juicy, flavorful chicken thighs that will impress everyone at your next cookout.