Finnish Winter Herb-Marinated Chicken Thighs

Introduction

Discover the deep, aromatic flavors of Finnish winter herbs with this perfectly grilled chicken thigh recipe. This method locks in the juices for the most succulent bites, searing at high heat on the Arteflame grill before gently bringing the meat to temperature on the flat cooktop. Grilling this way ensures the perfect balance of texture and taste. Let’s fire up the grill and enjoy an incredible Nordic-inspired dish!

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh juniper berries, crushed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins and light them.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the marinade

1. In a bowl, mix the butter, rosemary, thyme, juniper berries, garlic, salt, pepper, mustard, and lemon juice.
2. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the marinade.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight.

Step 3: Sear the chicken thighs

1. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the center grill grate of the Arteflame, where it reaches over 1,000°F.
2. Sear for 2-3 minutes until the skin gets a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Finish cooking on the flat griddle

1. Move the chicken thighs to the outer areas of the flat cooktop, where the temperature is more moderate.
2. Cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Remove the chicken from the grill once it reaches 150°F, as it will continue cooking off the heat.

Step 5: Let the chicken rest

1. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before marinating.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
• If you prefer your chicken to have a smoky flavor, use a mix of hardwoods like oak or hickory.

Variations

• Spicy Nordic Chicken: Add 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the marinade.
• Garlic Butter Chicken: Increase the garlic to 4 cloves and mix in an extra tablespoon of butter.
• Honey Mustard Chicken: Add 1 tbsp of honey for a slightly sweeter profile.
• Citrus Herb Chicken: Add orange zest and a squeeze of fresh orange juice for a bright citrusy touch.
• Smoky Maple Chicken: Add a teaspoon of smoked salt and 1 tbsp maple syrup for a rich, smoky finish.

Conclusion

These Finnish winter herb-marinated chicken thighs highlight the best of Nordic flavors, grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. With a crispy, herbaceous crust and juicy interior, this method ensures maximum flavor in every bite. Try different variations to find your favorite!

Best Pairings

• Grilled root vegetables with butter
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Warm rye bread with butter
• A glass of full-bodied Chardonnay or a light, crisp cider