Introduction

This grilled BBQ chicken thighs recipe, paired with a rich and flavorful coconut curry sauce, will take your cookout to the next level. The sweet, smoky flavors of the chicken from the Arteflame grill perfectly complement the creamy, spiced coconut curry sauce. By searing the chicken on the center grill grate and finishing it on the flat top, you’ll achieve tender, juicy chicken thighs with a beautiful caramelized crust.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for grill prep)
• 2 tbsp butter (for searing)
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp red curry paste (or yellow curry powder)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Prepare your Arteflame grill by soaking three paper napkins in vegetable oil and placing them in the grill. Stack firewood on top and light the grill. Allow it to heat up for about 20 minutes to reach the optimal temperature for searing the chicken.

2. Prepare the Coconut Curry Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 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 well-combined. Adjust the thickness by adding more coconut milk if needed, and set the sauce aside.

3. Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure a crispy skin. Season generously with salt and pepper. Melt the butter on the center grill grate of the Arteflame and place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden-brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.

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

Once the chicken is seared, move the thighs to the flat top cooktop. Adjust their position based on the heat zones (closer to the center for faster cooking, or toward the edge for slower cooking). Begin brushing the chicken with the coconut curry sauce, coating it generously. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally and basting with more sauce, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 150°F and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle while the temperature rises to the perfect doneness. Garnish the chicken with fresh cilantro or basil and serve with extra coconut curry sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Searing on High Heat: Start by searing the chicken thighs on the hottest part of the grill to lock in the juices and crisp the skin.
• Coconut Curry Glaze: Baste the chicken frequently with the coconut curry sauce to allow it to caramelize slightly and enhance the flavors.
• Resting for Juiciness: Remove the chicken from the grill early to let it rest and finish cooking off the heat, ensuring a tender, juicy bite.

5 Variations of Coconut Curry BBQ Chicken

1. Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken: Add extra red curry paste and cayenne pepper for a fiery version of the dish.
2. Lemongrass Coconut Curry Chicken: Add finely chopped lemongrass to the sauce for a fragrant, citrusy twist.
3. Coconut Curry Chicken Wings: Use this recipe with chicken wings for a fun, finger-food variation.
4. Sweet Coconut Curry Chicken: Add more honey or brown sugar to the sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor.
5. Thai-Inspired Coconut Curry Chicken: Add fish sauce and Thai basil to the curry sauce for a more authentic Thai flavor.

Best Pairings

• Grilled naan bread or flatbread for dipping in extra sauce
• Jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the curry flavors
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant
• A cucumber salad with a sesame lime vinaigrette

Conclusion

Grilling BBQ chicken thighs with coconut curry sauce on the Arteflame grill creates the perfect combination of smoky, tender chicken and a creamy, spiced sauce. This dish offers a fantastic balance of rich, bold flavors that are sure to impress at any gathering.