Introduction

Nothing beats the rich, smoky flavor of perfectly grilled chicken thighs. This Canadian-inspired recipe combines sweet maple syrup with tangy Dijon mustard, creating a mouthwatering marinade that caramelizes beautifully over an open flame. Using the Arteflame grill, we sear the thighs at 1,000°F for a steakhouse-quality crust before finishing them to perfect doneness on the flat cooktop griddle. Serve this dish alongside your favorite sides, all grilled to perfection on the Arteflame.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for grilling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place them in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light them.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the Arteflame is ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them.
3. Coat the chicken thighs evenly and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for enhanced flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs

1. Once the grill is hot, place a generous amount of butter on the center grill grate.
2. Sear chicken thighs over the center grill grate at 1,000°F for 2 minutes per side.
3. Once they develop a golden-brown crust, move them to the flat griddle area.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the seared thighs onto the griddle cooktop.
2. Cook them on medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Remove them from the grill at 150°F, as they will continue cooking off the heat.
4. Let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Use pure Canadian maple syrup for authentic flavor.
• Rest the chicken to retain juices after grilling.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple Dijon: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne and 1 tablespoon of sriracha for a fiery kick.
2. Herb-Infused: Mix in freshly chopped thyme and rosemary into the marinade for added earthiness.
3. Smoky Bourbon Maple: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the marinade for a deeper, richer flavor.
4. Honey Mustard Twist: Replace maple syrup with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
5. Asian Fusion: Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Conclusion

These Canadian Grilled Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs are a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. Cooking them on the Arteflame grill ensures they are juicy and caramelized to perfection. Serve with grilled vegetables and your favorite sides to complete the meal.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus with butter
• Roasted sweet potatoes on the Arteflame
• Grilled corn on the cob
• A crisp green salad with a maple vinaigrette