Perfectly Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs on the Arteflame

Introduction

Grill the juiciest BBQ chicken thighs on your Arteflame grill using the perfect combination of high-heat searing and gentle griddle cooking. This recipe maximizes flavor by locking in juices with a hot sear on the center grate and finishing the thighs on the flat-top cooktop, all while basting in smoky BBQ sauce. You'll get tender chicken with an incredible caramelized crust—without any burn marks.

Ingredients

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp butter (for searing)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for grill prep)
1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp kosher salt
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Start by firing up your Arteflame grill to get it ready for cooking. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins, place them in the grill, and stack your firewood on top. Light the grill, and allow it to heat up for about 20 minutes. This gives you the perfect time to prep your chicken.

2. Prepare the Chicken Thighs

Pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a crispy skin. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides.

3. Sear on the Center Grate

Once the grill is hot, melt the butter on the center grate. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down directly on the center grill grate. Sear each thigh for 3-4 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up and lock in the juices. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Finish Cooking on the Flat Top

After searing, move the thighs to the outer flat-top griddle. Use the area close to the center for faster cooking (it’s hotter), or move to the outer edges for slower cooking. Brush each thigh with BBQ sauce and continue cooking, flipping occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Keep basting with BBQ sauce for that perfect sticky glaze.

5. Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken thighs from the grill when the internal temperature hits 150°F, as they will continue cooking off the grill. Let them rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Tips for Success

Even Cooking: The Arteflame’s flat top gives you full control of the heat zones, so adjust where you place the thighs to avoid burning while still getting a crisp, caramelized skin.
Rest the Chicken: Remember to remove the chicken 15°F before it hits your desired doneness to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Use Butter for the Sear: This adds a rich, flavorful crust that complements the smokiness of the BBQ sauce.

5 Variations of BBQ Chicken Thighs

Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs: Substitute BBQ sauce with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard.
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs: Add chipotle powder to your rub for a smoky heat, and use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: Replace BBQ sauce with teriyaki glaze, garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions.
Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs: Skip the BBQ sauce, and baste the chicken with garlic butter during cooking.
Smoky Maple BBQ Chicken Thighs: Mix a little maple syrup into your BBQ sauce for a sweet, smoky flavor.

Best Pairings

Grilled corn on the cob with lime and chili butter
Creamy coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette
Charred asparagus or grilled veggies from the flat-top
Garlic butter mashed potatoes

Conclusion

With the Arteflame grill, your BBQ chicken thighs will turn out juicy, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized every time. The combination of high-heat searing and the flat-top’s even griddle makes this recipe unbeatable.