Introduction
Bring a bold, smoky sweetness to your BBQ chicken with this irresistible maple bourbon sauce. The caramelization from the maple syrup, combined with the richness of bourbon, creates a glaze that’s perfectly balanced and ideal for grilling on your Arteflame. Using the high-heat sear of the center grill grate followed by finishing on the flat top, you’ll achieve juicy, flavorful chicken with a beautifully caramelized sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for grill prep)
- 2 tbsp butter (for searing)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Start by preparing your Arteflame grill. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill, then stack the firewood on top and light the grill. Let the grill heat for 20 minutes, ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for searing and cooking.
2. Prepare the Maple Bourbon Sauce
In a small saucepan (or mixing bowl), combine the maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and set aside for basting during the grilling process.
3. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure the skin crisps up beautifully. Season each piece generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Melt the butter on the center grill grate, then place the chicken skin-side down on the hot grate. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden-brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear for another 2 minutes on the other side.
4. Move to the Flat Top and Glaze with Maple Bourbon Sauce
Once the chicken is seared, move it to the flat top of the grill, positioning the pieces based on the heat zones for even cooking. Use the hotter area near the center to speed up the cooking or the outer edges for slower heat. Start basting the chicken generously with the maple bourbon sauce. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, flipping and basting every few minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill once it reaches 150°F and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will rise to perfection without overcooking. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve with extra maple bourbon sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Searing and Caramelizing: The key to great BBQ chicken is starting with a high-heat sear on the center grill grate to crisp the skin, followed by slower cooking on the flat top for even caramelization of the sauce.
- Frequent Basting: To get that perfect sticky glaze, baste the chicken often with the maple bourbon sauce as it cooks.
- Let It Rest: Always remove the chicken from the grill a little early to let it finish cooking as it rests. This ensures juicy, tender meat.
5 Variations of Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken
- Spicy Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Maple Bourbon Glazed Wings: Use the same recipe for chicken wings instead of thighs. Perfect for appetizers or game day.
- Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Breasts: Swap the thighs for boneless chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Ginger Maple Bourbon Chicken: Add 1 tbsp of fresh grated ginger to the sauce for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Maple Bourbon BBQ Drumsticks: Use chicken drumsticks instead of thighs for a fun, easy-to-eat option. Cook them similarly, adjusting for size.
Best Pairings
- Grilled peaches or pineapple for a sweet side that complements the bourbon glaze
- Creamy mashed potatoes or grilled sweet potatoes
- A crisp arugula and apple salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter
Conclusion
Grilling BBQ chicken with maple bourbon sauce on your Arteflame grill adds a smoky, sweet depth to the dish that pairs perfectly with the rich caramelization from the high-heat sear. With just the right balance of flavors, this chicken is guaranteed to impress.
