Grilled BBQ Chicken with Maple Honey Glaze on the Arteflame

Introduction

Sweet, smoky, and perfectly grilled—this BBQ chicken with maple honey glaze is a must-try on your Arteflame grill. By using a combination of maple syrup and honey, this glaze delivers a delightful caramelization that complements the natural smokiness of the chicken. Sear the chicken over the high heat of the center grill grate, then finish it off on the flat top for perfectly juicy, caramelized chicken every time.

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 honey
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 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

To get the Arteflame grill ready, pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the grill. Stack your firewood over top and light the grill. Allow it to heat for about 20 minutes, ensuring the cooking surface is hot enough for searing.

2. Prepare the Maple Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This sweet and tangy glaze will coat the chicken beautifully as it cooks on the grill.

3. Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Melt the butter on the center grate of the grill and place the chicken skin-side down. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side to get a crispy, golden crust.

4. Finish Cooking on the Flat Top and Glaze

Once seared, move the chicken to the flat cooktop of the grill. Use the hotter area near the center for faster cooking, or shift to the outer edge for slower cooking. Begin basting the chicken with the maple honey glaze, brushing generously as it cooks. Continue flipping and basting every few minutes for 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The glaze will caramelize, giving the chicken a glossy, sweet crust.

5. Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken when it reaches 150°F and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. The residual heat will finish cooking the chicken. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, and serve with extra maple honey glaze on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

Searing and Caramelizing: Start by searing the chicken on the hottest part of the grill to lock in the juices and create a crispy crust. Then move to the flat top to let the glaze slowly caramelize without burning.
Frequent Basting: Regularly brush on the maple honey glaze as the chicken cooks for maximum flavor and caramelization.
Resting the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill when it reaches 150°F to avoid overcooking. Let it rest so the internal temperature reaches the perfect doneness.

5 Variations of Maple Honey BBQ Chicken

Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken: Add 2 tbsp of bourbon to the maple honey glaze for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Spicy Maple Honey BBQ Chicken: Add 1-2 tsp of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
Lemon Maple Honey BBQ Chicken: Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
Maple Herb BBQ Chicken: Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze for a fragrant, earthy flavor.
Ginger Maple Honey BBQ Chicken: Add 1 tbsp of grated fresh ginger to the glaze for a sweet and tangy Asian-inspired variation.

Best Pairings

Grilled sweet potatoes drizzled with extra maple syrup
A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette
Roasted Brussels sprouts or grilled zucchini
Garlic mashed potatoes with a butter herb drizzle

Conclusion

Grilling BBQ chicken with a maple honey glaze on the Arteflame will give you an unbeatable combination of sweetness, smokiness, and perfectly tender meat. With the right balance of heat zones and the flat-top cooktop’s even searing, this dish is sure to impress at your next cookout.