Chicken thighs grilled over charcoal and hickory

Grilled chicken thighs over charcoal and hickory, paired with grilled asparagus and tomatoes, makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon hickory wood chips (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

For the Asparagus and Tomatoes:

• 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Grill:
   • Prepare your charcoal grill for direct grilling. Light the charcoal and let it burn until it’s covered with white ash. Place the hickory wood chips on the coals.
2. Season the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Make sure to coat them evenly.
3. Grill the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken thighs on the grill skin-side down. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy, and the meat should be cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
4. Grill the Asparagus and Tomatoes:
   • While the chicken is grilling, toss the asparagus and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   • Place them on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are slightly charred and tender.
5. Serve:
   • Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the chicken thighs and vegetables from the grill.
   • If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice over the asparagus and tomatoes for extra flavor.
   • You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the vegetables if you like.
6. Enjoy:
   • Serve the grilled chicken thighs alongside the asparagus and tomatoes. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or a side of garlic bread.

This grilled chicken and vegetable dish is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy the flavors of charcoal and hickory in your backyard. Enjoy your meal!