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Oct 16, 2023

Coffee Marinated Smoked Chicken

Gluten Free Dairy Free Dinner Smoked
Succulent chicken thighs, bathed in a robust coffee-infused marinade, are slow-smoked to perfection, resulting in a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful dish that will have you craving seconds. This recipe is a blend of earthy coffee notes, zesty spices, and mouthwatering smokiness that make these chicken thighs an absolute knockout. Whether you're a seasoned barbecue enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of smoking, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking to elevate their culinary game. 

Ingredients:

Coffee Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup brewed coffee (strong and cooled) - I used All Cleveland Coffee Co Medium Roast
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Chicken:

  • 24 chicken drumsticks and wings
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade - In a bowl, combine the brewed coffee, soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk together until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.

Marinate the Chicken - Place the chicken drumsticks and wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Season the chicken pieces with a little salt to taste. Pour the coffee marinade over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to infuse into the meat.

Preheat the Smoker - Preheat your smoker to 200°F.

Smoke the Chicken - Once the smoker is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken pieces on the smoker grates, making sure they have some space between them for even cooking. Smoke the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for the drumsticks and wings. This will usually take about 45 minutes, depending on the size and temperature of your smoker.

Crisp the Chicken - Turn smoker up to 450°F. Let the drumsticks & wings crispy for 30-45 minutes, keeping a close eye to not overcook or burn. Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature and has a nice smoky color and flavor, remove it from the smoker.

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This week I'm serving this smoked chicken over mashed potatoes with a coffee gravy...yum.


The coffee marinade will add a rich and smoky depth of flavor to your smoked chicken.

Cheers!