How to Make Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Chicken?

Chicken is a universal favorite, whether it’s baked, fried, or grilled, there’s no denying that we all love a good chicken dish. It’s versatile, delicious, and can take on a variety of flavors. But sometimes, a little twist is needed to elevate the classic chicken dinner. That’s where Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Chicken comes in. This recipe adds a rich, smoky depth to your usual grilled chicken with a flavorful coffee rub that’s both bold and savory. The combination of ground coffee, spices, and a touch of sweetness creates a unique and irresistible crust that will make your taste buds dance.

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How to Make Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Chicken?

A bold twist on grilled chicken with this Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Chicken recipe. The rich coffee rub combined with savory spices.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Active Time15 minutes mins

Resting time5 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken, coffee, grilled chicken

Yield: 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Grill Ensure grill is preheated to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C)
• 1 Meat Thermometer
• 1 Tongs

Materials

• 2 tablespoons Ground Coffee Dark roast recommended
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• 4 pieces Chicken

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix together the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and brush lightly with olive oil. Generously coat the chicken with the coffee rub, pressing it into the meat to ensure it sticks
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C)
• Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C)
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute
• Serve the coffee-rubbed grilled chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Why Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Chicken?

You might be wondering, why coffee? Well, coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up, it’s an incredible seasoning! The bitterness of ground coffee pairs beautifully with the smoky flavor of grilled chicken, creating a deliciously complex crust. When combined with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and a touch of brown sugar, the coffee rub creates an irresistible balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors.

What to Serve with Your Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Chicken

Coffee-rubbed chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Grilled Vegetables

Pair the chicken with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. The smoky flavors of the vegetables complement the richness of the chicken rub.

Fresh Salad

A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the coffee rub. Consider adding some sliced avocado or a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor.

Rice or Quinoa

Serve your chicken with rice or quinoa to absorb the delicious juices from the grilled chicken. You can even toss the rice with some fresh herbs like cilantro for added flavor.

Creamy Coleslaw

A creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the coffee-rubbed chicken. The crunchiness of the cabbage also adds great texture to your meal.