Washed Medium Roast Coffee Rubbed Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a coffee-infused rub inspired by the crisp acidity and soft sweetness of Mt. Elgon’s medium roast coffee. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Hero Coffee Co. Protagonist medium roast ground coffee
- 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) chicken thighs, boneless skin-on
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp Hero Coffee Co. Protagonist medium roast ground coffee, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a dry rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 boneless skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs), then rub the coffee spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice over the chicken, then let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 5: Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Washed Medium Roast Coffee Rubbed Grilled Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Washed Medium Roast Coffee Rubbed Grilled Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown sugar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Washed Medium Roast Coffee Rubbed Grilled Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Washed Medium Roast Coffee Rubbed Grilled Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Washed Medium Roast Coffee Rubbed Grilled Chicken?
American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
