Coffee Rubbed Grilled Chicken

Coffee Rubbed Grilled Chicken

A bold espresso-and-spice crust gives grilled chicken a smoky, deep flavor edge.

Total 1 hr Makes 4 servings Calories 285/serving

Dietary

Keto, Wheat free, Dairy free, Nut free, Halal, Kosher

Finely ground coffee blends with brown sugar, smoked paprika, and warm spices to form a dry rub that caramelizes on the grill, creating a dark crust while the meat stays juicy inside. It's a quick weeknight option that still feels special enough for weekend cookouts, pairing well with grilled corn or a crisp slaw.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

  1. In a small bowl, combine the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.

  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub each piece with olive oil.

  3. Sprinkle the coffee rub evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently so it adheres.

  4. Let the rubbed chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

  5. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 450°F, and clean the grates.

  6. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust is dark and caramelized.

  7. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

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★ 4.6 (1)

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    Coffee Rubbed Grilled Chicken

    Finely ground coffee blends with brown sugar, smoked paprika, and warm spices to form a dry rub that caramelizes on the grill, creating a dark crust while the meat stays juicy inside. It's a quick weeknight option that still feels special enough for weekend cookouts, pairing well with grilled corn or a crisp slaw.

    1 hr 4 servings 285 cal

    Ingredients

    • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    Method

    1. 1

      In a small bowl, combine the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.

    2. 2

      Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub each piece with olive oil.

    3. 3

      Sprinkle the coffee rub evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently so it adheres.

    4. 4

      Let the rubbed chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

    5. 5

      Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 450°F, and clean the grates.

    6. 6

      Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust is dark and caramelized.

    7. 7

      Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.