How To Charcoal Grill a Whole Chicken to Perfection
How to Charcoal Grill a Whole Chicken
There’s something about cooking a whole chicken over charcoal that just makes it taste better. Maybe it’s the smoky flavor, or the way the juices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Whatever it is, charcoal grilling is a great way to cook a chicken for a backyard barbecue or special occasion.
In this article, we’ll show you how to charcoal grill a whole chicken step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right chicken to preparing the grill. So whether you’re a seasoned griller or a novice, read on for all the information you need to know about charcoal grilling a whole chicken.
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your grill to medium heat. |  |
| 2 | Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. |  |
| 3 | Season the chicken inside and out with your favorite dry rub. |  |
| 4 | Place the chicken breast-side up on the grill. |  |
| 5 | Close the grill and cook for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. |  |
| 6 | Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. |  |
| 7 | Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. |  |
How to Charcoal Grill a Whole Chicken?
Charcoal grilling is a great way to cook a whole chicken. The smoky flavor of the charcoal and the high heat of the grill create a delicious and juicy chicken that is perfect for a summer barbecue.
To charcoal grill a whole chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- Salt
- Pepper
- Your favorite marinade (optional)
- Charcoal
- Charcoal starter
- Grilling tools
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken
The first step is to prepare the chicken. Rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. If desired, marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade for several hours or overnight.
2. Charcoal Grilling the Chicken
Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat. Place the chicken on the grill, breast side up. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce, if desired. Grill the chicken for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and browned.
3. Resting the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken.
Tips for Charcoal Grilling a Whole Chicken
- Use a good quality charcoal. This will help to create a more flavorful and smoky chicken.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This will help to prevent the chicken from burning.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce, if desired. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken.
Troubleshooting
If your chicken is burning, reduce the heat on your grill. If your chicken is not cooking evenly, rotate it halfway through the cooking process. If your chicken is not juicy, baste it with barbecue sauce or chicken broth during the cooking process.
Enjoy!
Charcoal grilled chicken is a delicious and easy way to cook a whole chicken. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily cook a perfectly grilled chicken that will impress your guests.
Charcoal grilling is a great way to cook a variety of foods, including whole chickens. The smoky flavor of the charcoal and the high heat of the grill create a delicious and juicy chicken that is perfect for a summer barbecue. By following these tips, you can easily cook a perfectly grilled chicken that will impress your guests.
How to Charcoal Grill a Whole Chicken
Charcoal grilling is a great way to cook a whole chicken. The smoky flavor of the charcoal and the high heat of the grill will give you a juicy, flavorful chicken that everyone will love.
To charcoal grill a whole chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat.
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat it dry.
3. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Place the chicken breast-side up on the grill.
5. Grill the chicken for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the chicken with barbecue sauce or melted butter every few minutes.
7. Flip the chicken over and grill for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.
9. Carve the chicken into pieces and serve immediately.
Tips for Charcoal Grilling a Whole Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Baste the chicken with barbecue sauce or melted butter every few minutes to keep it moist.
- If the chicken is starting to burn, move it to a cooler part of the grill.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Ingredients for Charcoal Grilled Chicken
The following are the ingredients you will need to charcoal grill a whole chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
Instructions for Charcoal Grilled Chicken
To charcoal grill a whole chicken, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat.
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat it dry.
3. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Place the chicken breast-side up on the grill.
5. Grill the chicken for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the chicken with barbecue sauce or melted butter every few minutes.
7. Flip the chicken over and grill for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.
9. Carve the chicken into pieces and serve immediately.
Tips for Charcoal Grilling a Whole Chicken
Here are some tips for charcoal grilling a whole chicken:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Baste the chicken with barbecue sauce or melted butter every few minutes to keep it moist.
- If the chicken is starting to burn, move it to a cooler part of the grill.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Charcoal grilling is a great way to cook a whole chicken. The smoky flavor of the charcoal and the high heat of the grill will give you a juicy, flavorful chicken that everyone will love.
By following these tips, you can easily charcoal grill a whole chicken that is sure to impress your guests.
How long does it take to grill a whole chicken?
It takes about 1 hour to grill a whole chicken, depending on the size of the chicken and the temperature of the grill.
What temperature should I grill the chicken at?
The ideal temperature for grilling a whole chicken is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What type of charcoal should I use?
You can use any type of charcoal for grilling a whole chicken, but lump charcoal is preferred because it burns hotter and produces more flavor.
How do I prepare the chicken before grilling?
To prepare the chicken before grilling, rinse it under cold water and pat it dry. Then, remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. If desired, you can also cut slits in the skin of the chicken to help it cook more evenly.
What do I do if the chicken is sticking to the grill?
If the chicken is sticking to the grill, you can try greasing the grill grates with oil or butter before placing the chicken on them. You can also try spraying the chicken with a water mister every few minutes to keep the skin from drying out and sticking.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken.
How do I rest the chicken after grilling?
After grilling the chicken, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more juicy and flavorful.
What are some tips for grilling a whole chicken?
Here are some tips for grilling a whole chicken:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before carving it.
- Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
:
In this blog post, we have discussed how to charcoal grill a whole chicken. We covered everything from choosing the right chicken and charcoal to preparing the chicken and grilling it to perfection. We hope that you found this information helpful and that you will enjoy grilling your own whole chickens this summer.
Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:
- Choose a chicken that is about 4-5 pounds and has been properly thawed.
- Use a charcoal grill that is at least 22 inches in diameter.
- Light the charcoal in a chimney starter and let it burn until the coals are covered with a thin layer of ash.
- Oil the chicken inside and out and season it with your favorite spices.
- Place the chicken on the grill, breast-side up, and cook it for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
We hope that you enjoy grilling your own whole chickens this summer!
Author Profile
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With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.