How to Cook a Juicy, Perfectly Grilled Chicken Every Time
How to Cook a Whole Chicken on the Grill
There’s something about cooking a whole chicken on the grill that just feels special. Maybe it’s the sight of the golden brown skin, or the smell of the smoky meat, or the taste of the juicy, flavorful chicken. Whatever it is, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a whole chicken on the grill so that it’s perfectly cooked, every time. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right chicken to grilling it to perfection. So fire up your grill and let’s get started!
| Step | Instructions | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your grill to medium heat. | Make sure the grill is clean and well-oiled before you start cooking. |
| 2 | Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. | This will help the chicken skin to brown evenly. |
| 3 | Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. | You can also marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade for several hours or overnight before cooking. |
| 4 | Place the chicken breast-side up on the grill. | If you are grilling a whole chicken, you may want to truss it up first to help it hold its shape. |
| 5 | Close the grill lid and cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. | Be sure to check the chicken periodically to make sure it is not overcooking. |
| 6 | Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving. | This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender. |
Choosing the Right Chicken
When choosing a chicken to grill, there are a few factors to consider.
Size and weight
The size of the chicken will determine how long it takes to cook. A small chicken will cook in about 1 hour, while a large chicken will take closer to 2 hours. The weight of the chicken is also important, as a heavier chicken will take longer to cook than a lighter chicken.
Type of chicken
There are two main types of chickens: broilers and roasters. Broilers are young chickens that are typically raised for their meat. They are smaller than roasters and have a milder flavor. Roasters are older chickens that are typically raised for their eggs. They are larger than broilers and have a more robust flavor.
Fresh vs. frozen
You can choose to cook a fresh or frozen chicken. Fresh chickens are typically more flavorful, but they also require more time to thaw. Frozen chickens are more convenient, but they may not be as flavorful as fresh chickens.
Preparing the Chicken
Before you cook a chicken, there are a few things you need to do to prepare it.
Patting the chicken dry
The first step is to pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill.
Marinating the chicken
Marinating the chicken is optional, but it can help to add flavor and moisture to the chicken. There are many different marinades you can use, but some of the most popular include:
- Teriyaki marinade: This marinade is made with soy sauce, mirin, garlic, ginger, and honey.
- Lemon-herb marinade: This marinade is made with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
- Garlic-herb marinade: This marinade is made with garlic, olive oil, parsley, basil, and thyme.
Brining the chicken
Brining the chicken is another way to add flavor and moisture to the chicken. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution for several hours or overnight. This helps to tenderize the chicken and make it more flavorful.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken is prepared, you can cook it on the grill. There are a few different ways to cook a chicken on the grill, but some of the most popular methods include:
- Direct grilling: This method involves cooking the chicken directly over the heat source. This is a quick and easy way to cook a chicken, but it can also be a bit tricky to get the chicken cooked evenly.
- Indirect grilling: This method involves cooking the chicken over indirect heat. This is a more forgiving method than direct grilling, and it is also a good way to cook a chicken if you want to smoke it.
- Roasting the chicken: This method involves cooking the chicken in a covered grill. This is a good way to cook a chicken if you want to keep it moist.
Grilling a chicken is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can cook a chicken that is perfectly cooked and juicy every time.
3. Cooking the Chicken
Once you have prepared your chicken, it is time to cook it. There are a few different ways to cook a chicken on the grill, but the most common methods are grilling it directly over the heat or indirect grilling.
Grilling the Chicken Directly over the Heat
To grill the chicken directly over the heat, you will need to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, oil the grates and place the chicken on the grill. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the skin is browned and the meat is cooked through.
Indirect Grilling
Indirect grilling is a more gentle way to cook chicken, and it is less likely to dry out. To indirect grill the chicken, you will need to preheat your grill to medium heat and then place a drip pan filled with water on the grill grates. Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on the grill grates over the drip pan. Cook the chicken for 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.
Basting the Chicken
While the chicken is grilling, you can baste it with a mixture of melted butter, olive oil, and herbs. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Resting the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and juicy.
4. Carving the Chicken
Once the chicken has rested, it is time to carve it. To carve the chicken, you will need a sharp knife. Start by cutting the chicken in half along the breastbone. Then, cut each half of the chicken into breast pieces and thigh pieces. Finally, cut each thigh piece into drumsticks and thighs.
Cooking a whole chicken on the grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these steps, you can cook a perfectly grilled chicken every time.
How long does it take to cook a whole chicken on the grill?
It takes about 1-1.5 hours to cook a whole chicken on the grill, depending on the size of the chicken and the temperature of the grill.
What temperature should I grill a whole chicken?
The ideal temperature for grilling a whole chicken is 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to grill a whole chicken?
There are a few different ways to grill a whole chicken, but the most common method is to indirect grill it. This means that you cook the chicken over indirect heat, which means that the heat source is not directly under the chicken. To indirect grill a whole chicken, you will need to set up your grill for two-zone cooking. This means that you will have one side of the grill that is hot and one side that is cooler. You will then place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill and cook it until it is cooked through.
What should I do if my chicken is not cooked through?
If your chicken is not cooked through, you can either continue to cook it on the grill or you can finish cooking it in the oven. To finish cooking it in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the chicken until it is cooked through.
What are some tips for grilling a whole chicken?
Here are a few tips for grilling a whole chicken:
- Make sure to remove the giblets from the chicken before grilling it.
- Preheat your grill to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit before placing the chicken on the grill.
- Cook the chicken over indirect heat.
- Baste the chicken with olive oil or butter every 15-20 minutes.
- Check the chicken for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving it.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling a whole chicken?
Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling a whole chicken:
- Not removing the giblets from the chicken before grilling it.
- Not preheating the grill before placing the chicken on the grill.
- Cooking the chicken over direct heat.
- Not basting the chicken with oil or butter.
- Not checking the chicken for doneness.
- Not letting the chicken rest before carving it.
In this blog post, we have discussed how to cook a whole chicken on the grill. We covered everything from choosing the right chicken to preparing it for grilling. We also provided detailed instructions on how to grill a chicken, including how to check for doneness and how to baste it.
We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you will enjoy grilling your own whole chickens this summer. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Choose a chicken that is about 4 pounds and has been properly thawed.
- Remove the giblets and neck from the chicken cavity.
- Prick the skin of the chicken all over with a fork to help the marinade penetrate.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, and up to overnight.
- Grill the chicken over indirect heat for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the chicken with marinade every 15 minutes or so.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
We hope you enjoy this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe!
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.