How to Grill a Whole Chicken on Charcoal: The Ultimate Guide
How to Grill a Whole Chicken on Charcoal
There’s something about the smell of a grilled chicken that just makes your mouth water. Whether you’re grilling it for a backyard barbecue or a family dinner, a whole chicken cooked on charcoal is a delicious and impressive way to feed a crowd.
Grilling a whole chicken is relatively easy, but there are a few things you need to know to get it right. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of grilling a whole chicken on charcoal, from choosing the right chicken to cooking it to perfection.
So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy some of the best chicken you’ve ever tasted!
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your grill to medium heat. |  |
| 2 | Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. |  |
| 3 | Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. | |
| 4 | Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down. | |
| 5 | Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. | |
| 6 | Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. | |
Choosing the Right Chicken
When choosing a chicken to grill, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Size and weight
The size of the chicken will determine how long it takes to cook. A smaller chicken will cook faster than a larger one. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 15 minutes per pound of chicken.
Type of chicken
There are two main types of chickens: broilers and roasters. Broilers are young chickens that are typically less than 5 pounds. They are best for grilling because they cook quickly and evenly. Roasters are older chickens that are typically between 5 and 8 pounds. They are best for roasting because they have more flavor and can withstand longer cooking times.
Marinating the chicken
Marinating the chicken before grilling is optional, but it can help to add flavor and moisture. Marinades can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as herbs, spices, citrus juice, and vinegar. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Preparing the Grill
Before grilling the chicken, you will need to prepare the grill.
Temperature and heat
The ideal temperature for grilling chicken is between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If the grill is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it has a chance to cook through. If the grill is too cold, the chicken will take too long to cook and will be dry.
Cooking surface
The cooking surface of the grill should be clean and free of debris. If the cooking surface is dirty, the chicken will stick to it and may not cook evenly.
Oiling the grates
Oiling the grates of the grill will help to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or cooking spray.
Grilling the Chicken
Once the grill is prepared, you can start grilling the chicken.
Placing the chicken on the grill
The chicken should be placed skin-side down on the grill. This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Grilling the chicken
The chicken should be grilled for about 15 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Resting the chicken
After the chicken is cooked, it should be allowed to rest for a few minutes before cutting it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken will be more tender.
Serving the Chicken
The grilled chicken can be served with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. You can also serve it with a sauce, such as barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or honey mustard sauce.
Grilling a whole chicken is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can grill a perfect chicken every time.
Here are some additional tips for grilling chicken:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- Baste the chicken with marinade or butter during grilling to keep it moist.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken will be more tender.
With a little practice, you’ll be grilling perfect whole chickens in no time.
3. Grilling the Chicken
Once the chicken is prepped, it’s time to grill it. Here are a few tips for grilling a whole chicken on charcoal:
- Cooking time: The cooking time for a whole chicken will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the temperature of the grill. A good rule of thumb is to cook a whole chicken for 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on how your chicken is cooked.
- Turning the chicken: You will need to turn the chicken every 10-15 minutes to ensure that it cooks evenly. Be sure to use tongs to turn the chicken, as using a fork will puncture the skin and allow the juices to escape.
- Resting the chicken: After the chicken is cooked through, it should be rested for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken.
4. Carving and Serving the Chicken
Once the chicken has rested, it’s time to carve it and serve it. Here are a few tips for carving a whole chicken:
- Carving the chicken: To carve a whole chicken, start by cutting off the legs. Then, cut the chicken in half along the breastbone. Finally, slice each breast half into individual pieces.
- Serving the chicken: You can serve the chicken whole or sliced. If you’re serving the chicken whole, you can place it on a platter and garnish it with your favorite vegetables and herbs. If you’re serving the chicken sliced, you can arrange the slices on a platter or individual plates.
Grilling a whole chicken is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can grill a perfect whole chicken every time.
How long do I cook a whole chicken on charcoal?
The cooking time for a whole chicken on charcoal will vary depending on the size of the chicken, the temperature of the grill, and the desired doneness. A good rule of thumb is to cook a whole chicken for 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a 5-pound chicken would take about 2 hours to cook.
What temperature should I cook a whole chicken on charcoal?
The ideal temperature for cooking a whole chicken on charcoal is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What type of charcoal should I use to grill a whole chicken?
The best type of charcoal to use for grilling a whole chicken is lump charcoal. Lump charcoal is made from wood that has been charred and broken into small pieces. It burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes, and it gives the chicken a more flavorful smoke.
How do I prepare a whole chicken for grilling?
To prepare a whole chicken for grilling, you will first need to rinse it inside and out with cold water. Then, pat it dry with paper towels. Next, season the chicken with your favorite spices and herbs. You can also rub the chicken with a mixture of oil and butter to help it brown evenly.
How do I grill a whole chicken on charcoal?
To grill a whole chicken on charcoal, you will first need to build a charcoal fire in your grill. Once the coals are hot, rake them into a bed in the center of the grill. Then, place the chicken on the grill grate over the coals. Cover the grill and cook the chicken for 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce every 15 minutes or so.
How do I know when a whole chicken is done grilling?
You can tell when a whole chicken is done grilling when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, and make sure that the reading is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I rest a whole chicken after grilling?
After you have grilled a whole chicken, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, and it will make the chicken more tender. To rest the chicken, place it on a cutting board and cover it with aluminum foil. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving it.
What are some tips for grilling a whole chicken on charcoal?
Here are some tips for grilling a whole chicken on charcoal:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken.
- Baste the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce every 15 minutes or so.
- Let the chicken rest for a few 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 grill a whole chicken on charcoal. 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 is free of visible blemishes.
- Marinate the chicken in a flavorful marinade for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat.
- Grill the chicken for about 1 hour, 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.
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