With this recipe for whole grilled chicken, you won’t battle flare-ups or have burnt skin and undercooked meat.
I love cooking chicken on the grill. One of my favorite recipes is this one for juicy chicken breasts. Lately, though I have been grilling a whole chicken. It’s pretty simple to do and the grill gives the chicken great flavor.
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
It might seem hard to grill a whole chicken, but if you know what you’re doing, it’s easier than you think. A juicy, flavorful grilled chicken is well worth the work and makes a great main dish for dinners during the week or at a backyard barbecue. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to grill a whole chicken just right.
Understanding Cook Times for a Whole Chicken on the Grill
The main factor determining grill time for a whole chicken is its size and weight. Here are some general guidelines:
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A 3 to 4 pound chicken takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes at medium heat of 350-375°F.
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A 4 to 5 pound chicken can take 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
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Chickens larger than 5 pounds may need up to 2 hours for thorough cooking,
These times are for a bone-in, non-stuffed chicken at a stable grill temperature. Stuffed chickens take 30-45 minutes longer. Boneless cuts the time slightly. The weather can also impact cook times if it’s extremely hot or cold out.
Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying solely on time. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, taking care not to hit the bone. The safe minimum internal temperature is 165°F.
Proper Preparation is Key
Success starts with proper preparation – here are some tips:
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Pick a fresh, good whole chicken that weighs between 3 and 5 pounds. Smaller chickens cook faster and more evenly.
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Rinse the chicken and pat it completely dry. This helps the skin get crispy on the grill.
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Brine or dry brine the chicken for added moisture and flavor Soak in a saltwater brine for 4-12 hours or coat with spices and let sit for at least 4 hours
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Use a dry seasoning rub all over the skin and under it. Try garlic powder, paprika pepper herbs like rosemary.
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Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
Mastering the Grill for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
Cooking the chicken properly on the grill ensures it turns out juicy and tender:
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Warm up your gas grill to 350 to 375°F and clean the grates. Turn off the burners directly under where the chicken will be and use indirect heat instead.
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Place the chicken breast side up on the grill grates over indirect heat. Use a beer can chicken stand to hold it upright if desired.
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Grill for the estimated time based on weight, rotating occasionally for even browning.
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Check the internal temp in the thickest part of the thigh regularly. Remove once it hits 165°F.
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Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
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Carve the chicken and serve immediately for maximum juiciness. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best, Juiciest Grilled Chicken
Follow these helpful tips for flawlessly grilled chicken:
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Maintain your grill at a stable temperature between 350-375°F. Higher heat risks burning the outside before the inside cooks.
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Use indirect heat to mimic oven roasting. Direct heat will burn the skin before the center is cooked through.
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Rotate the chicken every 30-45 minutes for even exposure to heat on all sides.
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Brining is crucial for added moisture and flavor absorption. Wet or dry brining both work well.
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Let the chicken rest before slicing. This redistributes juices for a juicier finished product.
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Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, not just time. Temperature ensures proper doneness.
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Baste the chicken with melted butter, olive oil or sauce during grilling for added flavor and moisture.
With the right preparation, grill setup, and cooking technique, you can achieve the perfect juicy grilled chicken with crispy skin every time. Relax knowing how long it takes based on the chicken’s size, and use a meat thermometer for flawless results. Enjoy this backyard barbecue favorite all summer long with confidence.
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Do I Need To Spatchcock Chicken Before Grilling?
You can, and it will cut down on the time it takes to cook, but you will have to butterfly the chicken, which some people don’t like to do. A spatchcock chicken means that you remove the backbone so that the chicken can be spread out and lay flatter.
You can read more about how to butterfly the chicken in my Sheet Pan Spatchcock Chicken Meal.
If you choose this method, here’s the timing adjustments for the grill. The chicken can be seasoned in the same way.
Place the spatchcocked chicken breast-side up on the grill over indirect heat.
Cook for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
If you are particularly skilled at turning chicken and not getting the skin-stick, you can start breast-side down for the first 15 minutes of cooking and then turn and finishing the last 30 minutes breast-side up.
Tips For Whole Grilled Chicken
The secret to perfectly grilled whole chicken is setting up your grill for indirect heat. Much like this roasted chicken recipe, the indirect heat method roasts the chicken to perfect doneness. Because the chicken isn’t over the flames, you won’t have to deal with flare-ups or burnt skin and underdone meat.
One step that I like to take when grilling a whole chicken is to dry brine it for 12-24 hours. Now, this isn’t a requirement but trust me when I say that you will thank me for suggesting it. You can learn more about dry brining over here, but it’s essentially sprinkling salt on meat and then leaving it for awhile. The salt mixes with the meat’s moisture, and the salty moisture gets into the meat, making it taste better and be more tender. It is also easy to see how to dry brine a whole turkey, which is a great way to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving.
I kept the seasonings for this recipe very simple, but I have also included suggestions in the recipe card for some spice and herb combinations that will add some delicious variety to your grilled chicken adventures.
I mentioned that we will be using indirect heat to cook the chicken. This is the secret to eliminating flareups and inconsistently cooked chicken. Essentially, we are replicating how an oven cooks but with all of the benefits of using a grill. Like keeping the kitchen cool during the hot summer months. And let’s face it, it’s fun to cook outside!
To set up your grill for indirect cooking, follow the directions below. Quick note, before you place the chicken on the grilling grate, I do recommend that you place a drip pan under the grate to catch juices and fat that will be rendered during the cooking process. This is a huge help during cleanup.
Three Burner Gas Grill – turn the left and right burners to medium and ignite. Leave the center burner off. Place the drip pan over the non-lit burner under the grate. You’ll place the chicken in the center over the non-lit burner
Four Burner Gas Grill – turn the two left burners to medium and ignite. Leave the two right burners off. Place the drip pan over the non-lit burners under the grate. You’ll place the chicken in the center of the two burners that are off.
Charcoal Grill – light the charcoal using a chimney lighter. Pour the charcoal out of the chimney and push over to one side of the grill. Leave the other side free of coals. Place the drip pan on the non-charcoal side under the grate. You’ll place the chicken on the side of the grill with no charcoal.
How to Grill Whole Chicken – Weber Grill Knowledge
FAQ
How long to cook a whole chicken on a gas grill?
Cooking a whole chicken on a gas grill requires careful timing for the best results. Following specific guidelines can help achieve juicy meat and crispy skin. Cooking time typically ranges from 1. 5 to 2 hours. The exact time depends on the chicken’s weight, temperature, and whether it’s stuffed. As a general rule:
How long should chicken rest before grilling?
Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This redistributes juices, enhancing flavor and moisture. With these insights, you can confidently grill your whole chicken, achieving that crisp skin and mouthwatering flavor every time. Getting your whole chicken ready for the grill sets the stage for a delicious meal.
Can You Grill a whole chicken on a gas grill?
If you do it right, grilling a whole chicken on a gas grill can make the meat juicy and flavorful and the skin crispy and golden brown. In this article, we will go over the steps to properly grill a whole chicken on a gas grill, as well as some tips and tricks to achieve the best results. Do you like this article?.
How do you cook a whole chicken on a grill?
Understanding direct and indirect heat is crucial for grilling a whole chicken. Direct Heat: Position the chicken over direct flames for browning. This method helps achieve crispy skin. It’s best to sear the chicken for about 10-15 minutes to lock in juices.
How long does it take to cook a whole chicken?
Chicken Leg or Thigh Bone In: Grill over indirect medium heat for 30-40 minutes Chicken Wings: Grill over direct medium heat for 18-20 minutes. Whole Chicken: For a chicken up to 4lbs, grill over indirect medium heat for 1. 5-2 hours. Want more information about how long to cook different size cuts of chicken?.
How long do you cook chicken breast on a grill?
Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on the grill breast side down. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and slightly charred. Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken over and sear the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes.
How long does it take to grill whole chicken?
Grilling a whole chicken typically takes between 1 hour and 1. 5 hours, depending on the size of the chicken and the grill temperature. A 4-pound chicken, for example, may take around 90 minutes.
How long does it take to fully cook grilled chicken?
Time, Temperature and TechniqueBoneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. Time: 5 to 6 minutes per side. Chicken Tenders. Time: 2 to 3 minutes per side. Chicken Wings. Time: 15 to 20 minutes. Drumsticks. Time: 30 minutes. Thighs (Bone-In) Time: 30 to 40 minutes. Boneless Skinless Thighs. Skip the Guesswork. Use Direct and Indirect Heat.
Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400 on a gas grill?
Looks like you’re seeing a trend. Chicken is best cooked at 350 or higher, definitely not low and slow like beef or pork. Sometimes I’ll throw chicken on at 225 while I wait for the family to get home, then crank it up to 400 or finish on my gas grill. The high heat tends to seal the moister inside the chicken.
How much time to cook whole chicken?
Cover the chicken and bake it in a hot oven until the bone is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.