Grilled Full Chicken

This is the foolproof method to make a perfectly juicy grilled full chicken, with crispy skin! By spatchcocking the chicken, it cooks faster at a high heat, saving you time without skimping on flavor and juiciness. It’s so easy!

about this grilled full chicken

A simple grilled full chicken is the most underrated recipe. The crispy skin, the juicy meat, and the smoky flavor from the grill turn the humble chicken into something much more memorable.

I wasn’t raised in a house where roasted chicken was a staple. As I started cooking as an adult, I avoided it because it seems like such a chore.

Of course, when I realized that I could grill it AND it wouldn’t take hours, it became my immediate go-to once a week. What I love about this grilled chicken is that it’s super flavorful, juicy, and believe it or not, pretty darn good for you too. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with all sorts of sides, from a fresh salad to some roasted veggies.

Not only is it a delicious main dish, but it also comes in handy for any meal prep you might have going on for the week. You can use it with salads, pasta dishes, in tacos, in soups and stews, and so much more.

This recipe is quick to prepare, so it’s perfect for both newcomers to grilling and seasoned pros. Once you make it, I have a feeling it will quickly become a family favorite all year long.

ingredients

oil. You will need to use oil to grease the grates of the grill to make sure the chicken does not stick. We like to use avocado oil because of its high smoke point. You can also use extra virgin olive oil.

rub. We like to use a bbq chicken rub for our chicken, but you can use your favorite spice mix or simply season with salt and black pepper. You can even use fresh herbs like thyme and oregano!

chicken. Use a whole chicken for this recipe. Be sure to remove any giblets that are contained inside the chicken when you unwrap it.

marinade. This is optional, but if you have the time it is highly recommended! You need to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.

this recipe’s must-haves

For this recipe, you will need a good pair of kitchen shears to spatchcock the chicken. In addition, use a plastic cutting board whenever you are using raw chicken.

We love our Traeger grill! The smoky flavor from the wood pellets really comes through in every bite. Plus you can use it as a smoker!

here’s how to make a grilled whole chicken

spatchcock chicken

Start by spatchcocking the chicken. This preparation method means that you remove the backbone from the chicken, then flatten it out to allow for even and quick cooking on the grill.

Use kitchen shears to cut down each side of the spine of the chicken. You should easily be able to cut through the rib bones to do this. Remove the spine and discard it (or save it to make chicken stock).

Flip the chicken over and flatten it out by pressing firmly on the breasts until you hear the bones snap.

season

You can either season the chicken and grill it right away, or marinate it for at least 4 hours (up to overnight).

If you use a marinade, make sure that you pat the chicken dry when you remove it from the marinade before grilling. This will help the skin get crispy.

grill

Preheat the grill to 400˚F when ready to cook. You can use a gas grill, pellet grill, or charcoal grill for this recipe. Oil the grates, then add the chicken to the grilling grate over indirect heat, chicken breast side up. Cook, covered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F when an instant read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.

Let the grilled full chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. Serve with or without barbecue sauce.

tips and tricks

use a spice mix. While you can simply use salt and pepper, a spice mix can really change the flavor of the chicken. This bbq chicken rub is always a winner, but you can use any of your favorite spice mixes!

use a meat thermometer. Using this tool will really help you gauge the internal temperature so you do not overcook the chicken and cause it to dry out.

More tasty grilled chicken recipes to try out: Grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers | Smoked Chicken | Spicy Korean Chicken Bowls | Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken

how long should chicken take on the grill?

A whole chicken will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook through. For our 3 1/2 pound chicken, it took about 45 to 50 minutes. The time will vary depending on the size of your chicken!

what is the best temperature to grill chicken at?

We recommend 400˚F to grill chicken. At this temperature, the chicken will cook through without drying out, and the skin will get nice and crispy!

how do you know when grilled full chicken is ready?

Grilled chicken is ready to consume when the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. We recommend removing the chicken when it reaches 162-163˚F and letting it rest. It will come to temperature as it rests!

how do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

There are three ways to make sure your chicken does not dry out: 1) use a marinade, 2) do not overcook, and 3) do not slice the chicken too soon.

For a marinade, you can use this honey soy marinade, mexican chicken marinade, or an all purpose marinade that works for chicken, steak, pork, and more.

Make sure that you do not overcook the chicken! Once the chicken reaches about 163˚F internally, remove it and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This will not only allow the chicken to come to temperature, it also helps give the juices time to redistribute. That’s why you should also wait to slice the chicken – it really does help keep it nice and moist!

Need some inspiration for grilling? Check out my grilling recipes page!

what to serve with a grilled full chicken

When it comes to the best side dishes for grilled chicken, the options are wide and varied! For us, we like to keep it simple. Here’s the usual side dishes we whip up whenever we make a grilled chicken:

Creamy classic four cheese mac and cheese is always a winner for all ages!

This smoky charred corn can go on the grill with the chicken when it’s almost done cooking through.

A cooling summery lemon pasta salad helps to lighten up the plate with a burst of fresh tomatoes and basil.

Finally, crispy oven fried potatoes and onions are absolutely addictive! You get the same fried potato flavor and texture, without worrying about deep frying.

Sauteed zucchini is super simple and flavorful, especially when it’s summertime and peak zucchini season!

how to store

Store. Cool leftovers to room temperature before placing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will be good for up to 3 to 4 days.

Reheat. Place on a microwave safe plate to reheat in the microwave until warmed through. You can serve the meat as is, or use it in tacos, on sandwiches, with salad, and more!

Freeze. You can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 4 months.

Thaw. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Warm up in the microwave until warmed through.

more grilled main dishes to try

If you love steak, this grilled new york strip steak is a foolproof method for making the best grilled steak possible.

For those who have a grill that doubles as a smoker, give this juicy smoked pork loin a try!

There’s nothing better than pizza night! Fire up the grill to make this savory and cheesy grilled burrata pizza that’s perfect for summer pizza nights at home.

Finally, if you make this grilled full chicken recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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