Grilled chicken with wilted slaw –Grilling offers a remarkable way to prepare a whole chicken, enhancing its natural flavors while ensuring a juicy and tender result. For those seeking a perfect grilled whole chicken, this recipe combines essential seasoning and expert techniques to create a mouthwatering dish that can be the star of any meal. Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of the recipe, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results.
Juiciest Grilled Whole Chicken
Grilling a whole chicken requires attention to detail to achieve a flavorful and juicy outcome. The seasoning blend used here penetrates the meat beautifully, resulting in a dish that will delight your taste buds. Here’s how to make the juiciest grilled whole chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, 3-4 pounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), for garnishing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving a crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This blend will coat the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, ensuring to cover both the skin and the cavity thoroughly. Squeeze the juice of one lemon half over the chicken before placing the halves inside the cavity for added flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to create two zones—one for direct heat and one for indirect heat.
- Place the chicken on the grill, breast side up, over the indirect heat. Close the lid and allow it to cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- For the last 15 minutes of cooking, move the chicken over to direct heat to crisp up the skin. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the grill, tent it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Carve the chicken, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful results!
This grilled whole chicken recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. With each bite, you’ll savor the skillful blend of spices and the tenderness achieved through grilling.