BBQ Whole Chicken
Grilled BBQ Whole Chicken is an easy recipe that turns out tender and juicy without brining or a fancy dry rub. A surefire winner for any day of the week.
Grilling whole chickens is one of our go-to recipes for the weekend. We usually do a spicy chicken brine with dry rub and it’s so delicious. For this recipe we decided to try a short cut method that has the most barbecue flavor.
Ingredients For BBQ Chicken
- Whole Chicken – We generally do 2 – 3 whole chickens at a time so that we can meal prep for easy meals throughout the week.
- Kosher Salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper
- Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce – or your favorite sauce.
Step By Step Directions to Grill BBQ Whole Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin and spoon bbq sauce under the skin, spreading it across the breast and thighs.
- Truss the chicken and season the skin with salt and pepper.
- Prepare a grill fire to 300° using hickory or pecan for smoke flavor.
- Place chickens on the grill over indirect fire. Cook with the lid closed for about 1 hour.
- Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- When chicken gets to about 150°, brush with bbq sauce.
- Continue to cook with the grill closed until chicken reaches 165° in the thickest part of the thigh close to the bone.
- Remove from grill and rest 20 minutes before serving.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store cooled chicken in a zip top bag or airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a freezer bag or a vacuum seal bag up to 3 months.
- Reheat chicken in a skillet with additional bbq sauce over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated through.
Try this grilled BBQ Whole Chicken recipe for the best bbq chicken you’ve ever tasted!
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Whole BBQ Chicken
Grilled BBQ Whole Chicken is an easy recipe that turns out tender and juicy without brining or a fancy dry rub. A surefire winner for any day of the week.
Servings: 2 Whole Chickens
Calories: 419kcal
Ingredients
- 2 whole chickens
- 1 cup sweet and tangy bbq sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin and spoon bbq sauce under the skin, spreading it across the breast and thighs.
- Truss the chicken and season the skin with salt and pepper.
- Prepare a grill fire to 300° using hickory or pecan for smoke flavor.
- Place chickens on the grill over indirect fire. Cook with the lid closed for about 1 hour.
- Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- When chicken gets to about 150°, brush with bbq sauce.
- Continue to cook with the grill closed until chicken reaches 165° in the thickest part of the thigh close to the bone.
- Remove from grill and rest 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 643mg | Sugar: 12g
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce Recipe
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce is a quick and easy homemade sauce for grilling or dipping. It's thick and rich with tons of garlic, molasses and a tangy apple cider vinegar kick.
Servings: 3 1/2 cups
Calories: 53kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a heavy saucepan and place over medium heat.
- Whisk to combine and stir frequently, bringing mixture to a boil.
- Lower to simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, continuing to stir often.
- Cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
Baste over grilled burgers, pork chops, ribs or chicken. Great as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Sodium: 227mg | Sugar: 12g
