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.
You might also enjoy this Rice Stuffed Chicken – made with whole chickens and Grilled Whole Chicken with spicy garlic butter.
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 – Coca-Cola 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!
If you love this recipe as much as we do, please leave a comment and a five star review. Be sure to help us share Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram.
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
