Grilled Whole Chicken
On April 02, 2025
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With my Grilled Whole Chicken, you can create a juicy, picture-perfect chicken speckled with a savory herbs in your backyard in just 2 hours!
Grilled Whole Chicken
Grilling a whole chicken is the ultimate way to get crispy, golden-brown skin and juicy, flavorful meat, all in one impressive package. It might sound intimidating, but with this foolproof method, even beginner grillers can master it. A simple poultry seasoning rub, indirect heat, and a little patience are all you need to create a show-stopping bird that’s perfect for Sunday dinner or a backyard BBQ.
The key to success lies in the two-zone cooking method. Indirect grilling at the right temperature ensures crispy skin while locking in moisture, so you get tender, flavorful meat in every bite. This recipe keeps things simple with a two-ingredient seasoning rub that highlights the natural flavor of the chicken. Plus, the hands-off approach means the grill does most of the work. No constant flipping or basting required.
Homemade Poultry Seasoning
While you can use your favorite store-bought seasoning, making your own blend is easy and allows you to tweak the flavors to your liking. This homemade poultry seasoning combines earthy herbs and spices that enhance the flavor of grilled chicken.
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons dry rubbed sage
- 1 teaspoon crushed rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
Make a batch to keep on hand. It’s great on turkey, pork, and even roasted vegetables. If you want to learn more about what goes into making this seasoning, check out this post. My Chicken Rub also works great for this recipe, if you don’t feel like making your own blend.
Preparing Whole Chicken for Grilling
A little prep goes a long way in making sure your chicken cooks evenly and looks amazing coming off the grill.
Trussing the bird by tying the legs together with butcher’s twine creates a compact shape that ensures even cooking. Tucking the wing tips behind the shoulder joint prevents burning and helps the chicken maintain its shape while grilling. Drizzling the bird with avocado oil helps the seasoning stick while acting as a moisture barrier that keeps the meat juicy.
When applying the seasoning, be sure to coat the chicken evenly, but avoid rubbing it in. This can cause the seasoning to clump and pull back on the skin. These simple steps take just minutes but make a big impact on the final result.
How to Grill a Whole Chicken
Once your chicken is prepped, it’s time to grill. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
- Preheat the grill. Set up your favorite grill for two-zone cooking at 375 degrees F. The indirect side will allow for slow, even cooking without flare-ups. I did this on my charcoal grill, but you can make it on any grill, or even in your oven.
- Grill over indirect heat. Place the chicken on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour.
- Rotate and continue grilling. After an hour, rotate the chicken half a turn to ensure even cooking. Drizzle with a little more avocado oil. Continue cooking for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the thickest part of the breast reaches 160 degrees F and the thighs reach 170-175 degrees F.
- Sauce and finish. This step is totally optional, but you’ll be happy you did it. In the last 10 minutes, baste with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, caramelized finish.
- Rest and serve. Once the chicken reaches the right temperature, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
How Long to Grill Whole Chicken
Grilling time can vary based on factors like outdoor temperature and the size of your chicken. This grilled whole chicken typically takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours from start to finish, but always rely on temperature rather than time. A reliable instant-read meat thermometer is the most crucial tool in your grilling arsenal.
The chicken is done when the thickest part of the breast registers 160 degrees F, while the thighs should reach 170-175 degrees F. This temperature difference accounts for the distinct characteristics of white and dark meat, ensuring both are perfectly cooked.
Breaking Down a Whole Chicken
Carving a whole chicken is easier than you think. Make sure you’ve got a sharp knife and a cutting board, then follow these steps to carve like a pro:
- Remove the legs: Cut through the skin between the thigh and body using a sharp knife, then slice through the joint.
- Separate the drumstick from the thigh: Find the joint and cut through.
- Take off the wings: Pull them away from the body and slice through the joint.
- Slice the breast: Cut along both sides of the breastbone, following the rib cage. Then, slice the breast meat across the grain for maximum tenderness.
And voila! You’ve got a whole chicken broken down into pieces so everyone can grab the cut they love most.
More Chicken Recipes
If you’re looking for more ways to perfect your chicken game, check out the Hey Grill Hey App. From smoky pulled chicken to crispy grilled wings, there’s no shortage of inspiration to keep your grill fired up. Here are a few of my favorites to help get you started:
Easy Grilled Whole Chicken Recipe
Now that you know the secrets to grilling a whole chicken, it’s time to grill! Once you’ve mastered this method, you’ll never go back to store-bought chicken. Show off your chicken by tagging @heygrillhey when you post them to my Facebook and Instagram pages.
Want more grilling inspiration? Check out my YouTube channel for step-by-step guides and expert BBQ tips. With this recipe in your arsenal, you’re well on your way to becoming the Backyard BBQ Hero you were born to be.
Grilled Whole Chicken with Poultry Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 4 pound whole chicken
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 Tablespoons poultry seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the grill. Set your favorite grill to 375 degrees F using two-zone heat.
- Season the chicken. Drizzle chicken with avocado oil and season on all sides with the poultry seasoning. I don't recommend rubbing in your seasoning because it will just pull back on the skin and your seasoning will clump together.1 4 pound whole chicken, 2 Tablespoons avocado oil, 2 Tablespoons poultry seasoning
- Prepare the chicken. Use butcher twine to tie the legs of the chicken together, then tuck the wing tips behind the shoulder joint.
- Grill the chicken over indirect heat. Place your chicken directly on the grill grates on the indirect heat side of your smoker. Close the lid and grill for 1 hour. Open the lid, turn the chicken a half-turn for even cooking.
- Drizzle with oil and continue. Drizzle on a little additional avocado oil and close the lid. Cook for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breasts reads 160 degrees F with an instant-read meat thermometer. (170-175 degrees F for thighs.) Optionally, during the last 10 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Rest, slice, and serve. Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, transfer to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes. After that, slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Make your own following the recipe here
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
