Grilled Herb-Spiced Whole Chicken Over Charcoal

Ingredients

- 1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove the giblets from the cavity of the chicken and pat the entire bird dry with paper towels.
- Tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken.

2. Seasoning Mix:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, kosher salt, dried thyme, and ground black pepper.
- Rub this mixture generously over the entire surface of the chicken, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.

3. Preparing the Grill:
- Preheat your charcoal grill for indirect cooking. Pile the charcoal on one side of the grill, and leave the other side free of charcoal for indirect heat.
- Once the charcoal is ready (gray and ashy), place a drip pan under the grill grate on the cool side.

4. Cooking the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken, breast side up, over the drip pan on the cool side of the grill.
- Cover the grill and adjust the vents to maintain a temperature between 350°F and 375°F.
- Grill the chicken for approximately 1.5 hours, checking regularly to maintain the temperature and adding more charcoal if necessary.

5. Checking for Doneness:
- After 1.25 hours, begin checking the internal temperature. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone; it should read 165°F when fully cooked.

6. Resting the Chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for a juicy, flavorful experience.

7. Serve:
- Carve the chicken into portions and serve.

Preparation Time

PT10M
10 minutes

Cooking Time

PT1H30M
1 hour and 30 minutes

Total Time

PT1H40M
1 hour and 40 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

Grilled Chicken, Charcoal Grill, Whole Chicken, Herb-Spiced Chicken, Dinner Recipe, Outdoor Cooking, Summer BBQ, Juicy Chicken, Herb-Infused, Easy Grilling

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

2,200 calories

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