Cooking a whole chicken on a BBQ can be a fun and delicious way to enjoy outdoor cooking. While grilling a chicken can result in a crispy skin and smoky flavor, slow-cooking a whole chicken on a BBQ can produce a juicy and flavorful bird with fall-off-the-bone meat. In this blog post, we’ll go over the steps to slow cook a whole chicken on a BBQ for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Before cooking, prepare the chicken by removing any giblets or excess fat from the cavity. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with your preferred dry rub or marinade, being sure to apply it generously both inside and outside the bird. Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Set up the BBQ
To slow-cook a whole chicken, the BBQ needs to be set up for indirect heat. This means that the heat source is placed to one side of the grill, with the chicken positioned on the opposite side of the heat source. For a charcoal BBQ, use a chimney starter to light the charcoal and pour it onto one side of the grill. For a gas BBQ, turn on one or two burners to medium-high heat and place the chicken on the opposite side of the grill.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken on the side of the BBQ opposite the heat source, making sure it is not directly over the coals or burner. Cover the grill and adjust the vents to maintain a temperature of around 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the bird. Check the temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more tender and juicy chicken. Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, potatoes, or a salad.
Slow-cooking a whole chicken on a BBQ takes a bit of patience, but the result is well worth the wait. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a mouth-watering, slow-cooked chicken that will have your taste buds singing!