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This succulent roast chicken on a grill is infused with smoky flavors and decorated with irresistible grill marks and that mouthwatering char. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a summertime feast that will leave you and your guests craving more. So, grab your tongs, get that chicken marinating, and prepare to make a charcoal chicken recipe that screams summer!
Get ready to elevate your summer grilling game with tender and flavorful charcoal grilled chicken. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, this charcoal chicken recipe boasts a perfect balance of smoky flavors and charred goodness. Fire up the grill, and prepare to savor the mouthwatering magic of roast chicken on a grill.
If you love whole chicken, try my Oven Baked Roasted Whole Chicken or Oven Roasted Spatchcock Chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Char Grilled Chicken Recipe
- It’s juicy and tender. The flavorful marinade not only infuses the chicken with incredible flavors but also helps to keep it juicy and tender throughout the grilling process.
- It’s got smoky goodness. Whether cooked on an outdoor grill or a grill pan, the cooking method adds a delightful smoky flavor that elevates the taste of the chicken.
- It’s a crowd pleaser. Charcoal grilled chicken is a favorite among both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering or family meal.
Grilled Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken: Choose a high-quality whole chicken for this recipe, ensuring it is fresh and properly cleaned.
- Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness and helps to create a caramelized crust on the chicken. If you prefer, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a mild smokiness and a vibrant red color to the chicken. If you have smoked paprika on hand, it will enhance the smoky flavor even more.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder infuses the chicken with a savory taste. Fresh garlic may burn, so powder is preferred in this situation.
- Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a hint of heat and a touch of spiciness to the dish. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt helps to season the chicken and enhance the overall flavor.
- Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the chicken. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best taste.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to create a marinade and helps to keep the chicken moist during grilling. You can substitute it with vegetable oil or melted butter if desired.
- Parsley, to garnish: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of green color to the finished dish. It’s optional but highly recommended for added freshness.
- Lemon wedges, to garnish: Lemon wedges provide a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the grilled chicken beautifully. Squeeze them over the chicken before serving for a burst of freshness.
How To Make Charcoal Grilled Chicken
- Spatchcock the chicken. Pat dry the whole chicken with a paper towel or a kitchen towel. Turn the chicken breast side down and use kitchen sheers or a sharp knife to cut on both sides of the backbone. Remove the bone and flip the chicken over. Press hard to flatten the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the spice rub: brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice rub generously over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Pour the oil over the chicken and rub it in to coat the chicken thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Preheat the grill. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken. Add the marinated chicken to the grill and and close the grill to cook for approximately 40-45 minute or up to 1 hour, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and to achieve beautiful grill marks and an internal temperature of 165 F. Once the chicken is cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature, transfer it to a plate.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish the grilled chicken with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Serve the flavorful chicken with some grilled veggies on the side.
Best Way To Cook Chicken on a Grill
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade adhere better and promotes better browning during grilling.
- Spatchcock (butterfly) the chicken for even cooking.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This gives the flavors a chance to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
- When using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect heat by arranging the coals on one side of the grill. This helps to prevent flare-ups and allows for more even cooking.
- If using a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat.
- Use a digital thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 165 degrees F.
- When flipping the chicken during grilling, use tongs or a spatula to avoid piercing the meat. Puncturing the chicken can cause juices to escape and result in drier meat.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender chicken.
- Feel free to experiment with the spice rub and marinade ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add herbs, spices, or even a splash of your favorite sauce to make it uniquely yours.
- Grilling times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. Regularly check the chicken’s progress to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- If you’re using a charcoal grill, consider adding soaked wood chips or chunks to the coals. This will enhance the smoky flavor and aroma of the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
While this recipe highlights the flavors of charcoal grilling, you can certainly use a gas grill as well. Preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat and follow the same cooking instructions provided, adjusting the heat as needed to achieve the desired doneness.
This recipe works well with chicken pieces like drumsticks, thighs, or even chicken breasts. Adjust the grilling time accordingly, as different chicken pieces may require different cooking times.
If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan is a great alternative. Preheat the grill pan over medium heat on your stovetop and follow the same cooking instructions provided, adjusting the heat and cooking time as needed.
Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, on the grill or in the oven until warmed through.
It’s easy to freeze leftover chicken for up to 3 months. Cool the chicken and wrap it tightly or transfer it to an airtight container. Defrost frozen chicken overnight in the fridge.
Spatchcock grilled chicken goes with all of your favorite sides. We recommend Air Fryer Potato Wedges, Crispy Parmesan Potatoes, Crispy Parmesan Potatoes, Cheesy Broccoli Bites, Best Grilled Vegetables or Homemade Green Bean Casserole.
More Chicken Recipes
- Best Gochujang Chicken Bites
- Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup
- Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Easy Chicken Biryani
- Thai Chicken Mango Salad
I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious Charcoal Chicken recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!
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Charcoal Grilled Whole Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, approximately 4-5 lb
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, to garnish
- Lemon wedges, to garnish
Instructions
- Pat dry the whole chicken with paper towel or a kitchen towel. Turn the chicken breast side down and use kitchen sheers or a sharp knife to cut on both sides of the back bone. Remove the bone and flip the chicken over. Press hard to flatten the chicken.
- In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the spice rub: brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice rub generously over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Pour the oil over the chicken and rub it in to coat the chicken thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the grill and cook for approximately 40-45 minutes, up to an hour, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and to achieve beautiful grill marks and an internal temperature of 165F.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature, transfer it to a plate.
- Garnish the grilled chicken with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Serve the flavorful chicken with some grilled veggies on the side.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade adhere better and promotes better browning during grilling.
- Spatchcock (butterfly) the chicken for even cooking.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This gives the flavors a chance to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
- When using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect heat by arranging the coals on one side of the grill. This helps to prevent flare-ups and allows for more even cooking.
- If using a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat.
- Use a digital thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 165 degrees F.
- When flipping the chicken during grilling, use tongs or a spatula to avoid piercing the meat. Puncturing the chicken can cause juices to escape and result in drier meat.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender chicken.
- Feel free to experiment with the spice rub and marinade ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add herbs, spices, or even a splash of your favorite sauce to make it uniquely yours.
- Grilling times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. Regularly check the chicken’s progress to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- If you’re using a charcoal grill, consider adding soaked wood chips or chunks to the coals. This will enhance the smoky flavor and aroma of the chicken.
