How to Barbecue a Whole Chicken: Perfectly Cooked Every Time

Barbecuing a whole chicken can be a rewarding dish to prepare, offering a rich and flavorful experience for you and your guests. In this guide, we will cover the step-by-step process of how to barbecue a whole chicken, including the required equipment and seasoning techniques. We will also discuss the necessary barbecuing grill size to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked.

Preparing the Chicken for Barbecuing

The first step in barbecuing a whole chicken is to select and properly prepare your chicken. Start with a thawed, whole chicken. Thawing the chicken in the refrigerator for a sufficient amount of time ensures it cooks evenly and safely. Once thawed, it's time to prepare the chicken for spatchcocking.

Spatchcocking is a technique that involves placing the chicken breast-side down, slicing through the backbone, and flattening the chicken. This technique allows the chicken to cook more evenly and speedily. Here’s how to do it:

Place your chicken, breast-side down, on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut along both sides of the spine and remove the backbone. Flatten the chicken by pressing down firmly on the breast, turning the thighs and legs outward to create a flat surface. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, and onions to your taste. Ensure the chicken is well-seasoned before placing it on the smoker or barbecue.

It's important to note that for this method, you will need a smoker. If you do not have access to a smoker, any well-ventilated barbecue will do, but the cooking process might take longer and require more frequent temperature adjustments.

Barbecuing the Chicken

Once your chicken is prepped, it’s time to barbecue. Here are the steps to follow:

Prepare your smoker or barbecue by filling it with chunk charcoal and applewood chips. The chimney effect generated by the charcoal and the natural smoke from the applewood will infuse your chicken with a unique, smoky flavor. Warm up a glass of your preferred wine to sip while you wait for the chicken to cook. For this guide, a cold glass of Chardonnay is recommended, though personal preference is key. Place your seasoned chicken, skin-side down, in the smoker. Ensure it is big enough to accommodate the chicken with the lid closed. Cook the chicken over indirect heat, basting it occasionally with oil, salt, and barbecue sauce. It’s important to not marinate the chicken, as the natural smoke and flavors will work their way into the meat. Monitor the cooking process using a meat thermometer, aiming for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. Every 30 to 45 minutes, rotate the chicken to ensure even cooking and heat distribution. Keep the lid of the smoker or barbecue closed to help maintain the desired heat and smoke levels. Once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the juices to settle.

After resting, the chicken can be cut into 1/4 pieces similar to how a restaurant like Swiss Chalet prepares their chicken. Be sure to check if the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into the thickest part, ensuring the meat is white and no pink areas remain.

Choosing the Right Barbecue Size

The size of the barbecue is crucial for barbecuing a whole chicken. You need a grill size that can accommodate the chicken, with the lid closed. A standard whole chicken can typically weigh between 4 to 5 pounds. Therefore, you should look for a grill that can comfortably fit this size, ensuring there is enough space for proper heat distribution and smoke penetration.

A smoker of around 300 square inches of cooking surface is usually sufficient for a single whole chicken. If you are barbecuing a larger chicken or have guests, a smoker with a larger cooking surface, such as 375 to 500 square inches, will be more appropriate.

In conclusion, barbecuing a whole chicken is a delightful and rewarding culinary experience. With the right preparation and equipment, you can achieve perfectly cooked, succulent chicken that will delight your guests. Always pay attention to temperature and cooking times to ensure the chicken is safe to eat. Enjoy your barbecue!