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Flavorful Grilled Whole Chicken Recipe with Lemon and Fresh Herbs for Easy Perfect BBQ

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A simple and delicious grilled whole chicken flavored with lemon and fresh herbs, perfect for easy BBQ meals with juicy meat and crispy skin.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds)
  • 2 medium lemons, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine lemon zest and juice, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Stir well.
  3. Carefully slide your fingers under the chicken skin starting at the neck opening, gently separating it from the breast meat without tearing.
  4. Spoon about half of the marinade beneath the loosened skin, spreading it evenly over the breast. Rub the remaining marinade all over the outside of the chicken.
  5. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or cover it in a dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  6. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F). Arrange coals for indirect heat if using charcoal.
  7. Place the chicken breast-side up on the grill grate over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 50-60 minutes, turning once halfway through.
  8. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F.
  9. Remove the chicken from the grill and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
  10. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry for crispiness. Use indirect heat to avoid burning. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep juices locked in. Optional spatchcock method reduces cooking time. Can be cooked in oven at 375°F for 1 to 1.5 hours if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled whole chicken, lemon chicken, fresh herbs, BBQ chicken, easy grilled chicken, summer cookout, backyard BBQ

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-grilled-whole-chicken-recipe-with-lemon-and-fresh-herbs-for-easy-perfect-bbq/