How Long Does It Take to Grill an Entire Chicken? A Detailed Guide

With this recipe for whole grilled chicken, you won’t battle flare-ups or have burnt skin and undercooked meat.

I love cooking chicken on the grill. One of my favorite recipes is this one for juicy chicken breasts. Lately, though I have been grilling a whole chicken. It’s pretty simple to do and the grill gives the chicken great flavor.

To find out more about how it all works, scroll down or click here. Now you can go straight to the recipe.

Grilling an entire chicken may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think with the right techniques. A juicy, flavorful grilled chicken is well worth the effort and makes an impressive centerpiece for backyard barbecues or weeknight dinners. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to grill a whole chicken perfectly.

Understanding Cook Times for a Whole Chicken on the Grill

The main factor determining grill time for a whole chicken is its size and weight. Here are some general guidelines:

Between 350°F and 375°F, a 3 to 4 pound chicken takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook.
Up to one hour and a half hours to cook a four- to five-pound chicken.
Chickens larger than 5 pounds may need up to 2 hours for thorough cooking,

On a stable grill, these times are for a chicken with the bones in and not stuffed. Stuffed chickens take 30-45 minutes longer. Boneless cuts the time slightly. If it’s very hot or cold outside, that can also change how long it takes to cook.

Don’t just look at the time to tell if the meat is done; always use a meat thermometer. Make sure not to hit the bone when you put the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The safe minimum internal temperature is 165°F.

Proper Preparation is Key

Success starts with proper preparation – here are some tips:

Choose a fresh, high quality whole chicken between 3 to 5 pounds. Smaller chickens cook faster and more evenly.
Rinse the chicken and pat it completely dry. This helps the skin get crispy on the grill.
Brine or dry brine the chicken for added moisture and flavor Soak in a saltwater brine for 4-12 hours or coat with spices and let sit for at least 4 hours
Apply a dry seasoning rub generously over and under the skin. Try garlic powder, paprika pepper herbs like rosemary.
Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.

Mastering the Grill for Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Cooking the chicken properly on the grill ensures it turns out juicy and tender:

Prep your gas grill by preheating to 350-375°F and cleaning the grates. Use indirect heat by turning off the burners directly under where the chicken will be.
Place the chicken breast side up on the grill grates over indirect heat. Use a beer can chicken stand to hold it upright if desired.
Grill for the estimated time based on weight, rotating occasionally for even browning.
Check the internal temp in the thickest part of the thigh regularly. Remove once it hits 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Carve the chicken and serve immediately for maximum juiciness. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best, Juiciest Grilled Chicken

Follow these helpful tips for flawlessly grilled chicken:

Maintain your grill at a stable temperature between 350-375°F. Higher heat risks burning the outside before the inside cooks.
Use indirect heat to mimic oven roasting. Direct heat will burn the skin before the center is cooked through.
Rotate the chicken every 30-45 minutes for even exposure to heat on all sides.
Brining is crucial for added moisture and flavor absorption. Wet or dry brining both work well.
Let the chicken rest before slicing. This redistributes juices for a juicier finished product.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, not just time. Temperature ensures proper doneness.
Baste the chicken with melted butter, olive oil or sauce during grilling for added flavor and moisture.

With the right preparation, grill setup, and cooking technique, you can achieve the perfect juicy grilled chicken with crispy skin every time. Relax knowing how long it takes based on the chicken’s size, and use a meat thermometer for flawless results. Enjoy this backyard barbecue favorite all summer long with confidence.

how long does it take to grill an entire chicken

Do I Need To Spatchcock Chicken Before Grilling?

You can, and it will cut down on the time it takes to cook, but you will have to butterfly the chicken, which some people don’t like to do. A spatchcock chicken means that you remove the backbone so that the chicken can be spread out and lay flatter.

You can read more about how to butterfly the chicken in my Sheet Pan Spatchcock Chicken Meal.

If you choose this method, here’s the timing adjustments for the grill. The chicken can be seasoned in the same way.

Place the spatchcocked chicken breast-side up on the grill over indirect heat.

Cook for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.

If you are particularly skilled at turning chicken and not getting the skin-stick, you can start breast-side down for the first 15 minutes of cooking and then turn and finishing the last 30 minutes breast-side up.

Tips For Whole Grilled Chicken

The secret to perfectly grilled whole chicken is setting up your grill for indirect heat. Much like this roasted chicken recipe, the indirect heat method roasts the chicken to perfect doneness. You won’t have to worry about flare-ups, burnt skin, or meat that’s not done because the chicken isn’t over the flames.

When I grill a whole chicken, one thing I like to do is let it dry brine for 12 to 24 hours. Now, this isn’t a requirement but trust me when I say that you will thank me for suggesting it. You can learn more about dry brining over here, but it’s essentially sprinkling salt on meat and then leaving it for awhile. The salt mixes with the moisture from the meat and that salty wetness gets into the meat, making it more flavorful and more tender. You can see how dry brining a whole turkey works as well, which is a great method for Thanksgiving.

I kept the seasonings for this recipe very simple, but I have also included suggestions in the recipe card for some spice and herb combinations that will add some delicious variety to your grilled chicken adventures.

I mentioned that we will be using indirect heat to cook the chicken. This is the secret to eliminating flareups and inconsistently cooked chicken. Essentially, we are replicating how an oven cooks but with all of the benefits of using a grill. Like keeping the kitchen cool during the hot summer months. And let’s face it, it’s fun to cook outside!

To set up your grill for indirect cooking, follow the directions below. Quick note, before you place the chicken on the grilling grate, I do recommend that you place a drip pan under the grate to catch juices and fat that will be rendered during the cooking process. This is a huge help during cleanup.

Three Burner Gas Grill – turn the left and right burners to medium and ignite. Leave the center burner off. Place the drip pan over the non-lit burner under the grate. You’ll place the chicken in the center over the non-lit burner

Four Burner Gas Grill – turn the two left burners to medium and ignite. Leave the two right burners off. Place the drip pan over the non-lit burners under the grate. You’ll place the chicken in the center of the two burners that are off.

Charcoal Grill – light the charcoal using a chimney lighter. Pour the charcoal out of the chimney and push over to one side of the grill. Leave the other side free of coals. Place the drip pan on the non-charcoal side under the grate. You’ll place the chicken on the side of the grill with no charcoal.

How to Grill Whole Chicken – Weber Grill Knowledge

FAQ

How long does it take to grill whole chicken?

Grilling a whole chicken typically takes between 1 hour and 1. 5 hours, depending on the size of the chicken and the grill temperature. A 4-pound chicken, for example, may take around 90 minutes.

How long does it take to fully cook grilled chicken?

Time, Temperature and TechniqueBoneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. Time: 5 to 6 minutes per side. Chicken Tenders. Time: 2 to 3 minutes per side. Chicken Wings. Time: 15 to 20 minutes. Drumsticks. Time: 30 minutes. Thighs (Bone-In) Time: 30 to 40 minutes. Boneless Skinless Thighs. Skip the Guesswork. Use Direct and Indirect Heat.

Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400 on a gas grill?

Looks like you’re seeing a trend. Chicken is best cooked at 350 or higher, definitely not low and slow like beef or pork. I’ll sometimes put the chicken on at 225 degrees while I wait for my family to get home. When they do, I’ll turn the heat up to 400 degrees or finish it on my gas grill. The high heat tends to seal the moister inside the chicken.

How much time to cook whole chicken?

Bake chicken uncovered in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How long to cook a whole chicken on a gas grill?

Cooking a whole chicken on a gas grill requires careful timing for the best results. Following specific guidelines can help achieve juicy meat and crispy skin. Cooking time typically ranges from 1. 5 to 2 hours. The exact time depends on the chicken’s weight, temperature, and whether it’s stuffed. As a general rule:

How long should chicken rest before grilling?

Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This redistributes juices, enhancing flavor and moisture. With these insights, you can confidently grill your whole chicken, achieving that crisp skin and mouthwatering flavor every time. Getting your whole chicken ready for the grill sets the stage for a delicious meal.

Can You Grill a whole chicken on a gas grill?

When done correctly, grilling a whole chicken on a gas grill can result in juicy, flavorful meat with crispy, golden-brown skin. Here are the steps you need to take to grill a whole chicken on a gas grill, along with some tips and tricks to make sure you get the best results. Do you like this article?.

How do you cook a whole chicken on a grill?

Understanding direct and indirect heat is crucial for grilling a whole chicken. Direct Heat: Position the chicken over direct flames for browning. This method helps achieve crispy skin. It’s best to sear the chicken for about 10-15 minutes to lock in juices.

How long does it take to cook a whole chicken?

Chicken Leg or Thigh Bone In: Grill over indirect medium heat for 30-40 minutes Chicken Wings: Grill over direct medium heat for 18-20 minutes. Whole Chicken: For a chicken up to 4lbs, grill over indirect medium heat for 1. 5-2 hours. Want more information about how long to cook different size cuts of chicken?.

How long do you cook chicken breast on a grill?

Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on the grill breast side down. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and slightly charred. Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken over and sear the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes.