Warning: Undefined array key "titleWrapper" in /home3/shanitad220/delightcooking.com/wp-content/plugins/seo-by-rank-math/includes/modules/schema/blocks/toc/class-block-toc.php on line 103
Summertime is the best time to enjoy some tasty BBQ, especially at a cookout. While BBQ chicken tends to be a staple for most gatherings, have you ever considered taking it up a notch and trying BBQ whole chicken instead? Not only is it a delicious alternative, but it’s also a showstopper that will have your guests raving about your cooking skills. In this blog post, you are going to learn how to make “BBQ Whole Chicken,” and how to cook it to perfection. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this summer’s ultimate BBQ dish!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy.
Table of Contents
Spatchcock Whole Chicken
Spatchcocking is a game-changing technique for preparing chicken and other poultry that involves removing the backbone, flattening it out, and grilling it to perfection. Unlike traditional methods, where bones can hinder heat transfer and prolong cooking times, spatchcocking allows for faster and more even cooking.
This involves cutting the chicken in half along the spine with kitchen shears, flattening it out, and cooking it to your desired doneness. You can also apply this technique to other types of poultry like Cornish game hens, ducks, and even turkey!
BBQ Whole Chicken Ingredients
- 1 Whole chicken
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Rinse the whole chicken inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, remove the backbone of the chicken by cutting along both sides of the spine and discarding it.
- Flip the chicken over and press down on the breastbone firmly until you hear a crack, which will flatten the chicken.
- Pour the olive oil all over the chicken and use your hands to rub it in, making sure to coat the chicken evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and cumin to make a spice rub.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Brush the BBQ sauce all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Place in the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve the BBQ whole chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can make a delicious and juicy BBQ whole chicken in the oven.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through.
- Use a roasting pan with a rack, so that the juices can drain into the bottom of the pan and not burn on your oven’s bottom.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after taking it out of its hot oven; this allows all those delicious juices inside to settle down into their proper places before slicing into them.
BBQ Whole Chicken Variations
- A different sauce. Try using an orange-based marinade or BBQ sauce instead of teriyaki sauce.
- Different herbs and spices. Add rosemary, sage, thyme, or oregano to the chicken before cooking it in the oven or on the grill.
- Add some vegetables. Try adding onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the mix for some extra flavor.
BBQ Whole Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Rack pan
- Small bowls
- 1 pastry brush
- 1 meat thermometer
- 1 pair of kitchen shears
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Rinse the whole chicken inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, remove the backbone of the chicken by cutting along both sides of the spine and discarding it.
- Flip the chicken over and press down on the breastbone firmly until you hear a crack, which will flatten the chicken.
- Pour the olive oil all over the chicken and use your hands to rub it in, making sure to coat the chicken evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and cumin to make a spice rub.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Brush the BBQ sauce all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Place in the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve the BBQ whole chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through.
- Use a roasting pan with a rack, so that the juices can drain into the bottom of the pan and not burn on your oven’s bottom.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after taking it out of its hot oven; this allows all those delicious juices inside to settle down into their proper places before slicing into them.
Sarah Ward says
Yum!!
I’ll definitely be trying this recipe, it’s still cold where I am, but I’m eager to get barbecuing soon!
Heather says
Great recipe! I am such a huge fan of the spatchcock technique. It really cuts down on cook time while also allowing the chicken to cook more evenly. I use this technique for our Thanksgiving turkeys each year. Total game-changer!
Christina says
This looks so good!!! I’m going to try it next time I have a get-together with the family. Great post!
tianna says
This recipe sounds delicious, I love roasting a whole chicken