Mediterranean Grilled Whole Chicken Recipe

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let s  elevate this  BBQ game this summer with my Mediterranean Grilled Whole Chicken recipe. Marinated overnight in lemon, olive oil, and a mix of aromatic herbs, this chicken is incredibly flavorful and juicy. Paired with your favorite Mediterranean sides, it’s a crowd-pleaser that guarantees a memorable al fresco dining experience.

Summer in our family is synonymous with barbecues. There’s always a debate between those who are 100% committed to the charcoal grill and those like myself who prefer a more straightforward, easier-to-clean gas grill. This whole grilled chicken with Mediterranean flavors is my go-to, guaranteeing a flavorsome, crispy skin and a stunning presentation.

One of the best parts? It’s straightforward to make. There’s no need to worry about overcooking or drying out the bird. With a bit of preparation, you’ll quickly master this grilling technique, becoming the star of your next summer BBQ.

I often grill this chicken alongside red onions, zucchini, and fennel for a delightful medley of flavors. Serve it with a refreshing Fattoush salad, and you’ve got the perfect summer meal. Get ready to explore this exciting recipe that transforms a simple grilled whole chicken into a Mediterranean delight.

Simple Mediterranean Chicken Marinade

Unlock the magic of this grilled chicken using Mediterranean spices for chicken, including olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and an array of dry herbs, including home-grown zaatar (or thyme), mingle to create a tantalizing flavor profile. Let your organic chicken bathe in this medley overnight for maximum flavor. Using a larger bird? Add some vinegar to tenderize the meat naturally.

How to Prep and Spatchcock Chicken for Grilling

Before the marinade comes into play, clean your chicken with salt and vinegar, rinse, and pat dry. Next up is spatchcocking, a technique to remove the backbone and flatten the chicken for even grilling and deeper marination. Simply cut along both sides of the backbone, flip, and press down on the breastbone until flat.

Easy Overnight Chicken Marinade

Post-spatchcocking, introduce the chicken to the marinade in a zip-lock bag, ensuring total coverage. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. Turning occasionally for a fair flavor share. Half an hour pre-grill, remove the chicken to let it adjust to room temperature. Now, your grill-ready chicken awaits, promising a flavor-packed Mediterranean Grilled Whole Chicken masterpiece at your BBQ!

Essential Guidelines for Grilling Chicken to Perfection

Achieving a perfectly grilled whole chicken is an art mastered with the right method. Indirect grilling is key, a technique that cooks the chicken not directly over but next to the heat source. This ensures even cooking, perfectly browned skin, and a succulent bird.

 Preheat the Grill

Kick-off by preheating your grill. If you’re using a gas grill, ignite the burners on both sides, leaving the middle unlit, aiming for a temperature around 375-400°F. For charcoal grills, arrange the coals on opposite sides of the grill, leaving the middle empty.

 Position the Chicken

After marinating, remove your chicken from the bag, discarding any leftover marinade. Place the chicken in the center of the grill grate, away from the direct heat on either side, with the breast side up. Much like my off-heat BBQ ribs recipe, this indirect grilling technique ensures an even cook and a tender, juicy result.

 Monitor the Temperature

Close the grill lid and let the chicken cook undisturbed. Though cooking time can be roughly estimated at 15 minutes per pound, it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Target an internal temperature between 157-160°F in the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring the probe doesn’t touch the bone. This allows for carryover cooking, preventing the bird from being overcooked.

 Rest, Carve, and Serve

Once the chicken has achieved the correct internal temperature, take it off the grill and rest for around 10-15 minutes. This crucial rest period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist, tender chicken.

After resting, carve your grilled whole chicken and serve alongside your favorite Mediterranean sides. Now, enjoy the fruits of your successful BBQ endeavor!

What to Serve with Your BBQ Chicken

While your grilled  Mediterranean  Chicken is the show’s star, pairing it with complementary sides elevates your BBQ meal into a full Mediterranean feast. Kick things off with a selection of char-grilled vegetables like grilled eggplants, zucchinis, and corn on the cob. Simply brushed with olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and grilled alongside your chicken, these veggies bring a delightful smoky flavor to your table.

Complement your feast with traditional Mediterranean dips like Toum, a creamy Lebanese garlic dip, and Hummus, a smooth chickpea spread; both add layers of rich, robust flavors that match wonderfully with your succulent grilled chicken. Finally, round off your meal with a refreshing Fattoush Salad. This Lebanese classic, featuring crispy toasted bread, a medley of fresh veggies, and a tangy sumac dressing, offers a crisp contrast to your BBQ and a delightful palate cleanser. It’s a delightful spread that encapsulates the vibrant flavors of a Mediterranean summer.

Ingredient List

Preparation

1.
Begin by preparing the marinade. In a spacious bowl, combine the juice and zest of 2 large lemons with 1/4 cup of olive oil, 6 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano, dried zaatar (or thyme), Aleppo peppers, and a teaspoon each of dried rosemary and paprika. Add in 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until they blend seamlessly.
Mark as complete
2.
Proceed to clean the chicken. After removing any giblets, rub the chicken with salt and a touch of vinegar if present. Rinely carefully under cold water, and pat dry using paper towels.
The cleaned chicken should now be prepared for marination. Remove the backbone of the chicken and flatten it. Place the chicken in a large sealable bag or in a deep bowl.
Mark as complete
3.
Pour your prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure the chicken is completely immersed and fills the cavity. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and leave the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Occasionally turn the chicken to ensure the marinade seeps into all parts.
Mark as complete
4.
When you're ready to barbecue, let the chicken sit out of the fridge for a while to reach room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your gas barbecue or open flame to a temperature of 400°F, making sure the heat is concentrated on the side and not directly under where the chicken will be placed.
Mark as complete
5.
Retrieve the chicken from its marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, then pat it dry. Position the chicken in the middle of the barbecue, away from the direct heat. Close the grill and let it cook for about 45 minutes, though the exact timing may depend on the size of the chicken.
Mark as complete
6.
Monitor the chicken's internal temperature. If it hasn't reached 157°F after 45 minutes, continue cooking, checking every 10 minutes until it does.
8- Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the barbecue and rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more moist and flavorful.
Mark as complete
7.
Finally, carve the chicken and serve. Enjoy your flavorful and succulent barbecue chicken!
Enjoy your Mediterranean BBQ chicken
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
1 Juice of 2 large lemons and their zest
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried zaatar or thyme
1 tablespoon Aleppo peppers
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
3 ½ - 4 lb whole chicken

Preparation

1
Begin by preparing the marinade. In a spacious bowl, combine the juice and zest of 2 large lemons with 1/4 cup of olive oil, 6 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano, dried zaatar (or thyme), Aleppo peppers, and a teaspoon each of dried rosemary and paprika. Add in 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until they blend seamlessly.
2
Proceed to clean the chicken. After removing any giblets, rub the chicken with salt and a touch of vinegar if present. Rinely carefully under cold water, and pat dry using paper towels. The cleaned chicken should now be prepared for marination. Remove the backbone of the chicken and flatten it. Place the chicken in a large sealable bag or in a deep bowl.
3
Pour your prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure the chicken is completely immersed and fills the cavity. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and leave the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Occasionally turn the chicken to ensure the marinade seeps into all parts.
4
When you're ready to barbecue, let the chicken sit out of the fridge for a while to reach room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your gas barbecue or open flame to a temperature of 400°F, making sure the heat is concentrated on the side and not directly under where the chicken will be placed.
5
Retrieve the chicken from its marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, then pat it dry. Position the chicken in the middle of the barbecue, away from the direct heat. Close the grill and let it cook for about 45 minutes, though the exact timing may depend on the size of the chicken.
6
Monitor the chicken's internal temperature. If it hasn't reached 157°F after 45 minutes, continue cooking, checking every 10 minutes until it does. 8- Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the barbecue and rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more moist and flavorful.
7
Finally, carve the chicken and serve. Enjoy your flavorful and succulent barbecue chicken! Enjoy your Mediterranean BBQ chicken

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Storage and Marinating Tips:

Safe Marination: Always marinate the chicken in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

Extended Marination: If you've decided to delay your BBQ plans, you can safely marinate chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Beyond this, the acids in the marinade can start to break down the meat, affecting texture.

Freezing Marinated Chicken: If you've changed your mind about grilling immediately, you can store your marinated chicken in the freezer. Place it in a freezer-safe bag, expelling as much air as possible. This can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready, thaw in the refrigerator and grill.

Repurposing Leftover BBQ Chicken:

With leftover BBQ chicken at hand, the culinary possibilities are vast. Consider transforming it into a creamy chicken salad for a refreshing sandwich or wrap. It also shines when tossed into a hearty soup, offering a smoky depth. Add slices atop your favorite salad for an added protein boost, or incorporate them into tacos, quesadillas, or even as a flavorful pizza topping. Remember, with grilled chicken, your next meal is just a creative idea away.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

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