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Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this flavor-packed Grilled Whole Chicken. Marinated with zesty lemon and herbs, it’s char-grilled to juicy perfection for a standout BBQ dish.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 3 hours for marinating).
Cook Time: 1 Hour
How Many Servings?
4-6 Servings
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.