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The warm weather is finally here and you're looking to perfect your BBQ cooking skills? What if we tried cooking a whole chicken on the BBQ? At first, grilling might seem complicated and you might be worried that the chicken will turn out dry or bland. However, there are several simple tips that will allow you to obtain a chicken that is both tender and juicy, and in a completely safe manner.
Before cooking
First, make sure your whole bird is completely thawed. To do this, place it in the refrigerator overnight. When you're ready to cook, rinse your whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper, and top with sliced onions and dried herbs of your choice.
Although a little salt would have been enough to enhance the flavors of a higher quality poultry like the Grade A chicken from l’épicier, raised in Quebec and grain-fed, a good marinade will make your taste experience even more interesting. Prefer dry marinades which will avoid causing flames on the BBQ. Out of ideas? You will find some suggestions from dry marinades for BBQ in our article on the subject. You could also sprinkle your whole chicken with a BBQ spice mix.
On the spit
A good technique for cooking a whole chicken on the BBQ is to simply cook it on a spit. Pierce the piece of poultry with the spit and place it on the rotisserie of your BBQ. Rotate it for 2 to 30 hours over medium heat without a lid. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly. To ensure the dish is ready, a cooking thermometer will be your best friend. With this tool, you won't need to cut your chicken several times to check its doneness. Simply insert your thermometer into several places, including the breast and thighs (since these are the thickest parts of your chicken). The internal temperature should read 3°F (180°C).
To the beer can!
Beer can chicken is another recipe par excellence for a delicious and divine meal. Plus, it's very simple to make. The idea is to place a half-empty can of beer inside the chicken and cook it vertically. The beer will steam the inside of your chicken. To limit the mess, place a large aluminum foil pan under the meat.
Pro tip: Turn on a single burner to medium heat. Place the chicken on the burner that isn't lit to grill indirectly and avoid drying it out. After 45 minutes, rotate it 180º, then continue cooking for another 45 minutes. The chicken is ready when your thermometer reads 180°F (82°C). If you're not drinking alcohol at all, no worries! A non-alcoholic beer or even apple juice will do the trick.
To make your experience easier, you can also purchase a beer can chicken holder. This accessory will make handling the chicken easier and safer. Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, remember to let it rest for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. This will give your meat time to absorb its juices and taste its best when served.
In stray
Another, slightly faster technique is to cook the chicken in a spatchcock. To do this, cut the back bone using kitchen scissors to open the chicken flat. Then season your chicken with BBQ spices or a dry rub. Place the chicken directly on the grill of a preheated BBQ over low heat, flesh-side up. Cook for about 30 minutes with the lid closed, then turn the chicken over. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches the required temperature.
Mouthwatering side dishes
What should we eat with our delicious main course? You're spoiled for choice. Many vegetables cook beautifully on the BBQ , whether grilled or baked in foil. Zucchini, peppers, asparagus, and potatoes are just a few examples. Did you know that corn is exquisite on the grill? It also pairs wonderfully with chicken. Only 15 to 20 minutes is needed to grill your ears of corn (husks and all), using direct heat. Serve them with plain or flavored butter.
A summer salad is also a great way to complement a barbecue. Let your imagination run wild! Don't be afraid to mix vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and nuts. For a refreshing side, opt for a few handfuls of spinach, a ripe diced avocado, fresh raspberries, a few chunks of mango, feta cheese, and, to top it off, sunflower seeds. Drizzle your salad with your favorite dressing and you're sure to be delighted.
Short on time? Discover our delicious half-chicken, marinated and pre-cooked. All you have to do is grill it on the BBQ or bake it in the oven! Delicious!
You're now well equipped to prepare the best chicken there is. We bet its mouthwatering aromas will have your neighbors salivating.
Enjoy your food !
sources:
https://www.poulet.ca/ecole-de-poulet/comment-savoir-si-le-poulet-est-cuit/
https://www.poulet.ca/ecole-de-poulet/comment-realiser-le-poulet-a-la-biere/
https://bbqquebec.com/recette-de-ble-dinde
https://www.zeste.ca/articles/tout-savoir-sur-le-poulet-sur-bbq
https://www.lesoleil.com/la-vitrine/academie-culinaire/poulet-roti-a-la-broche-sur-le-barbecue-0b6c8bd5689bd5ee239f969d01318de0
https://www.lepoulet.qc.ca/fr/nos-recettes/poulet-aux-herbes-en-crapaudine/2408
