Perfectly Grilled: 5-Pound Chicken Bbq Timing

Grilling a whole chicken is a great way to get that barbecue flavour without heating up your kitchen. But how long does it take to grill a 5-pound chicken? Well, it depends on a few factors, such as the type of grill you're using and the temperature you're cooking at.

In general, you'll want to cook your chicken over indirect heat to avoid burning the skin. This means setting up your grill with a temperature of around 375-400°F, with one burner turned off to create an indirect heat zone.

At this temperature, you can expect a 5-pound chicken to take around 80 minutes to cook through. However, it's important to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F in all areas, and the thighs should be in the 185°F range for tenderness.

So, if you're looking to grill a 5-pound chicken, plan for around 80 minutes of cook time, but always use a thermometer to ensure it's cooked through properly.

How long to BBQ a 5-lb chicken on a gas grill

Grilled chicken is an American BBQ classic. It's tempting to overcook chicken to be safe, but it's also possible to undercook it. Chicken is the number one cause of foodborne illnesses in America, so it's vital to be vigilant.

A 5-lb whole chicken will take about 80 minutes to grill at 400°F on a gas grill. However, it's important to note that the chicken is done when it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, not simply after a certain amount of time has passed. At that temperature, the thighs should be in the 185°F range for tenderness.

Step 1: Prepare the grill

Set up your grill for indirect cooking at 400°F in the indirect area. Make sure your grill is clean and oiled.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

Clean, trim and pat dry the chicken—do not rinse. Be sure to remove any giblets. Brush the chicken with melted butter and season to taste with kosher salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.

Step 3: Grill the chicken

Place the chicken on the grill with indirect heat, angling one thigh and the leg towards the direct heat side. Close the lid and grill for 40 minutes without touching it.

Step 4: Rotate the chicken

After 40 minutes, rotate the bird so that the other thigh is angled towards the heat. Brush with butter again, close the lid, and continue grilling until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Rest the chicken

Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

It's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, as it can be dangerous to consume undercooked chicken.

How long to BBQ a 5-lb chicken on a charcoal grill

Grilling a 5-lb chicken on a charcoal grill requires some preparation and a few hours of cooking time. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve juicy and flavourful results:

Preparation

Before grilling, remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the oil and seasoning stick better to the chicken, resulting in crispier skin. You can also choose to remove the skin from the chicken if you prefer.

Next, prepare the seasoning for the chicken. In a small bowl, combine your chosen oil and seasoning mix. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get it inside the cavity as well. You can use a simple store-bought seasoning mix or make your own blend with herbs and spices. Don't be afraid to be generous with the seasoning!

At this point, you can also choose to marinate the chicken. Place it in a large plastic bag, pour in your favourite marinade, and ensure the chicken is fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavour.

Setting up the Charcoal Grill

Purchase good-quality charcoal, lighter fluid, and a long-stemmed lighter. You will also need a charcoal chimney, which helps to hold the charcoal close together so that the coals burn at the same rate. Alternatively, you can create a mound of charcoal in the centre of the grill.

Pour the charcoal into the chimney or mound and follow the manufacturer's instructions for using lighter fluid or lighting the charcoal. The charcoal will take some time to burn reliably, and you should wait until it is in a consistent burning stage for 3-5 minutes before pouring it into the grill. Place the grill grate back on the charcoal grill.

Wait for the charcoal to turn ashen or white before starting to cook. This usually happens when the charcoal is smouldering nicely and is white-hot, without a large, active fire. Use a grill brush to clean the grill grates before placing the chicken on them.

To check if the charcoal is ready, use the hand test. Hold your hand about three inches above the grill cooking area and count the number of seconds you can hold it there. If you can hold your hand there for:

• Less than 2 seconds: the temperature is about 450°F (high)
• 2-3 seconds: the temperature is about 400-450°F (medium-high)
• 4-5 seconds: the temperature is about 350°F (medium heat)
• 6-7 seconds: the temperature is about 300-350°F (medium-low)
• 7-9 seconds: the temperature is about 250-300°F (low)

For grilling chicken, you are aiming for a temperature of around 350°F, which should allow you to hold your hand there for about 4-5 seconds.

Grilling the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken on a roaster with the legs at the bottom and maintain a medium heat on the grill. You can also use a vertical roaster to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and has crispy skin all over. If you don't have a vertical roaster, you can use a tall beer or soda can, or even a bundt pan.

Cook the chicken for at least 60 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast, without touching the bone. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Carry-over cooking will help the chicken reach this temperature, so you can remove it from the grill when it reaches 160°F and let it rest.

Resist the urge to open the grill and check on the chicken frequently, as this will release heat and prolong the cooking time. Instead, trust your thermometer to tell you when the chicken is done.

Resting and Serving

Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender meat.

After resting, carve the chicken and serve it with your favourite sides. Enjoy the juicy, flavourful grilled chicken!

How to prepare a 5-lb chicken for BBQing

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, remove the neck, giblets, and gizzards from the chicken, and trim any excess fat. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel—this will help the oil and seasoning stick better to the chicken.

Step 2: Oil and Season the Chicken

Brush the outside of the chicken with oil, then season with your chosen dry rub. If time allows, cover the chicken and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the rub to penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

If using a charcoal grill, place the chicken on the grill rack, bone side up, directly over medium coals. For a gas grill, preheat the grill and then reduce the heat to medium.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken on the grill, bone side down, over medium heat. Aim for a grill temperature of 350-400°F in the indirect area. Grill the chicken for 60-75 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160°F. The chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, but for the most tender and juicy results, cook dark meat to 175°F and white meat to 170°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken is moist and tender.

Tips:

• Resist the urge to open the grill and check on the chicken—you release heat every time you do this, prolonging the cooking time.
• Don't rinse raw poultry due to the risk of contaminating your surrounding area through splatter.
• Always use tongs to remove the chicken from the grill, as piercing the meat with a fork will cause the juices to drip into the fire.

How to tell when a 5-lb chicken is done BBQing

There are a few ways to tell when your 5-lb chicken is done BBQing. Firstly, the time—a chicken of this size will take around 80 minutes to grill at 400°F, or 1 hour to 2 hours at 200-300°F. However, time is not the most accurate method, as the variables are the exact grill setup and chicken size.

The best way to tell when your chicken is done is by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it is at least 165°F in all areas for food safety. At that time, the thighs should be in the 185°F range for tenderness.

You can also check the chicken is cooked by making a small cut between the breast and the leg. If the juices run clear, your chicken is done. If the juices are pink, it needs more time.

What to serve with a BBQ 5-lb chicken

A 5-lb chicken will take about 80 minutes to grill at 400°F indirect heat on a gas grill, or 90 minutes at a similar temperature on a charcoal grill. But what to serve with it? Here are some ideas for side dishes to accompany your juicy, tender chicken:

• Stovetop French Fries
• Grilled Baby Potatoes
• A side salad
• Grilled Pineapple Slices
• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Mac and Cheese
• Cornbread
• Biscuits
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Wedge Fries
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Corn on the Cob
• White Rice
• Quinoa Salad
• Strawberry Shortcake

And there you have it! A delicious, finger-licking good feast to enjoy with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions