April 11, 2025

Classic Grilled Whole Chicken: A Juicy Easter Favorite 🐣🔥

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If you’re dreaming of an easy yet unforgettable Easter meal, this Classic Grilled Whole Chicken is the answer! 🍗✨ Perfectly seasoned, beautifully grilled, and juicy on the inside with a crispy golden skin, this recipe brings a simple yet stunning centerpiece to your spring table. Whether you’re hosting a family lunch or planning a relaxed outdoor gathering, this grilled chicken guarantees flavor, simplicity, and smiles all around.

Unlike more complicated dishes, this recipe shines with just a few basic ingredients — olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon. The natural smoky flavor from the grill pairs perfectly with tender, flavorful meat, creating a meal that’s hearty yet fresh for the season. Plus, preparing a whole chicken is surprisingly easy once you follow a few simple steps!

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

It’s budget-friendly compared to expensive roasts.
You only need minimal prep time and basic pantry staples.
It’s perfect for Easter lunch, Sunday barbecues, or any cozy family gathering.
Leftovers? They’re incredible for salads, sandwiches, and wraps!

If you’re already planning your Easter menu, pair this grilled chicken with side dishes like our delicious Honey Roasted Carrots 🥕 or Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken 🍗 for a full feast experience. Both recipes add colorful, fresh flavors that balance beautifully with this juicy main course.

Another bonus? Grilling keeps your kitchen cool and makes cleanup a breeze — perfect for spring when you’d rather spend time outdoors. 🌼🔥

This Classic Grilled Whole Chicken is not just about flavor; it’s about creating memories around the table. With each juicy, herby bite, you’ll be reminded why simple, well-prepared dishes never go out of style. So fire up your grill, gather your loved ones, and let’s celebrate with a meal that’s as effortless as it is unforgettable. ❤️

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into this delicious, foolproof recipe! 👩‍🍳🔥.

Classic Grilled Whole Chicken Recipe

This Classic Grilled Whole Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for Easter or any spring gathering. Juicy, flavorful, and beautifully charred, it's seasoned simply with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a group, this recipe delivers tender meat with a smoky finish that's both elegant and comforting. Serve it with fresh seasonal sides for a memorable meal that's sure to impress!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 3 15

Total Time 1 30

Servings: 5

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 whole chicken about 4–5 pounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 lemon halved
Fresh herbs for garnish optional

Method

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F).
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
Stuff the chicken cavity with the lemon halves.
Grill: Place the chicken breast-side up on indirect heat (away from direct flames). Cover and grill for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
Optional: Rotate the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.
Rest: Remove from the grill and let rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy!

Notes

Tip: Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Check this affordable meat thermometer option on Amazon!
Alternative: If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried rosemary and thyme will work—just use half the amount.
Serving idea: Pair it with our Honey Roasted Carrots for a colorful and festive meal!