Savor the smoky, herbaceous flavors of this Whole30 Charcoal Chicken, a show-stopping grilled dish that's as healthy as it is delicious. Perfectly seasoned with a vibrant marinade of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, this 3-4 pound whole chicken is chargrilled to tender, juicy perfection over indirect heat. The hint of smokiness from the charcoal and optional wood chips adds a depth of flavor that's hard to resist. Ideal for a backyard barbecue or a wholesome family dinner, this recipe is Whole30-approved, paleo-friendly, and bursting with bold, satisfying flavors. Serve it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that's sure to impress! Keywords: Whole30 charcoal chicken, grilled whole chicken, paleo-friendly chicken recipe, smoky grilled chicken, healthy barbecue recipes.
Start by preparing the chicken: rinse it under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Ensure it's completely dry for better seasoning adherence.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Mix well to create a marinade.
Rub the marinade thoroughly over the entire chicken, ensuring to get the mixture under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours.
Prepare a charcoal grill for indirect cooking. Light the charcoal and once they're glowing red and covered with ash, arrange them on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. If using a gas grill, preheat to 375°F with one burner turned off for indirect heating.
Place the chicken on the grill grate over the indirect heat side. Close the lid and cook the chicken, basting occasionally with any remaining marinade, for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F.
During grilling, add a few wood chips to the charcoal for additional smokiness if desired.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Carve the chicken and serve immediately. Enjoy your Whole30 charcoal-infused meal!
Calories |
639 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.0 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.8 g | 49% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 102 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 2452 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.4 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 28.5 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 111 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 614 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.