Whole butterflied bbq chicken

Enjoy a burst of flavors with our Whole Butterflied BBQ Chicken! Marinated in zesty lime juice, fresh ginger, and a blend of aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness from honey and brown sugar, with a unique depth from fish sauce. Made juicy and tender with peanut oil, this 3 lb chicken is ideal for your next barbecue gathering. Ready for a tasty grilling adventure?

  • 23 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 70 min
  • Prep time 85 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 10 Ingredients

Whole butterflied bbq chicken

Cooking a whole butterflied BBQ chicken can be a delightful culinary experience suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners. This recipe combines the tangy and zesty flavors of lime juice, ginger, and honey with the earthy and smoky notes of turmeric, cumin, and paprika, all brought harmoniously together with a touch of fish sauce and peanut oil. By butterflying the chicken, you ensure even cooking and a tender, juicy result that's perfect for the grill.

Ingredients:

3 lb whole chicken
1360g
1/3 cup lime juice
72g
1 tbsp ginger root
16g
2 tsp brown sugar
6g
1 tbsp honey
10g
1 tsp fish sauce
5g
1 tsp turmeric powder
5g
1 tsp ground cumin
3g
1 tsp paprika
5g
1 tbsp peanut oil
16g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the whole chicken breast-side down on a cutting board.
- Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut along either side of the backbone and remove it.
- Flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it. The chicken should now be butterflied.
2. Marinade Preparation:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the lime juice, grated ginger root, brown sugar, honey, fish sauce, turmeric powder, ground cumin, paprika, and peanut oil.
- Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the butterflied chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated on all sides.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
4. Preheat the BBQ:
- Preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F or 190–200°C).
5. Grill the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
- Place the butterflied chicken on the BBQ grill, skin-side up.
- Close the lid and grill for 20-25 minutes.
- Turn the chicken over, skin-side down, and continue grilling with the lid closed for an additional 20-25 minutes. The skin should be crispy and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest the Chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This helps to retain the juices.
7. Serve:
- Carve the chicken into pieces and serve hot with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

- Ensure your chicken is fully thawed before you start the butterflying process to make it easier to handle.

- When butterflying the chicken, use sharp kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it. Flatten the chicken by pressing firmly on the breastbone.

- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor infusion.

- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. Cook it skin-side down initially to get a nice sear.

- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

- Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute before carving.

Mastering the art of cooking a whole butterflied BBQ chicken involves a few key steps, but the results are incredibly rewarding. The combination of vibrant marinades and expert grilling techniques leads to a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. By following these tips and techniques, you'll be able to serve a delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked butterflied BBQ chicken that will impress your family and friends.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size250 grams
Energy
Calories 720kcal36%
Protein
Protein 60g39%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 5g1%
Fiber 0.64g2%
Sugar 2.75g3%
Fat
Fat 50g59%
Saturated 14g45%
Cholesterol 200mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 260ug29%
Choline 140mg26%
Vitamin B1 0.15mg12%
Vitamin B2 0.46mg35%
Vitamin B3 16mg96%
Vitamin B6 0.65mg38%
Vitamin B9 16ug4%
Vitamin B12 0.62ug26%
Vitamin C 3.98mg4%
Vitamin E 1.32mg9%
Vitamin K 12ug10%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 60mg5%
Copper, Cu 0.20mg23%
Iron, Fe 4.23mg38%
Magnesium, Mg 55mg13%
Phosphorus, P 360mg29%
Potassium, K 550mg16%
Selenium, Se 50ug93%
Sodium, Na 270mg18%
Zinc, Zn 5mg47%
Water
Water 140g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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