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Dinner

Perfectly Smoked Whole Roasted Chicken

This versatile whole roasted chicken is juicy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 27, 2026
Perfectly Smoked Whole Roasted Chicken
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
90 minutes
Total
1 hour 45 minutes
Serves
4

There is nothing quite like a whole roasted chicken to bring the family together for a cozy dinner. Whether you are using a versatile charcoal grill or a smoker, this method produces the most tender meat you have ever tasted.

My top tip for this recipe is to make sure you pat the chicken skin very dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing that extra moisture is the secret to getting a golden brown, crispy skin every single time.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed

Instructions

  1. 1

    Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat the bird dry inside and out with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Rub the entire chicken with olive oil to ensure the skin gets nice and crispy.

  3. 3

    Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme in a small bowl, then rub this seasoning all over the chicken.

  4. 4

    Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves and the smashed garlic cloves.

  5. 5

    Preheat your grill or smoker to 350 degrees Fahrenheit using indirect heat.

  6. 6

    Place the chicken on the grill grates and cook for about 60 to 90 minutes.

  7. 7

    The chicken is done when an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

  8. 8

    Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes before carving so the juices stay inside.

💡 Tips

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can shred the cold meat for quick salads or tacos later in the week. If you have extra time, try dry brining the chicken with salt in the fridge for a few hours before cooking to make it even juicier.

#dinner#chicken#grilling#gluten free#high protein

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