Charcoal Chicken

Indulge in the smoky, aromatic delight of Charcoal Chicken, a crowd-pleasing recipe that captures the essence of bold, spiced grilling. This dish features a whole chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of tangy lemon juice, creamy yogurt, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a medley of warm spices like paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. The marinade infuses every bite with rich, zesty flavor, while the addition of a charcoal grill delivers a perfectly charred, lightly crisp exterior paired with juicy, tender meat. Ideal for summer barbecues or family dinners, this recipe is both impressive and easy to master with basic prep and grilling techniques. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside your favorite sides for a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for those seeking a smoky chicken recipe, marinated grilling options, or a fresh take on classic barbecue, Charcoal Chicken is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 4-5 lbs Whole chicken
• 2 Lemon
• 6 Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Ginger
• 1 cup Yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Wash and pat dry the whole chicken with paper towels.

Step 2

Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts across the chicken to allow better absorption of the marinade.

Step 3

Juice the lemons and set aside the lemon halves. In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, crushed garlic, grated ginger, yogurt, olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.

Step 4

Mix thoroughly to form a smooth marinade.

Step 5

Rub the marinade generously all over the chicken, making sure to get it into the cuts, inside the cavity, and under the skin where possible. Place the squeezed lemon halves inside the cavity of the chicken.

Step 6

Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 7

Prepare a charcoal grill for indirect grilling. Once the coals are medium-hot, arrange them on one side of the grill.

Step 8

Place the chicken on the grill over indirect heat and cover the grill.

Step 9

Grill the chicken for about 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crisp.

Step 10

Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with your favorite sides.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2277.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	796.1

Total Fat 49.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 150.8mg	0%
Sodium 7426.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 46.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.0g	0%
Total Sugars 21.3g
Protein 52.7g	0%

Vitamin D 117.6IU	0%
Calcium 622.5mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 1657.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.9%

Protein: 25.0%

Carbs: 22.2%