Low Sodium Charcoal Chicken

Savor the smoky, tender, and flavorful "Low Sodium Charcoal Chicken," a deliciously heart-healthy twist on a classic barbecue favorite. This recipe combines a whole chicken with a vibrant, aromatic marinade made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, dried herbs, and a hint of honey—delivering bold, savory flavors without the high salt content. Grilled to perfection over charcoal for that signature smokiness, the chicken boasts a juicy interior and crispy, golden skin. Perfect for backyard cookouts or family dinners, this dish pairs beautifully with low-sodium sides like roasted veggies or quinoa salad. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a focus on wholesome ingredients, it's the ultimate guilt-free comfort food that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 number whole chicken
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon honey

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly clean and pat dry the whole chicken with paper towels. Remove any excess fat and giblets if necessary.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground black pepper, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and honey.

Step 3

Mix the marinade ingredients well until they form a consistent paste.

Step 4

Rub the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated with the mixture. Try to get the marinade under the skin and into any cavities.

Step 5

Cover the marinated chicken and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.

Step 6

Prepare your charcoal grill for indirect cooking over medium-high heat. Bank the hot coals to one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty.

Step 7

Place the chicken, breast side up, on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 30 minutes.

Step 8

Flip the chicken carefully and continue cooking for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 9

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

Step 10

Serve hot with your choice of low-sodium sides and enjoy the savory, smoky flavors of this delicious charcoal chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1515.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	698.6

Total Fat 54.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 105mg	0%
Sodium 363.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 29.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.3g	0%
Total Sugars 18.5g
Protein 28.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 66.4mg	0%
Iron 4.0mg	0%
Potassium 563.8mg	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: 67.8%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 16.5%