How to Cook a Chicken with a Barbecue Rotisserie

Most good barbecue cooks, along with the folks that eat their cooking, will agree that if you want a tasty and moist roasted chicken with golden brown color and mouth watering aroma, a barbecue rotisserie is the way to go. You don't have to be a gourmet cook to prepare a chicken on your grill that will please your family or guests. Just fire up your grill, add your rotisserie attachment, and follow the 7 steps below.

Step 1 – Preparing the Chicken

After lighting your grill, turn all burners to a high setting. (except for the one that will be located directly beneath your roasting chicken) While your grill is heating up, begin preparing your chicken. Rinse the chicken, both inside and outside, and remove excess water by patting the chicken with a paper towel.

Step 2 – Trussing the Chicken

Using a piece of twine or string, tie the drumstick ends together, use a length of uncoated wire to secure them. Use another length of string to secure the wings. You can do this by running the string under the chicken and across its breast. Tie the two ends of the string, checking to be sure the wings are tucked securely beneath the string.

Step 3 – Secure the Chicken onto the Rotisserie Spit

The rotisserie spit typically will come equipped with dual prong attachments. These prongs, when inserted into the chicken, will keep it turning as it should. With one of these prongs left off the spit, insert the shaft lengthwise through the chicken—from tail to neck. Center the chicken on the spit and slide both prong attachments to the chicken, inserting each into the chicken. Tighten the screws that hold the attachments from sliding. Now your chicken should be secured on the spit and ready to place on the grill.

Step 4 – Protect the Chicken from Drying and Flare-Ups

To help keeping dripping juices from falling into the hot grill bed and causing flare-ups, place a shallow pan with a small amount of water (1/2") in the center of the grill, below the place where your chicken will be roasting.

Step 5 – Putting the Chicken on the Grill

Check the grill thermometer. When it is at 325 degrees, set the chicken and spit into place on the grill, and after turning on the rotisserie, close the lid.

Step 6 – Basting the Chicken

While waiting for the chicken to roast (should be about 10 to 15 minutes) prepare the basting liquid, mixing your choice of butter or olive oil with seasoning. When the chicken is ready, baste it, then reduce the grill temperature to medium. After another 20 minutes, baste the chicken again.

Step 7 – Final Roasting

Allow your chicken to continue roasting for approximately 80 minutes, depending on the chicken's weight. You can be sure the it is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer inserted into the meaty part of the chicken. At 180 degrees the chicken should be fully cooked. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before you begin carving it.