Bring the bold, smoky flavors of mesquite to your rotisserie chicken with McCormick Mesquite seasoning. This easy and flavorful recipe, made on the Arteflame grill, delivers perfectly tender, juicy chicken with crispy, seasoned skin.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs) / you can fit three whole chickens on the spit
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 tbsp McCormick Mesquite seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 lime, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh cilantro
- 4 sprigs fresh oregano
- Kitchen twine for trussing
Instructions
Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins, stack them in the grill, and place firewood on top.
- Light the napkins to ignite the wood. In about 20 minutes, the grill will be ready for cooking.
Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub the softened butter all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible.
- Generously season the chicken with McCormick Mesquite seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with lime halves, cilantro, and oregano.
- Truss the chicken with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
Rotisserie Setup
- Secure the chicken onto the Arteflame rotisserie spit, ensuring it is tightly fastened.
- Mount the spit on the rotisserie attachment over the grill.
Cooking the Chicken
- Allow the chicken to rotate over indirect heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
- Baste the chicken every 20-30 minutes with its own juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Tips
- Enhance the flavor: Add mesquite wood chips to the fire for an authentic, smoky aroma.
- Consistent fire: Keep the fire steady by adding small logs as needed.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
Conclusion
Rotisserie chicken with McCormick Mesquite seasoning is a flavorful showstopper that’s perfect for any gathering. The smoky, bold seasoning paired with the Arteflame grill’s rotisserie feature creates a perfectly balanced and delicious dish.
5 Variations
1. Sweet Mesquite Rotisserie Chicken
- Add a honey glaze in the final 20 minutes of cooking for a sweet and smoky combination.
2. Spicy Mesquite Rotisserie Chicken
- Mix McCormick Mesquite seasoning with cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
3. Citrus Mesquite Chicken
- Use orange zest and lime zest with the seasoning for a citrusy twist.
4. Herbed Mesquite Rotisserie Chicken
- Add finely chopped rosemary and thyme to the butter for an herby infusion.
5. Garlic Mesquite Rotisserie Chicken
- Combine the butter with minced garlic and apply it under the skin for extra flavor.
Best Pairings
- Grilled Corn: Charred corn on the cob with lime butter.
- Southwest Salad: A fresh mix of avocado, black beans, and tomatoes.
- Grilled Potatoes: Crispy, seasoned potatoes grilled to perfection on the flat top.
