Chicken Spatchcock

Chicken Spatchcock

butterflied chicken

Recipe by
Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 2h 15m
Cook Time: 40m
Total Time: 2h 55m
Temp.: 425 ºF
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (18 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

For chicken seasoning:

Nutritional Information

557
calories
16g
fat
5g
carbohydrates
89g
protein
233mg
cholesterol
970mg
sodium
Chicken Spatchcock

Recipe Description

This easy Chicken Spatchcock recipe shows how to cook the chicken with double the deliciousness. The result is a fragrant, juicy chicken with crispy skin that makes the house smell amazing. The spatchcock method – removing the backbone and flattening the bird – ensures that the chicken cooks faster and more evenly. I’ve included my go-to chicken seasoning in the recipe below, so you can make your own homemade seasoning too. But feel free to use your favorite store-bought chicken seasoning you have on hand. 

Start with the chicken seasoning. Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. To butterfly the chicken, use poultry shears to cut along each side of the chicken backbone and remove it. Cooking tip: Don’t throw away the backbone and save it for making stock. Flip the chicken breast side-up and press firmly on the breastbone to flatten the chicken. Once the chicken is flat, rub the salt under the skin of the breast and thighs. Then rub all over the chicken with the prepared chicken seasoning. Chill the chicken for at least 2 hours. When ready to cook, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the aromatics on top. Position a wire rack over the backing sheet and place the chicken flat on top of the rack breast-side up. Roast the chicken until the skin is crispy and golden brown. While the chicken is resting, prepare the sauce. Carve and serve with the sauce. Enjoy!  

To make the Chicken Spatchcock, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Chicken Spatchcock

Cuisine

No specific cuisine for this recipe

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Prepare the chicken seasoning

    1 min
    Step 1 - Chicken Spatchcock

    In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon paprika. and 1 teaspoon brown sugar and set aside.

  2. 2

    How to spatchcock the chicken

    2 min
    Step 2 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Place the chicken on a cutting board and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Place the chicken breast-side-down. Use poultry shears to cut along each side of the chicken backbone and remove it. Reserve the backbone for making stock if you wish.

  3. 3

    Break the breastbone

    1 min
    Step 3 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Flip the chicken breast side-up and press firmly on the middle of the bird to flatten the chicken.

  4. 4

    Loosen the chicken skin

    2 min
    Step 4 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Transfer the chicken to a large plate and carefully slide your fingers under the skin to loosen it from the chicken breasts and thighs.

  5. 5

    Salt the chicken meat

    1 min
    Step 5 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Once the skin is separated, rub 1 teaspoon salt on the chicken flesh under the skin.

  6. 6

    Rub with the seasoning

    2h
    Step 6 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Rub the chicken all over with the prepared chicken seasoning. Be sure the whole chicken is covered. Transfer the chicken to the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  7. 7

    Preheat the oven

    5 min
    Step 7 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Once ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425 ºF. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

  8. 8

    Remove the chicken from the fridge

    Step 8 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it reach room temperature.

  9. 9

    Place the aromatics on the baking sheet

    2 min
    Step 9 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Place ½ roughly chopped onion, 4 cloves garlic, 10 sprigs fresh thyme, ¼ cup dry white wine, ½ cup broth, and 1 tablespoon olive oil on top of the aluminum foil and sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt.

  10. 10

    Place chicken on the baking sheet

    2 min
    Step 10 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Place a wire rack over the backing sheet and carefully transfer the chicken flat on top of the metal rack breast-side up.

  11. 11

    Rub the chicken with oil

    2 min
    Step 11 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Rub the chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Massage the oil well into the chicken.

  12. 12

    Roast

    40 min
    Step 12 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Roast the chicken for 35-45 minutes or until the whole bird has an internal temperature of at least 160 ºF at the thickest parts.

  13. 13

    Remove from the oven

    15 min
    Step 13 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.

  14. 14

    Prepare the sauce

    3 min
    Step 14 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Add all of the cooked vegetables, liquid, and herbs from the bottom of the baking sheet into a small saucepan along with the remaining 1 cup broth and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to medium-low and add 2 teaspoons lemon juice.

  15. 15

    Add cornstarch

    2 min
    Step 15 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Sprinkle 2 teaspoons cornstarch over the sauce and whisk to combine. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat until thick. Discard the thyme stems.

  16. 16

    Serve

    Step 16 - Chicken Spatchcock

    Carve the chicken and serve with the prepared sauce.

If you try this Chicken Spatchcock recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how you liked it. And of course, share a photo with us on Instagram by tagging @cookmerecipes. We love to see your photos!

About the author

Lilly Mathuse

Lilly is an enthusiastic and cheerful young mom. She knows as well as any parent that children can be really picky when it comes to food. And she’s had plenty of experience trying to cook meals that are both tasty and nutritious, and able to satisfy the tastes of a fussy kid right away! To save you some precious time, Lilly's going to share with you all the tricks she learned the hard way, so you don’t have to! She has a wealth of recipes for quick and easy meals for kids and families on a budget.

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (18 reviews)
Isabella Johnson
February 8, 2025
Verified

This Chicken Spatchcock turned out amazing, my hubby loved it.

Liam Johnson
February 5, 2025
Verified

This chicken recipe rocks. So juicy and easy.

Quentin
December 19, 2024
Verified

This spatchcock chicken is a total game-changer! Made it last Sunday, and the fam loved it. Crispy skin ftw!

Billy
December 18, 2024
Verified

Had a proper go at the spatchcock chicken and it turned out amazing. Juicy and crispy, just as promised. My mates were super impressed when I served it at the BBQ last weekend. Gotta say, ain't nobody left any leftovers.

Larry
December 8, 2024
Verified

I made the Chicken Spatchcock for my wife's birthday last week. It was simply great. The chicken was juicy and had crispy skin, which impressed everyone at dinner. With the homemade seasoning, it felt special. I will definitely make this recipe again.

Claire Johnson
November 25, 2024
Verified

Delicious and easy.

Hannah Smith
November 22, 2024
Verified

Simply the best!

Isabella Johnson
November 8, 2024
Verified

Superb. I tried this recipe for a small gathering, and everyone loved the juicy chicken. It was so easy to make, and my kitchen smelled heavenly. Can't wait to impress my friends again with this delicious dish.

Vera
April 19, 2024
Verified

Amazing

Lucas
March 27, 2024
Verified

Simply best dinner!

Ian
March 23, 2024
Verified

So juicy yum!

Patricia Johnson
March 16, 2024
Verified

Delicious! This Chicken Spatchcock recipe was so easy to follow. I made it for our family gathering and everyone loved it. The skin was perfectly crispy and the meat was very juicy. I’ll definitely make this again.

Ursula
March 5, 2024
Verified

Absolutely love it!

Ursula Cochrane
December 15, 2023
Verified

OMG! This Chicken Spatchcock recipe is a game changer! I made it for our family dinner last night & it was a hit! My kids couldn't stop munching on that crispy skin. It's so easy too—definitely gonna be my go-to for weekend meals. Thanks for this awesome recipe!

Yvonne Carter
July 4, 2023
Verified

Wow! This spatchcock chicken turned out so juicy and delish! My fam was in awe, and we couldn’t get enough. I swear, the aroma filled the house and made us all proud. Definitely a keeper!

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