Did you know that if you spatchcock a chicken you’re cutting down the cooking time by half? Yes, half! To me that’s a big plus, especially in the summer because the last thing I want is to have the oven on all day, but I still want my home cooked meals, which is why this spatchcock chicken is perfect.
What Is Spatchcock Chicken
To spatchcock a chicken basically means to butterfly the chicken and remove the backbone. While this looks complicated, it’s super easy to do. Not only that, but in about an hour you’ll have a very impressive dinner, fool proof, insanely delicious for your entire family or friends. You can use this method for Cornish hens as well or quails, and cook them in no time at all. While removing the backbone may look scary or hard, it’s really easy to do and all you need is a good pair of kitchen shears. Because this spatchcock chicken requires less time in the oven, you end up with a super juicy bird. Even the breast won’t be dry, and nobody likes a dry breast.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Spatchcock Chicken
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make this easy one pot chicken dinner. Here they are:
A Whole Chicken Butter – for the compound butter. Compound butter is a mixture of butter with spices and herbs. Poultry Herb Blend – You can find poultry herb blends in your local grocery store located with all the other herbs, or you can make your own using my recipe here. Garlic Lemon Smoked Paprika Salt & Pepper
I made a compound butter with poultry herbs, garlic and smoked paprika, which I spread half of it under the skin and the remaining over the skin for extra flavor and yumminess. Trust me, this butter is one of the secrets to this chicken being super juicy and succulent.
How To Spatchcock a Chicken:
How To Serve
Here are some delicious side dishes I love serving my chicken with:
Mashed potatoes Macaroni salad Greek salad Italian Parmesan Roasted Potatoes Baked Mac and Cheese Roasted Broccoli
How To Store Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from this chicken, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing
Make sure to let the chicken cool completely before you freeze it. Place individual pieces of chicken into freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag as you slide the zipper closed. Freeze for up to 3 months.
More Great Chicken Recipes To Try:
Beer Can Chicken Roast Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and Garlic Sauce Marinated Chicken Spiedies with Garlic Sauce Spanish Chicken with Chorizo and Potatoes Baked Garlic and Ginger Chicken Drumsticks Roast Chicken Roasted Cornish Hens
