Tired of dry, unevenly cooked chicken? Say hello to your new favorite grilling method: spatchcocking! By removing the backbone and flattening the bird, you guarantee incredibly even cooking, ultra-crispy skin, and a dramatically reduced grilling time. This recipe smothers the chicken in a vibrant, zesty blend of lemon, butter, and savory herbs, creating a show-stopping centerpiece that’s deceptively simple to make. It’s the perfect way to elevate your next backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
• ¼ cup / 57g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons / 30ml fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds / 1.8 kg, grass-fed
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to a steady medium heat, about 350-400°F (175-200°C), and lightly grease the grates. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and pepper to create a rich flavor paste.
2. Place the chicken on a large cutting board, breast-side down. Using sturdy kitchen shears, carefully cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it completely. (You can save the backbone to make a delicious chicken stock later!)
3. Flip the chicken over and open it like a book. Press down firmly on the breastbone with the heel of your hand until you hear a crack and the chicken lies flat. Pat the entire chicken dry with paper towels for extra crispy skin.
4. Generously coat the entire chicken with the butter and spice mixture. Be sure to get it into every nook and cranny, and if you’re feeling adventurous, loosen the skin over the breasts and thighs to rub some of the mixture directly on the meat.
5. Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side up. Close the lid and cook for 20-25 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken and grill for another 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crisp and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Facts (per serving)
• Calories: 532
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 0.5g
Pro Tips
• For the most flavorful results, gently separate the skin from the breast and thigh meat and rub a portion of the butter mixture directly onto the meat before coating the skin.
• A reliable instant-read meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe and juicy 165°F (74°C) without overcooking it.
• Use heavy-duty kitchen shears instead of a knife to remove the backbone. It’s much safer, faster, and easier to cut through the small bones.
• Resting the chicken after grilling is non-negotiable. Skipping this step will result in a dry bird, as all the delicious juices will run out onto your cutting board instead of staying in the meat.
