Go Back
+ servings
Spatchcock Chicken

Crispy Spatchcock Chicken: Easy Recipe for Juicy Flavor

This spatchcock chicken recipe guarantees juicy meat and crispy skin, perfect for dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pounds Whole Chicken Choose a small to average-sized bird for the best outcome in texture and flavor.
  • 1.25 tsp Salt Kosher salt is recommended for precision.
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper Consider using freshly cracked pepper for a more pronounced taste.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves Chopped; substitute with ⅓ of dried thyme if unavailable.
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder Swap with fresh minced garlic for bolder flavor.
  • 0.25 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika can elevate the dish further.
For Moisture and Flavor
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Regular cooking olive oil works beautifully.
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter Feel free to omit for a lighter dish or use more olive oil as a substitute.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Sharp Kitchen Shears
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spatchcock Chicken
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and pat the whole chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut along each side of the chicken’s backbone to remove it entirely.
  3. Gently separate the skin from the meat using your fingers and rub the spice mixture under the skin and on the surface of the chicken.
  4. Transfer the seasoned chicken to a lined baking sheet, breast-side up, and tuck the wings underneath.
  5. Brush the surface of the chicken with olive oil and allow to rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  6. Roast the chicken at 450°F (232°C) for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and continue roasting.
  7. Once roasted, allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 32gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before seasoning for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F internally for perfect results.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!