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Home » Dinner » Spatchcock Chicken

Published: May 13, 2020 Last Modified: May 13, 2020 By Sara 22 Comments

Spatchcock Chicken

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This spatchcock chicken is tender, juicy and cooks quickly, the perfect easy dinner!

This spatchcock chicken is flattened for uniform cooking, then flavored with garlic and herb butter and roasted to golden brown perfection. A spatchcocked chicken cooks significantly faster than a traditional roast chicken, and comes out tender and juicy every time!

Roasted chicken is a comfort food classic that never goes out of style. There are so many different ways to roast a chicken, from rotisserie style chicken to a slow cooker chicken. This spatchcock chicken is one of my all time favorite methods to prepare a whole bird!

This spatchcock chicken is tender, juicy and cooks quickly, the perfect easy dinner! This spatchcock chicken is tender, juicy and cooks quickly, the perfect easy dinner!

A spatchcock chicken on a bed of herbs and lemon.

If you’re never had a spatchcock chicken, you’re missing out. It’s a delicious dish that’s cooked in less time, yet is still packed with flavor. Serve your chicken with a variety of side dishes, and watch then rave reviews come in.

How to make spatchcock chicken

Spatchcocking a chicken is surprisingly easy and worth the effort. Simply place the bird on its breast and locate the spine. On either side of the backbone cut down the length of the spine using poultry shears or a good set of kitchen shears. You want to cut through the ribs close to the spine. Cut all the way down the length of the spine on both sides until you can remove the backbone from the chicken.

With the backbone removed, find the cartilage over the top of the breastbone on the inside of the bird where the two breasts join together near the neck. Use a knife to cut into that cartilage to release the breastbone and allow the chicken to lay flat when you turn it over. Finally, tuck the wings under the rib cage to protect them as they cook.

I recommend brining your chicken before you spatchcock it. Coat your chicken in garlic and herb butter, then bake it until golden brown and cooked through.

A chicken in a pot of brine.

Tips for the perfect spatchcock chicken

  • If you get stuck cutting the backbone out, try cutting a little closer or farther from the backbone until you make progress.
  • You may need to snip some bones using just the tip of the scissors.
  • I like to start cutting from the neck end of the bird. However, if you get stuck, try snipping from the tail end of the chicken and have the cuts meet in the middle.
  • I prefer to use an organic chicken as I think they have a better flavor.
  • You can prepare the butter mixture up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure to soften the butter before you spread it onto the chicken.
  • I recommend letting the chicken sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before you apply the butter. If you put the butter on a really cold chicken, the butter will harden and it will be more difficult to get even coverage.

A chicken laid out flat on a sheet pan.

Do you have to brine a chicken?

You do not have to brine a chicken, but I highly recommend taking the time to do it. Chicken is a naturally lean meat which mean it’s more likely to dry out. When a chicken is placed into brine, it absorbs some of the brine which helps to both keep it moist during cooking, and also to season it all the way through.

When you’re working with a brined chicken, even if you overcook it a bit, it should still come out tender and juicy. I’ve included my favorite chicken brine in the recipe card below. If you choose to brine your chicken, be sure to reduce the amount of salt your seasoned butter so that your final product is not overly salted.

A flattened chicken coated in garlic and herb butter.

Spatchcock Chicken Flavor Variations

While this is a traditional chicken with garlic and herb flavors, you can add other ingredients to the mix to customize your chicken to your tastes.

  • Mexican: Omit the thyme and rosemary. Add 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/4 teaspoon coriander to the butter.
  • Cajun: Add 2-3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the garlic and herb butter.
  • Moroccan: Leave out the thyme and rosemary from the butter mixture. Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon coriander and 1/4 teaspoon turmeric.

How do you know when chicken is done?

The easiest way to tell when your chicken is done is to use a thermometer. A chicken is safe to eat when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken thigh reads 165 degrees F. I use an electronic probe thermometer which I insert into the chicken at the beginning of the cook time, and I monitor the progress throughout so that I know when to pull my chicken out of the oven. I also make sure to check the temperature of the chicken breast, which should also register at least 165 degrees F.

A carved spatchcock chicken on a serving plate.

This spatchcock chicken is on my regular dinner rotation. Serve it with mashed potatoes and a vegetable such as brussels sprouts or asparagus for a complete meal. Your family will thank you!

More chicken recipes you’ll enjoy

  • Cornflake Chicken
  • Moroccan Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
  • Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken
  • Baked Chicken Wings

Spatchcock Chicken Video

A spatchcock chicken on a bed of herbs and lemon.
Print Pin
5 from 20 votes

Spatchcock Chicken

This spatchcock chicken is flattened for uniform cooking, then flavored with garlic and herb butter and roasted to golden brown perfection. A spatchcocked chicken cooks faster than a traditional roast chicken, and comes out tender and juicy every time!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Brining Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 322kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 5 pound chicken giblets removed
  • 1 recipe chicken brine optional but highly recommended
  • 6 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt use 1 teaspoon if you're not brining your chicken
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley leaves minced

Instructions

  • Prepare the chicken brine according to recipe directions. Brine for 8 hours.
  • Remove the chicken from the brine. Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat it dry.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Spatchcock the chicken by removing the backbone with poultry shears or kitchen shears. With the backbone removed, cut the cartilage over the breastbone on the inside of the bird where the two breasts join together near the neck. Cut the cartilage to release the breastbone and allow the chicken to lay flat when you turn it over. Finally, tuck the wings under the rib cage to protect them as they cook.
  • Make a butter rub by mixing softened butter with salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary and parsley.
  • Generously coat the outside of the chicken with the butter mixture. Loosen the skin of the chicken and rub some of the butter mixture under the skin.
  • Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (breast or thigh). Bake for 40 minutes or until a thermometer registers 165 degrees F in both the thigh and the breast.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then carve and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 252mg | Sodium: 622mg | Potassium: 721mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 417IU | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 3mg
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    Comments

    1. Traci says

      February 6, 2022 at 3:26 pm

      5 stars
      My husband who is the hardest person to please loves this chicken! Thank you so much!!!🥳

      Reply
    2. Lise says

      November 18, 2021 at 9:49 am

      Hello. Your Spatchcock Chicken recipe looks delicious.. just wondering if I can brine the chicken after I spatchcock it
      Thanks
      Lise

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 18, 2021 at 1:04 pm

        Yes here is my chicken brine recipe! https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/chicken-brine-recipe/

        Reply
    3. Sarah says

      November 6, 2021 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      Making this for the second time tonight. My two young boys and husband loved it! So easy and very flavorful. My youngest son said it is the best roast chicken he’s had, way better than Costco lol. I’ll take it!

      Reply
    4. Natalie says

      March 1, 2021 at 6:40 pm

      Delicious! I made this tonight and my husband loved it. I didn’t brine the chicken as I didn’t have time and I substituted Italian seasoning for the fresh herbs because I didn’t have any on hand. I cooked the chicken about 12 minutes longer than recommended. Perfection! My first time spatchcock-ing a chicken.

      Reply
    5. Tana says

      January 18, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      Sooo good!! Much easier to cut the chicken than I anticipated & the flavor of the butter & spices is amazing!!

      Reply
    6. Eric says

      January 18, 2021 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect! Everyone loved it! Nice and moist.
      I got tied up in meetings and had a whole chicken and only an hour to get it done. You saved the day. I found that there were still some fresh herbs out back which survived under the snow. Followed the recipe exactly except I happened to have sage instead of thyme. Delicious!

      Reply
    7. Carla says

      October 26, 2020 at 6:12 am

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner last night and it was excellent! My boyfriend said it was the best chicken he’d ever had!! Love spatchcock chicken and the brine was awesome!

      Reply
    8. Karey says

      July 30, 2020 at 8:00 pm

      5 stars
      This chicken came out so moist and delicious!

      Reply
    9. Marti Lyle says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:04 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first brined chicken and my first spatchcock chicken. My husband will normally not eat white meat because he complains it is too dry. He could not believe how moist and juicy the white meat was. This had an amazing flavor too. A keeper that I will add to the rotation for sure.

      Thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
    10. Beth says

      May 22, 2020 at 1:06 pm

      5 stars
      There is nothing better than a simple, tender roasting hen! I’ve never tried to spatchcock one before though. Can’t wait to give it a try!

      Reply
    11. jordan says

      May 22, 2020 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was SO helpful for making my first spatchcook chicken!

      Reply
    12. Alina | Cooking Journey Blog says

      May 22, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      Such a lovely crust on the chicken. Just a mix of veggies on the side and this is just perfect for dinner!

      Reply
    13. Leslie says

      May 22, 2020 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      I have never had spatchcock chicken and it looks like I’m missing out! I love that you can prepare this in less time!

      Reply
    14. Dannii says

      May 22, 2020 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      This was a really helpful post. I am going to give it a go next week.

      Reply
    15. Pam says

      May 22, 2020 at 7:26 am

      5 stars
      I have been wanting to try this. With your detailed instructions I’m ready. And, I love all of the flavor variations. There is nothing like a good diverse recipe.

      Reply
    16. Elaine says

      May 21, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      The closeup shots make me want to run to the kitchen – that’s how juicy and yummy this chicken looks. I think I am hungry now 🙂

      Reply
    17. Jen says

      May 21, 2020 at 12:03 pm

      5 stars
      The photos alone inspired me. Great recipe and not as hard as you might think.

      Reply
    18. Renee | The Good Hearted Woman says

      May 21, 2020 at 11:33 am

      5 stars
      First off, Sara, no matter how you prepare it, your chicken always looks amazing! I’ve got a chicken in the freezer right now just waiting to be roasted, and I’m looking forward to trying out this method out!

      Reply
    19. Luci says

      May 21, 2020 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      I had been needing a new chicken dinner recipe and this one is by far the best! The chicken cooked so well and had wonderful flavor. It was a hit in my home!

      Reply
    20. Angela says

      May 21, 2020 at 10:59 am

      5 stars
      I have always wanted to make a spatchcock chicken and you have definitely inspired me! This recipe is fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
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