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How to Spatchcock a Chicken

Spatchcock Chicken is also known as butterflying - a technique of removing the backbone for a faster roasting time that results in juicy and flavorful chicken

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 461 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 3-4 pound whole chicken
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper divided
  • assorted vegetables plus olive oil, salt and pepper as needed
Garlic Herb Butter
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more to drizzle
  • 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 425˚F, and line a rimmed baking half sheet with parchment paper
  2. Prepare whole chicken by placing it breast side down. Use kitchen shears to cut through the ribs along the spine on both sides. Use a heavy knife to slightly cut into the sternum, then open rib cage, and pop out the breast bone to flatten the chicken. Season inside the chicken with half the salt and pepper.
  3. Flip the chicken over breast side up and set on the prepared rimmed baking half sheet. Use the palm of your hands to push firmly over the breast bone to allow chicken to flatten. Use your thumbs to pull the skin from the meat.
  4. In a small mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the garlic herb butter until smooth and well incorporated. Spoon the butter mixture under the chicken skin, and spread any remainder over the chicken.
  5. If you’re preparing vegetables with the chicken, place them around the chicken. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper.
  6. Bake uncovered until instant read thermometer reads 160˚F when inserted into thickest part of chicken breast, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven and rest uncovered for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

  • Recipe: This recipe was inspired by Natasha's Kitchen.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will last up to 4 days.
  • Substitutes: For best results, follow the recipe as is. However you can switch out the spices, herbs and vegetables based on your preferences.
  • * Please note the nutrition label does not include the vegetables.

Nutrition Information

Calories 461kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 37g (57%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Cholesterol 145mg (48%) Sodium 772mg (32%) Potassium 309mg (9%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 575IU (12%) Vitamin C 6mg (7%) Calcium 23mg (2%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 461

% Daily Value*

Calories 461kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 31g 62%
Fat 37g 57%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 145mg 48%
Sodium 772mg 32%
Potassium 309mg 7%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 575IU 12%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.