Spatchcock Chicken (Crazy Easy)
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
405 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Spatchcock Chicken (Crazy Easy)
Description
Spatchcock Chicken (Crazy Easy) uses a simple garlic butter mixture combined with salt, pepper, and minced garlic to season a whole 4-pound chicken. Removing the backbone and flattening the bird help it cook evenly and faster in the oven. The butter mixture is spread over and under the skin of the breast, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful during roasting at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 50 minutes. Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain juices when cutting and serving. Fresh herbs added as a garnish bring a subtle herbal note.
The chicken develops a crispy skin from the direct high-heat roasting, contrasting with tender, juicy meat inside. Flattening the bird allows the breasts and legs to cook uniformly, avoiding dry breast meat common in whole roasting methods. This technique is practical for a straightforward roast chicken without complicated steps or marinades.
This roast chicken is ideal for a family dinner or meal prepping, providing rich garlic butter flavor with minimal active cooking time. Serving alongside simple sides complements its savory richness. Because the chicken is whole and spatchcocked, presentation can be rustic but satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter softened, unsalted
- 1 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper adjust to taste, ground
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 4 lb chicken whole
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs garnish
Instructions
- In a medium-size bowl, combine the softened butter with the salt, pepper, and garlic. Set aside.
- Flip the chicken breast-side down. Using kitchen scissors, cut out the backbone of the chicken. Next, make a shallow slice down the back of the breast bone (this will help the chicken "open up").
- Flip the chicken over and turn the legs inward. Using your hands, press the breasts down to lay the chicken flat (you might hear a slight crack and that's a good thing).
- Carefully pull the skin away from the meat around the breast area.
- Spread the butter mixture all over the chicken, reserving a bit to stuff underneath the skin.
- Place the chicken in a baking pan or cast-iron skillet. Bake the chicken at 450°F uncovered for about 50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 405 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 405kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 136mg | 45% |
| Sodium | 685mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 289mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 576IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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