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Ultimate Spatchcock Chicken: Juicy Meat and Crispy Skin Every Time

Close-up of perfectly cooked spatchcock chicken breast showing juicy white meat and crispy, dark-red seasoned skin.
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Learn the simple technique to spatchcock chicken for perfectly even cooking, resulting in incredibly juicy meat and golden, crispy skin. This oven roast method is a reliable way to prepare a whole chicken for any family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 lemon, halved

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken for spatchcocking: Place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Using strong kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone, removing it completely. Flip the chicken over and press firmly on the breastbone until it lies flat.
  2. Pat the chicken very dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary to create the herb butter rub.
  4. Rub the herb butter mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin over the breast meat. Place the lemon halves inside the cavity area.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. Place the spatchcock chicken skin-side up on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet.
  7. Roast for 50 to 70 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This resting period keeps the meat juicy.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, you can place the chicken under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • This method works well for grilling too; adjust cooking time based on grill temperature.
  • Serve this perfectly cooked chicken with roasted root vegetables on the same pan for a simple one pan spatchcock meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/spatchcock-chicken-lemon-garlic-herb-roast/