Spatchcock Chicken (sometimes called butterflied chicken) is an easy way to make a whole roast chicken in no time at all!
It comes out uniformly cooked, tender and juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside.
Why We Love It
This Spatchcock Chicken recipe makes roasting a whole chicken a breeze and reduces cook time!
The chicken will roast evenly turns out incredibly juicy.
Spatchcock Chicken is so versatile! It can be marinated, rubbed with seasonings, or just sprinkled with salt & pepper depending on your preference! Add your favorite veggies to the pan for a complete meal.
What is Spatchcock Chicken?
By removing the backbone, the chicken can be turned over and laid flat (or butterflied). This helps it to cook evenly and reduces cook time. (It works well with turkey too, I make a 10lb spatchcock turkey in just over an hour).
Add veggies like carrots, potatoes, or onions and a handful of fresh herbs and then let everything roast together! It’s the best one-pan entrée!
How to Spatchcock a Chicken
It might seem complicated but it’s a super easy trick every cook should have up their sleeve.
- Remove neck and giblets from cavity of a whole chicken.
- Cut out backbone with a pair of poultry shears or a good pair of kitchen scissors (save bones, giblets, and neck for stock or broth or gravy).
- Turn bird over and gently press on breast bone until it cracks and chicken is flattened.
- Fold wings under bird and place on a rimmed baking sheet.
Ingredients/Variations
CHICKEN This recipe calls for a 4lb bird with the giblet and neck removed. If your chicken is a little bigger or smaller, adjust the cooking time slightly!
VEGGIES I only added potatoes to this recipe, but any and all veggies will taste great! Carrots, celery, green beans, or turnips can all be used!
SEASONING The chicken is rubbed with olive oil and chicken seasoning before being roasted. Feel free to mix up the spices to your liking, or add some heat!
How Long to Cook a Spatchcock Chicken
Spatchcocking a chicken is the best way to ensure that it will cook evenly, so roast for about 45 to 50 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 165°F.
Measure at the thickest part, away from any bones.
Tips for Making Spatchcock Chicken
- Once the chicken is spatchcocked, it can be coated with a marinade for up to two hours before roasting. It can also be rubbed with a seasoning mix on the inside and outside of the meat.
- This will help tender the meat and add a rich, savory flavor to it. Don’t forget to make gravy to pour over the chicken or side dishes. Keeping the skin on will protect the meat with a layer of fat while it’s roasting.
- Spatchcock chicken can also be shredded and added to sandwiches, wraps, and salads for other meals!
- For freezing, remove the meat from the bone and freeze in dated zippered bags.
Perfect Sides for Chicken
- Lemon Orzo – light & fresh
- Roasted Parmesan Asparagus – so easy to make
- Mushroom Barley Risotto – creamy & savory
- Homemade Garlic Bread – 10 minute cook time
- Baked Corn on the Cob – 2 ingredients
Did you try this Spatchcock Chicken? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Spatchcock Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4 lbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chicken seasoning or rub
- salt and pepper
Vegetables (optional)
- 2 ½ pounds chopped red or yellow potatoes or baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss potatoes with olive oil and seasonings.
- Remove neck and giblets from the cavity if they are included.
- Place chicken on a sturdy surface, breast side down so the backbone is facing up. Using poultry shears, cut along each side of the back bone to remove it completely (reserve the bone for broth or gravy if desired).
- Flip the chicken over so the breast side is up. Using your palms, press on the breast bone to flatten it. You should hear it crack as it flattens. Fold the wing tips under the chicken.
- Arrange on a large rimmed baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with seasoning. Arrange vegetables around the pan if using.
- Roast the chicken for 45-50 minutes or until it reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the oven and loosely tent with foil. Rest at least 15 minutes before carving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Chicken, Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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The best chicken I have ever eaten by far. I have eaten it cold great leftovers if it last lasts that long.
We love to hear that! So glad you enjoyed it.
This is the only spatchcock chicken I use. It is super simple, excellent flavors and free to add any veggies. Great, easy weekday meal. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you are enjoying this recipe, Mark! Thanks for sharing.
Hello I want to try this recipe. I cook for my elderly father, he’s a real good eater but is on a restricted diet. Is the nutrition information including the veggies or is it just the chicken?
Sandra, how nice for you to cook for your father. The nutrition estimate does include the vegetables and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Delicious,easy to do
I don’t care what time of year it is, this should always be on the menu. I know it would be such a big hit here. Thanks!
I couldn’t agree more Matt!