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Spatchcock Chicken on the Grill

By Chef Michael

February 19, 2016

Prep Time

10 mins

Grill Time

1 hr

Total Time

1 hr 10 mins

Categories

Spatchcock Chicken has become our favorite way to grill chicken. Spatchcocking involves grilling the whole bird after cutting out the backbone and removing the breastplate.

Ingredients

Servings

1 large whole fresh chicken

4 T your favorite chicken seasoning blend

1T vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Cut backbone completely out of the bird.

Step 2

Cut up one side, cutting through the ribs close to the backbone and back down the other side. Kitchen shears work really well for this.

Step 3

Using a paring knife, Pop out the breastplate by cutting underneath it on both sides and lift to remove.

Step 4

Cut away any excess skin, wash clean and dry.

Step 5

Rub chicken with vegetable oil and season with seasoning blend

Step 6

My preference is low and slow. I like for the temperature to be 350F at the GrillGrate. Grilling time should be just over one hour.

Step 7

Final internal temperature at breast and thigh should be 165F with juices running clear.

Step 8

Preheat grill to 350F at the GrillGrate surface. Start grilling skin side down because GrillGrates protects so well and avoids grease fires, the skin will get golden brown and seared.

Step 9

After 10 minutes, lift and twist while the chicken is still skin down on the GrillGrate. Let cook for 10 more minutes and lift with the GrateTool and gently turn the bird over.

Step 10

Cook additional 10 minutes and reposition or twist the chicken again. Check internal temperature- once you reach 165F in the breast the chicken is ready. The thighs and legs can handle hotter temps and still be juicy.

Step 11

Remove chicken from grill to cutting board. Carve the breasts from the carcass. Remove the thighs and legs for serving.

Step 12

Check out this how to video done by our buddy Ken Hess of Big Bob Gibson BBQ

Grill Like A Pro

4 Reviews

  1. Gail Ashbourne on 07/10/2022 at 4:53 pm

    Do you cook the spatchcock chicken with hood down or open? Do you recommend indirect cooking? I have a Weber wth 5 grillgrates.

    • Emily Astin on 07/13/2022 at 8:36 am

      GRATE questions! 1) Cook with the hood down! 2) We cooked it over direct heat but you can definitely try indirect!

  2. Gail Ashbourne on 07/10/2022 at 4:53 pm

    Do you cook the spatchcock chicken with hood down or open? Do you recommend indirect cooking? I have a Weber wth 5 grillgrates.

    • Emily Astin on 07/13/2022 at 8:36 am

      GRATE questions! 1) Cook with the hood down! 2) We cooked it over direct heat but you can definitely try indirect!

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