Follow our step-by-step instructions below to prepare your spatchcock chicken for a delicious dinner. For more visual instructions, follow our video tutorial.
Place the whole roasting chicken on a cutting surface with the breast side down. Using a sharp pair of kitchen scissors, cut down the full length of one side of the backbone. Then cut down the full length of the other side of the backbone, removing the backbone completely. Set aside for making a jus.
Step 2: Press and Crack the Breastbone
You might notice that the chicken doesn’t quite lay flat yet at this point. The breastbone still needs to be broken. There are two options for breaking the breastbone.
You can place the chicken skin side up and press on the center with the palms of your hands until the breastbone breaks.
Or, you can use a sharp knife to cut the breastbone until the chicken lays flat.
Step 3: Spread the Chicken
Prepare your baking pan for roasting. We like to add some cooking oil on the bottom of a cast iron pan, then add sliced lemons, garlic cloves, and chopped onions. Place the chicken on top and arrange it to lay flat. Rub the skin of the chicken with cooking oil.
Step 4: Tuck the Wings
Tucking the wings is an optional step as is removing the wing tips, but one that is valuable for aesthetics and making the presentation look professional. Tuck the wings under the sides of the chicken to improve the appearance.
Step 5: Bake or Grill
Bake uncovered in a 400F degree oven for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F degrees.
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