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Oven Roasted Spatchcock Chicken with Lemon and Herbs

Close-up of a beautifully roasted spatchcock chicken with golden-brown, herb-crusted, crispy skin.
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Roast a whole chicken using the spatchcock method for juicy meat and extremely crispy skin. This recipe cooks faster than traditional roasting, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple holiday centerpiece.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Locate the backbone running down the center of the chicken.
  3. Using strong kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it completely. Discard the backbone or save it for stock.
  4. Flip the chicken over so it is breast-side up. Press down firmly on the center of the breastbone until you hear a crack and the chicken lies flat.
  5. Tuck the wing tips under the breast.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible.
  8. Place the lemon halves cut-side up inside the cavity opening.
  9. Place the flattened chicken on the wire rack on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
  11. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on the rack for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • If you are using a grill instead of an oven, set up for indirect heat at 375°F (190°C) and grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • For extra crispy skin, you can place the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator uncovered for several hours or overnight before roasting.
  • This method is the secret to a fast whole chicken recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/spatchcock-chicken-oven-roasted-lemon-herb/