Grilled Spatchcock Chicken is moist and juicy, seasoned with a salty and spicy dry rub that crisps up the skin for an abundance of flavor and texture. Spatchcocking cuts down on the cooking time so you can spend less time at the grill, and more time at the table!

Spatchcocking is a quick, simple way to flatten a whole chicken or turkey before cooking. With a spatchcocked chicken, you get an even thickness that allows for faster grilling and even heat distribution throughout. 

With this method, it’s also easy to trim excess fat and meat as you go. These trimmings, along with the backbone removed during the process, are fantastic for freezing and using later to make soup stock. It’s very frugal and cost-effective!

My spatchcock chicken recipe includes a step-by-step guide, including a how-to video (see below in recipe card), on how to flatten and grill a juicy, moist whole chicken with a crisp and flavorful skin. 

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For this recipe, I use a basic dry rub of salt, pepper, paprika, and a couple of other spices and seasonings that’s perfect for grilling. I recommend serving with my Alabama White Sauce, a tangy mayo BBQ sauce with just a touch of heat. 

INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Whole Chicken – The grill timing and amount of dry rub ingredients in this recipe is based on a 4 lb chicken.
• Black Pepper & Salt – These no-brainer seasonings can be found in almost every dry rub. Black pepper adds an even, neutral spice. Salt, alternatively, is important for drawing out some of the moisture and helping the skin crisp up. 
• Sweet Paprika – Compared to smoked paprika, this variety is fruity and sweet. You could swap out the two, but using smoked paprika will add more heat to the rub.
• Garlic Powder – To impart a subtle, mild garlic flavor to the meat. Granulated garlic might make a good substitute, though it is coarser and has a stronger flavor.
• Celery Salt – A peppery, grassy seasoning. Celery seed is an appropriate substitute — just compensate with additional salt.
• Cumin & Coriander – Cumin is warm and earthy, while coriander is fresh and citrusy. The two are often paired and balance each other nicely.

HOW TO GRILL SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN WITH INDIRECT HEAT

With a Gas Grill:  Create a “2 Zone” set up in one of two ways. You can light half the grill so that it reaches the desired temperature, laying the meat on the unlit side. Alternatively, you can light both sides of a grill while leaving the center unlit, placing the meat in the center where the temperature is lowest.

With a Charcoal BBQ or Smoker:  Light the charcoal. Similar to the directions above, move the charcoal either to one side of the grill or to both sides while making a space in the center that is unlit. Place the meat where it is not above any lit charcoal. Use a drip pan below the meat.

HOW TO MAKE SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN

1. Make the Rub. Combine all of the dry rub ingredients with a whisk and set aside.
2. Remove the Backbone. Lay the chicken on a flat surface, breast-side down. With a pair of kitchen scissors, begin cutting the bird at the neck: cut along both sides of the backbone toward the legs, cutting the rib bones during the process. Remove the backbone and press the chicken open.
3. Cut the Cartilage. Locate the triangular cartilage in the center where the breastbone starts. Carefully make a quarter inch cut downward. You can now flip the bird and fully flatten with your hands.
   
   Another Method: Instead of slicing the cartilage, you can spread the chicken open with your hands and flip it. Using the heel of your hand, press down and flatten the breast bone. This butterflies the meat and gives it an even thickness throughout.

4. Apply the Rub. Massage the dry rub into the spatchcocked chicken. Let sit while preheating your grill to 400°F.
5. Grill. Lay the whole spatchcocked chicken onto the grill, ribs down, and grill for up to 45 minutes until the meat’s internal temperature reaches 160°F. Every 20 minutes or so, baste with a sauce of your choosing. 
6. Let Cool & Serve. Remove from the heat and let cool for 15 minutes while the meat continues to cook, climbing up to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

What is the point of a spatchcocked chicken? 

When spatchcocking poultry, you remove the backbone and flatten the bird. This allows it to cook more quickly and evenly. It also helps the meat stay nice and juicy while developing a crisp outer layer in the process.

Can you roast a spatchcock chicken? 

Yes. Put the spatchcocked chicken into the oven at 450°F for 30-35 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the meat — once it reaches 160°F, remove from the oven and let rest for at least 15 minutes while the meat continues cooking up to 165°F.

How long does it take to grill spatchcock chicken? 

It takes 40-45 minutes of grill time, plus an additional 15 minutes for the meat to rest before slicing and serving.