In a small bowl whisk together the dry rub ingredients and set aside.
Be sure to have the chicken on a clean cutting surface breast side down. Starting at the neck area using kitchen scissors or poultry shears, cut along each side of the backbone towards the legs to remove it, cutting through the rib bones as you go. Discard the backbone or freeze for soup stock.
In the center area there will be a triangle of cartilage right where the breastbone starts. Using a sharp knife, cut down a quarter inch and spread the cut area open to reveal the breast bone. Flip the chicken over and press down. OR after removing the back bone, spread the chicken out and turn over. Flatten the breastbone using the heel of your hand so that the meat is butterflied and all one thickness.
Sprinkle the dry rub all over the chicken and using your hand rub into the skin to adhere. Set aside while you start up your oven, grill or smoker to heat 400°F.
Place the spatchcocked chicken rib bones down on and roasting sheet (oven) or the grill and cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 160°F.
I used hickory wood chips/pellets and baste with you favorite sauce every 20 minutes.
Remove chicken from grill/smoker and allow to rest 15 minutes, it will continue to cook and reach 165°F before cutting up into pieces or shredding.
Video
Notes
To grill using Indirect Heat: for gas grill do what's known as the 2 Zone set up, which is either half the grill is lit to achieve desired temperature and the meat is placed on opposite side, or have sides lit leaving the center NOT on or lowest temperature. To grill using indirect heat on a charcoal BBQ or smoker, ignite charcoal and place it to one side of the grill, creating a space for the food or the center with meat you’re cooking not directly over those lit coals. Typically use a drip pan under the meat to avoid any flareups.