Spatchcock BBQ Chicken
Tongue twister for you: Try saying spatchcock chicken 3 times well tonight that’s what we’re having on the barbie! The spatchcock (aka butterflying) is a technique of splitting, then flattening a chicken making it perfect to BBQ. This recipe will give you a reason to buy that 3-pack of whole chickens from Costco. My aunt gave me the rub recipe which has become a staple in our house! (Thank you Zia Angie!)
Spatchcock BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 tbsps paprika
- 2 tbsps cayenne powder
- 2 tbsps salt
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp crushed chilies
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat only half of the BBQ and oil the side of the grill that is off.
- Mix all your spices in container with a lit (or a mason jar) and set aside.
- Get ready to remove the backbone! In my case, hubby takes over for this part! Confront the bird. Place it breast side down on a large cutting board. Starting at the thigh end, cut along one side of backbone with kitchen shears, and repeat with other side to fully remove the back bone. Freeze the backbone in a ziplock and save it for when you make chicken stock #NoWaste
- Flip chicken over breast side up and spread it flat. Press firmly on the breastbone to flatten the chicken (you will hear a little crack ) Trim any excess saggy skin near the thigh area.
- Sprinkle about 2-3 tbsps of the spice rub all over the chicken, on both sides. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Drizzle a bit of EVOO on the breast side and spread it with the back of a spoon. Don’t worry if you make a little mess with the spices, I sure did but cleaned it for the gram p.s. you can use the rub on chicken thighs, chicken legs and ribs!
- Place the chicken on the side of the grill that is off, breast side down. Close the lid and cook for 45 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for 35-45 minutes longer with closed lid, or until a thermometer reads over 165F. Enjoy!
