Tired of dry, boring chicken breasts? Yearning for a healthy and flavorful weeknight meal that's surprisingly quick to prepare? Then look no further! This spatchcock grilled chicken recipe is your answer. Spatchcocking, or butterflying, the chicken allows for even cooking and incredibly crispy skin, resulting in juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken every single time. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this simple yet impressive dish – perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue. This recipe offers delicious food recipes for healthy meals and is a great example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's the best of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Instructions:
Step 1: Spatchcock the Chicken
This is the key to perfectly cooked chicken! Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it completely. Flatten the chicken by pressing down on the breastbone until it lies flat. This ensures even cooking and reduces cooking time.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely and add them to the marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the spatchcocked chicken in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring both sides are coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Preheat Grill and Cook
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Place the chicken on the preheated grill grates, skin-side up. Grill for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. You may need to flip it halfway through to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- For extra crispy skin: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating and grilling.
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Give the chicken enough space to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken and the heat of your grill.
Variations:
- Spicy Spatchcock Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
- Lemon Herb Spatchcock Chicken: Increase the amount of lemon juice and add more fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- BBQ Spatchcock Chicken: Brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of grilling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of the chicken and added ingredients. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming a 4-serving recipe) would be:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This spatchcock grilled chicken recipe provides a quick and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a delightful balance of taste and ease. This is a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your collection of homemade cooking staples! Try it out and let us know what you think!