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overhead image of a spatchcocked chicken on a plate with lemons around it.
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4.60 from 5 votes

Butterflied Roast Chicken (Spatchcocked Chicken)

Juicy butterflied roast chicken with crispy skin and tender meat. This cooking method ensures that the chicken cooks faster and evenly.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Poultry
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 429kcal
Author: Adina

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Kitchen shears
  • Chef’s knife
  • Baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken Notes 1, 3
  • 2 lemons
  • 4 tablespoons oil canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes Note 2
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt or Kosher
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Marinade: Mix lemon juice, oil, chili flakes, garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bow. Set it aside.
  • Butterfly the chicken: Place the bird breast-side down on a large cutting board with the neck cavity facing you.
    Cut out the backbone with the kitchen shears. Cut down along the sides of the spine through the ribs.
    Open the chicken’s body and flip it over with the breast side up.
    Place the palms over the breastbone and press firmly to break that bone; you will hear a crack.
  • Marinate the chicken: Dry the bird thoroughly (don’t wash it). Place a large piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Place the chicken on top, pour the marinade over it and rub it well to coat it with the marinade. Wrap the bird in the foil.
  • Refrigerate the chicken for 2 hours. Remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before roasting it to allow it to come to room temperature.
  • Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F.
  • Roast the chicken: Open the aluminum foil and crumple the sides around the bird. Roast the chicken until cooked through; the internal temperature measured with a meat thermometer should be 75°C/165°F (Amazon affiliate link). Don’t overcook it!
  • Cooking times:
  • Medium bird: 2-2 ½ kg/ 4 ½ - 5 ½ lbs - about 45-50 minutes at 220°C/425°F.
    Large bird: 3-3 ½ kg/ 6 ½ - 7.7 lbs - about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes at 220°C/425°F.
  • Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. The chicken can weigh between 2 – 3 ½ kg/ 4 ½ - 7.7 lb. The cooking time depends on the size.
  2. Cooking times:
    Medium bird: 2-2 ½ kg/ 4 ½ - 5 ½ lbs - about 45-50 minutes at 220°C/425°F.
    Large bird: 3-3 ½ kg/ 6 ½ - 7.7 lbs - about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes at 220°C/425°F. 
  3. This makes the marinade pretty hot; use fewer chili flakes for a less spicy chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 429kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 733mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 555IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg