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Oven Roasted Spatchcock Chicken with Lemon Herb Rub

A whole, beautifully roasted spatchcock chicken with glossy, browned skin resting on a white plate.

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Make this spatchcock chicken for a fast, flavorful dinner. It yields juicy meat and perfectly crispy skin by roasting evenly in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 45 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Locate the backbone running down the center of the chicken.
  3. Using sturdy kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it completely. Discard the backbone or save it for stock.
  4. Flip the chicken over so it is breast-side up. Press down firmly on the center of the breastbone until you hear a crack and the chicken lies flat. This is spatchcocking.
  5. Tuck the wing tips under the body. Place the flattened chicken skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the herb rub.
  7. Rub the herb mixture evenly all over the chicken, getting some under the skin of the breast if possible.
  8. Place the lemon halves inside the cavity opening.
  9. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
  10. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • If you prefer grilling, cook over medium-high heat (about 375°F) for 30-40 minutes, turning once, until the internal temperature is reached.
  • For extra crispy skin, you can place the chicken under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • This method is a fast roast chicken technique that cooks faster than traditional roasting.

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