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lemon garlic spatchcocked chicken on cutting board
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Lemon and Garlic Spatchcocked Chicken

This method of cooking chicken entails removing the backbone and flattening the chicken.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, garlic, lemon, spatchcock, whole chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 535kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 whole (3-pound) fryer chicken
  • 2 medium lemons, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Place the chicken breast-side down on a clean workspace with the legs facing towards you.
  • Starting at the thigh, cut along one side of the backbone with kitchen shears. Turn the chicken around and then cut along the other side of the backbone. Discard the backbone or save it and use it for homemade stock. Flip the chicken over so the skin side is facing up. Use the palm of your hand to press down and flatten the chicken.
  • Arrange the lemons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the chicken skin side up on the baking sheet on top of the lemons.
  • Gently use your fingers to separate the chicken meat and the chicken skin, being careful not to tear it. Slip the chunks of butter under the skin.
  • Rub the skin with the olive oil and garlic then season with salt and pepper.
  • Roast the chicken until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the temperature of the thickest part of meat is 165ºF (74ºC), about 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 535kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 717mg | Potassium: 448mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 542IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg