Spatchcocking, also known as butterflying, is the technique of removing the backbone of a chicken with shears so that the body can be opened like a book and flattened. It shortens cooking time in the oven, but is even better for cooking chicken on a grill. It’s also a great method for cooking Cornish hens.
Marinating chicken, and basting it during grilling, will keep the meat moist and tender. To prevent the chicken from falling apart when you turn it on the grill, flatten the uncooked bird on a work surface, and slide a couple of skewers through it. Grill over moderately low heat to allow the skin to grow crisp without burning.
First published June 2016
Smoky Spatchcocked Chicken with Orange and Paprika
The marinade here includes sweet smoked paprika, but hot paprika can be used instead for a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- •One 1.6 to 1.8 kg (3½ to 4 pound) chicken
- •60 ml (¼ cup) hard cider or apple juice
- •60 ml (¼ cup) orange juice
- •60 ml (¼ cup) olive oil or vegetable oil
- •1 tablespoon sweet or mild smoked paprika
- •1 tablespoon orange honey or orange marmalade
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •2 bay leaves, optional
- •5 ml (1 teaspoon) salt
- •2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Place the chicken on a work surface and use kitchen shears to cut along either side of the backbone and remove it. Turn the chicken over, spread the chicken open like a book, and press down firmly on the breastbone until it cracks and flattens.
Re-shape the chicken so it is compact, and place it in a large heavy-duty sealable plastic bag. Add the cider or apple juice, orange juice, olive or vegetable oil, paprika, honey or marmalade, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag, and carefully (so that the bones don’t puncture the bag) turn the bag so that the contents mix and coat the chicken. Cover with a second bag or place in a bowl, and keep refrigerated or thoroughly chilled on ice until grilling, up to 24 hours.
Transfer the chicken to a work surface, reserving the marinade. Flatten the chicken again, skin side up. If metal or bamboo skewers are available, thread two through the chicken to keep it intact during cooking.
Prepare a medium-to-low wood or charcoal fire with a pan of water nearby in case of flare-ups from dripping fat. Place the chicken skin-side up on the grill, and cook until golden on the underside, about 15 minutes. Turn the chicken and continue to cook, brushing with the reserved marinade, for another 15 minutes. Keep the fire low enough that the chicken doesn’t burn. Continue to cook in this fashion until juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer reads 82°C (180° F) when inserted into the thickest portion of the thigh, 45 minutes to one hour total cooking time. Cut the chicken as desired, and serve.
