Greek grilled spatchcock chicken
This Greek Grilled Spatchcock Chicken combines the traditional flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with a grilling technique that ensures even cooking and crispy skin. The chicken is marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken approximately 4 lbs
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika optional, for added color
Instructions
- Spatchcock the Chicken: Place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Using kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it. Flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme), salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the spatchcocked chicken in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring it's evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: Set up the grill for indirect cooking by heating one side to medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C) and leaving the other side unlit.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken skin-side up on the cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook for about 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Crisp the Skin: Move the chicken skin-side down over direct heat and grill for an additional 5-10 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.
Notes
- Marinating Time: For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. However, if time is limited, even 1 hour can impart significant flavor.
- Grill Setup: Utilizing indirect heat prevents the chicken from burning while ensuring it cooks evenly.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with traditional Greek sides like roasted potatoes, a fresh Greek salad, or grilled vegetables.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If a grill is unavailable, the chicken can be roasted in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).