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–+ servings
A whole smoked spatchcock chicken glazed with barbecue sauce on a white plate with a red gingham towel.
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Smoked Spatchcock Chicken

Smoked Spatchcock Chicken delivers crisp, smoky skin and juicy meat from a simple whole chicken that cooks flat, fast, and evenly on your smoker or pellet grill.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword smoked spatchcock chicken
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 425kcal
Author Jason Decker

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken breast side down. Using kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it. Turn the chicken breast side up, then press firmly on the center of the breastbone until the bird lies flat.
  • Pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels, do not rinse it. Rub the skin and underside with oil. Combine the salt and black pepper, then season the chicken evenly, including under any loose skin.
  • Add the pellets or wood and heat the smoker to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the chicken skin side up with the legs pointing toward the hotter part of the smoker. Tuck the wing tips behind the breasts to prevent burning.
  • Cook with the lid closed until the breast and innermost thigh each reach at least 165 degrees, typically 45 minutes to 1 hour. Begin checking after 30 minutes, cooking time varies by bird size, weather, and smoker. Transfer the chicken to a board and rest for 10 to 15 minutes, then separate the leg quarters, remove the wings, and slice the breasts across the grain.

Notes

Check doneness with a thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost thigh without touching bone, both should reach at least 165 degrees.
For a sauced finish, brush on barbecue sauce only during the last 15 to 30 minutes so its sugars do not burn.
Mild woods like apple, cherry, and pecan give a sweeter smoke, while hickory brings a bolder flavor.
Keep the chicken refrigerated until preparation and avoid cross contamination from raw poultry.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and enjoy within 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal