Elevate your BBQ game with this mouthwatering Smoky BBQ Spatchcocked Whole Chicken. The chicken is expertly spatchcocked, allowing for even cooking and a crispy, flavorful skin. Marinated in a smoky BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any outdoor gathering.
Course Poultry
Cuisine American
Prep Time 1 hourhour35 minutesminutes
Cook Time 1 hourhour
Servings 4
Author N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN
Ingredients
1whole chicken4-5 pounds
1cupsmoky BBQ sauce
1/4cupolive oil
2tablespoonssmoked paprika
2tablespoonsbrown sugar
1tablespoongarlic powder
1tablespoononion powder
1teaspooncayenne pepperadjust to taste
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Place the whole chicken breast-side down on a cutting board.
Use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it.
Flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it (spatchcock).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Marinate:
In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Place the spatchcocked chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a large dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it's coated well.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F / 190°C to 204°C).
Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for about 20-30 minutes until the skin is crispy and nicely charred.
Carefully flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite BBQ sides.
Notes
For a smokier flavor, consider using wood chips or chunks on the grill.
Cooking times may vary based on grill type and size of the chicken.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
This Smoky BBQ Spatchcocked Whole Chicken is a fantastic choice for BBQ enthusiasts and outdoor gatherings. The spatchcocking technique ensures even cooking, and the smoky BBQ marinade adds irresistible flavor. Get ready to impress your guests with this grilled masterpiece!