Mediterranean Spatchcock Chicken

This Mediterranean Spatchcock chicken is an all-time favorite recipe. The process of smoking a spatchcock chicken is so easy, yet always yields a delicious, juicy chicken. The marinade is light and citrusy, and pairs well with a ton of side dishes like rice, cucumber salad, tzatziki sauce, and grilled veggies. With the two part smoke n' sear, the chicken stays moist, yet finishes off with a nice crispy skin. It is sure to impress a crowd!

Instructions

1. 01

   Start by spatchcocking each chicken: remove the spine, snip the breastplate bone, and butterfly the chicken so it lays flat. In a measuring cup, whisk together all the marinade ingredients, then pour the mixture over the chicken. Massage the marinade both over and under the skin for maximum flavor. For best results, let the chicken marinate overnight, or at least for one hour before cooking.

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3. 02

   Set up your grill for a two-zone cook by placing coals on one side to create a direct cooking area, leaving the other side for indirect cooking. Preheat the grill to 300°F. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about an hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Place the whole chickens, bone side down, over the indirect side of the grill and add wood chunks to the coals to boost the smoky flavor.

4. 03

   Smoke the chickens over the indirect heat until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 145°F. Rotate the chickens as needed during smoking to ensure even cooking. Once they reach 145°F, move the chickens meat side down over the direct heat. If using a legacy grill, you can raise the coals closer to the chicken to help crisp the skin.

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6. 04

   Cook over direct heat until the breast reaches 160°F, then remove the chickens from the grill and allow them to rest. The internal temperature will continue to rise and reach 165°F during resting. Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

7. 05

   Carve the chicken by separating the breasts, wings, legs, and thighs. Serve alongside Mediterranean-inspired sides such as rice, cucumber salad, and tzatziki sauce. Enjoy tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned chicken in every bite!

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