Description
This Lemon Garlic Spatchcock Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring a whole chicken flattened for even roasting. The zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, combined with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme, create a perfectly juicy and crispy chicken ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4-5 pound whole chicken
- salt and pepper to taste
Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Additional lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Spatchcock the chicken by removing the backbone with kitchen shears or a sharp knife, then press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten the chicken evenly.
- Season: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously all over with salt and pepper.
- Make herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, chopped parsley, rosemary, and thyme until well blended.
- Apply butter mixture: Rub the herb and garlic butter mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible for extra flavor and moisture.
- Roast the chicken: Place the chicken breast-side up on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs, then carve and serve warm.
Notes
- Spatchcocking the chicken ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs may be used but reduce quantity to half.
- Allow the chicken to rest after roasting for juicy meat.
- Butter under the skin helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 384 kcal
- Sugar: 0.04 g
- Sodium: 104 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 129 mg
