Description
This Lemon Garlic Spatchcock Chicken is a simple, flavorful roast chicken dish that delivers juicy meat and crispy, golden skin. The chicken is flattened by removing the backbone, allowing for even cooking, and roasted atop fresh lemon slices and garlic bulbs that infuse the meat with bright citrus and aromatic garlic flavors. Perfect for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (approx 4-5 pounds)
Flavorings
- 3 lemons, sliced
- 2 garlic bulbs, cut in half horizontally
Fat & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee (melted) or olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
- Spatchcock the chicken: Place the whole chicken breast side down on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along one side of the backbone starting at the neck, then cut along the other side of the backbone to remove it completely. Discard or save the backbone for stock.
- Flatten the chicken: Flip the chicken over and press down firmly but gently on the breastbone until the bird lies flat, ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare the pan: Add the lemon slices and halved garlic bulbs to a large cast iron pan, spreading them evenly to create a fragrant bed for the chicken.
- Place the chicken: Lay the flattened chicken on top of the lemon and garlic in the pan, breast side up.
- Coat with butter and season: Drizzle the melted butter or olive oil all over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Roast the chicken: Put the pan in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before carving. Serve the chicken with the roasted lemon and garlic for extra flavor.
Notes
- This method produces a juicy interior and crispy skin, making it ideal for a flavorful weeknight meal.
- Using a cast iron pan helps to evenly roast the chicken and develop a crispy crust.
- You can save the chicken backbone for making homemade stock or broth.
- Adjust seasoning as per your taste preference; adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the aroma further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 185 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 158 mg
