Spatchcock Chicken

This flavorsome spatchcock chicken seasoned with tarragon, paprika, black pepper, and lemon takes about half the time it takes to roast a whole bird.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 545 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 2 (3 1/2) pound whole chickens, wingtips removed
• 2 lemons, thinly sliced and seeded
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine salt, tarragon, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir in oil. Run your fingers under chicken skin and rub tarragon paste under skin. Slide lemon slices under skin, in a single layer.

Step 2

Roast until skin is crisp and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast reads 165 degrees F, about 35 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting each chicken into 8 pieces.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.

Step 4

Place chicken, breast side down, on a work surface. Starting at the tail end, cut along both sides of backbone with kitchen shears. Remove backbone.

Step 5

Grabbing hold of both sides of the chicken, open it like a book. Turn breast side up. Push down on each side of breast with your hands until you hear it crack. Flatten chicken and transfer to one short end of the prepared baking sheet. Repeat w ith the second chicken.