Roasted Spatchock Chicken with Smoky BBQ Sauce

Summer has arrived, and what better way to celebrate the joys of the warmer weather than with a dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season? Whether for a backyard cookout, a picnic in the park, or a weeknight dinner indoors, this summer chicken recipe is sure to become your latest crave. So get ready to tantalize your tastebuds with an irresistible Roasted Spatchcock Chicken, prepared with a decadent homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe.

This versatile grilled chicken recipe adapts effortlessly to the ever-changing whims of the warmer weather. On sunny days, fire up the bbq and grill the chicken to perfection, giving it that coveted smoky char. The result? Juicy, succulent chicken with crisped-to-perfect crisp, infused with the mouthwatering flavors of our homemade BBQ sauce. But if the weather takes an unexpected turn; this dish can also be easily prepared indoors by roasting it in the oven – as we’re doing today.

Roasted Spatchock Chicken with Smoky BBQ SaucePhoto byLiving the Gourmet

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 - 3 lb. chicken, spatchcocked

Rub for the Chicken:

• 2 tbs. vegetable oil
• 2 tsps. garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp. sugar
• Fresh grated nutmeg - about 1/4 tsp.
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 2 tbs. ketchup
• 2 tsps. Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 tbs. soy sauce
• 1 tsp. chili paste
• 1/2 tsp. sugar

Instructions

How to Spatchcock a Chicken: 

1. Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat dry.
2. Place the chicken breast-side down.  Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, position the chicken breast-side down. Remove the backbone by cutting down either side of the backbone, cutting up through the rib bones as you go. Remove any tiny bones you may feel. Open the chicken out and turn it over and flatten with your hand

For the Chicken & Sauce:

1. Combine the ingredients for the rub in a small bowl.
2. Pat the chicken down with paper towels thoroughly.
3. Rub the chicken with the rub mixture.
4. Place the chicken on the lined cast iron frying pan.
5. Combine all the ingredients for the BBQ Sauce in a small bowl and mix.
6. Make a second batch to serve with the cooked chicken.
7. This sauce also serves well as a dip for cut vegetable sticks and chips.
8. Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
9. Cook chicken for 30 – 35 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with the bbq sauce.
10. Place back in the oven and continue cooking for another 20 – 25 minutes.
11. Remove once more and brush again with the bbq sauce.
12. Place back in the oven and cook for another 10 – 15 minutes or until the internal temperature registers 160°F when checked with an instant read thermometer or the juices run clear from the thigh area.
13. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken.

**If you enjoyed today's recipe, visit Living the Gourmet for more delicious recipes your family will love!