How Long Should You Cook a Spatchcock Chicken? The Complete Guide

Spatchcock chicken also known as butterfly chicken, is a culinary technique that involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird to allow it to cook quickly and evenly. With the rise in popularity of spatchcocking many home cooks wonder exactly how long to cook a spatchcock chicken to achieve the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. In this complete guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know to master spatchcock chicken cook times.

What is Spatchcock Chicken?

Spatchcocking, originally called spitchcocking, is a classic technique that originated in Ireland and England. It involves removing the backbone of a whole chicken and flattening or butterflying it open This allows the chicken to lie flat in a single layer, promoting even and quick cooking.

The benefits of spatchcocking chicken are:

• Cooks faster – With the bird laid flat, the meat is closer to the surface and exposed to more heat. This significantly reduces cooking time.

• Browns evenly – The flattened shape allows all sides of the chicken to brown and crisp up evenly in the oven. No single area is left undercooked.

• Juicy and tender meat – Fast cooking from being flattened keeps the meat incredibly moist and tender.

• Easier to carve – With the backbone removed, the chicken is easier to carve into perfect portions.

• Versatile cooking methods – Spatchcock chicken can be grilled, roasted, or smoked with ease.

How Long to Cook Spatchcock Chicken

The exact spatchcock chicken cook time can vary slightly depending on a few factors:

1. Oven Temperature

• Higher oven temp (400°F-450°F): 30-45 minutes
• Moderate oven temp (350°F): 45-60 minutes
• Lower oven temp (300°F-325°F): 60-75 minutes

Cooking at a higher temperature helps crisp up the skin faster while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside. Lower oven temperatures result in slower cooking and are great for larger birds or when you want very gentle, even cooking.

2. Chicken Size

• Small chicken (3-4 lbs): 30-50 minutes
• Average chicken (4-5 lbs): 45-60 minutes
• Large chicken (5-6 lbs): 60-75 minutes

Larger chickens will naturally take longer to cook through to the center while reaching the desired browned exterior.

3. Convection vs Non-Convection Oven

Convection ovens use fans to circulate hot air and can decrease cooking time by about 5-15 minutes. Keep this in mind when following standard cook times.

4. Grilling

If grilling your spatchcock chicken over indirect heat, it will take approximately 60-90 minutes depending on thickness. Chicken thighs often take longer than breasts to cook through.

5. Doneness Preference

Cook chicken to at least 165°F internal temperature as measured by a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the bird. For a more well-done chicken or extra crispy skin, cook for a longer amount of time or higher temperature.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Spatchcock Chicken

• Dry brine chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking for extra juicy, seasoned meat. Simply coat all over with kosher salt.

• Leave the skin on for the best texture and flavor. Crisp skin is one of the best parts of spatchcock chicken!

• Preheat your oven fully before cooking. Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate temp.

• Roast the chicken on a wire rack set inside a sheet pan to allow airflow underneath.

• Rub skin with oil or butter before seasoning to help seasonings adhere.

• Flip chicken over halfway during cooking to ensure even browning.

• Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to confirm your spatchcock chicken is cooked through is to use an instant-read thermometer. Check in a few spots, avoiding bones, to ensure the meat has reached 165°F throughout. Signs your chicken is done include:

• Clear, golden juices (not pink)
• Meat pulling away from bones
• Thighs and breasts feel firm to the touch
• Skin is deeply browned and crispy

If the thighs or breasts still feel undercooked, return to the oven for 5-10 more minutes.

Sample Spatchcock Chicken Cooking Times

To give you a better idea of approximate cook times, here are some examples for common scenarios:

• 4 lb chicken at 400°F in a non-convection oven: About 55 minutes
• 5 lb chicken at 375°F in a convection oven: About 50 minutes
• 3.5 lb chicken at 450°F in a convection oven: 30-40 minutes
• 6 lb chicken at 300°F in a non-convection oven: Around 75 minutes
• Grilled 4.5 lb spatchcock chicken over indirect medium heat: Roughly 75-90 minutes depending on thickness

The exact time can vary, so I recommend using a meat thermometer and the visual doneness indicators to determine when your specific chicken is cooked through. Start checking temperature about 10-15 minutes before the estimated cook time.

Cooking spatchcock chicken delivers tender, juicy meat and beautifully crisp skin every time when you follow the proper technique. Understanding approximate cook times based on size, oven temp, and doneness preferences helps ensure roasted chicken perfection. With a good meat thermometer and occasional flipping, you can master oven-roasted spatchcock chicken worthy of any home chef. Crispy, savory spatchcock chicken makes for an easy, flavorful meal to please all palates. Give this simple butterflying method a try for your next whole chicken and enjoy the quick cook time and mouthwatering results.

Both 350°F and 400°F can be suitable for roasting chicken, but the best temperature depends on the desired outcome. 350°F is better for ensuring even cooking and retaining moisture, especially for larger pieces like whole chickens. Recipes suggest that a lower temperature results in a more tender and juicy chicken.