If you’re looking for an easier way to cook chicken on your Traeger, try spatchcocking it. This method flattens the chicken so it cooks evenly, resulting in juicy, tender meat every time.
The first time you spatchcock a chicken might feel a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. This works great for weeknight dinners, Sunday roasts, or anytime you’re cooking for family and friends at a cookout.
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Easy Traeger Spatchcock Chicken
You are sure to fall in love with this Treager recipe once you try the tender, flavor-packed, and juicy chicken. Spatchcock chicken cooks faster than a whole bird, which means less time at the grill and more time with your guests.
The flattened shape also helps the smoke penetrate the meat more evenly, so you get better flavor throughout. Plus, this recipe makes enough for leftovers that you can use for sandwiches, salads, or quick meals throughout the week.
What You’ll Need to Cook Traeger Spatchcock Chicken
- Whole Chicken
- Chicken Rub
- Olive Oil
- BBQ Sauce
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
What Is Spatchcock Chicken?
Spatchcock is simply a word to describe a method of “butterflying” your chicken. This is done so it can lay flat on the grill, allowing all of the meat to be closer to your source of heat, which means the bird gets cooked evenly. Hence, you can rest assured that you won’t have any more overdone legs and wings while the chicken breast meat is already done.
How to Make Traeger Spatchcock Chicken
Step 1: Spatchcock the Chicken
Spatchcocking a chicken is very easy. All you need to do this is a good pair of kitchen scissors. First, lay your chicken flat with the breast down and legs facing you.
Spatchcocking means removing the backbone. To do this, you will be cutting through rib bones which is why your scissors will need to be sharp. Next, flip the bird over and press down until it lays flat. That’s it. You’re all done!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Now you can start seasoning the spatchcocked chicken. To do this, brush the chicken with olive oil and season it on both sides with your chicken rub, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Don’t forget to season the underside, and most importantly, don’t be shy with your spices. You have a lot of meat to get flavor into!
Step 3: Smoke It Up!
Next, prep your smoker by preheating it to 375°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Place your chicken directly on the grill grates, breast side up. Close the lid and cook for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160℉.
When the chicken is almost done cooking, brush it with your BBQ Sauce and cook for about 2 minutes more until the glaze is set.
What Internal Temperature Do You Need to Reach for Spatchcock Chicken?
To be considered safe, the chicken must reach 160°F. If you don’t already own a good meat thermometer, it is highly recommended that you invest in one. To accurately check the internal meat temperature, insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the chicken breast and thigh, avoiding the bone.
How Long to Smoke Spatchcock Chicken For?
Your spatchcock chicken should smoke for 35-40 minutes to reach its ideal internal meat temperature. However, many factors, such as differences in chicken size, could affect this time. Always check the meat’s internal temperature to 160°F before pulling it out of the smoker to ensure doneness.
Tips for Getting Crispy Skin on a Spatchcock Chicken
You can do a couple of things to ensure you consistently achieve a finished product with golden, brown, crispy skin.
- You can add a butter or oil baste on top of the chicken skin to help it crisp.
- Increase the smoker temperature to 450°F for the last 15 minutes of cooking to give the chicken a final blast of heat, helping crisp the skin.
How to Store Leftover Spatchcock Chicken
We can’t guarantee that you’ll be lucky enough to have leftovers. However, if you do, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
If you choose to freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then place individual pieces in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from these bags before closing the zippers.
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🍽️ Sides to Serve with Chicken
Smoked Corn Bread
Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
Smoked Sweet Potatoes Pit Boss
Smoked Broccoli
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Smoked Garlic Bread
Traeger Spatchcock Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Traeger
Ingredients
- Whole Chicken
- Chicken Rub
- Olive Oil
- BBQ Sauce
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
Instructions
Step 1 : Spatchcock The Chicken
- Spatchcocking a chicken is very easy and you will need to do this is a good pair of kitchen scissors.
- Firstly, lay your chicken on a flat surface with the breast down and legs facing you. Spatchcocking means removing the backbone, and to do this, you will be cutting through rib bones which is why your scissors will need to be sharp.
- Next, flip the bird over and press down until it lays flat and that’s it. You’re all done!
Step 2: Season The Chicken
- Now you can start seasoning the spatchcocked chicken.
- To do this, brush the chicken with olive oil and season on both sides with your chicken rub, onion powder and garlic powder.
- Don’t forget to season the underside, and most importantly, don’t be shy with your spices. You have a lot of meat to get flavor into!
Step 3: Smoke It Up!
- Next, prep your smoker by preheating it to 375°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes,
- Place your chicken directly on the grill grates with the breast side facing up.
- Close the lid and cook for about 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160℉.
- When the chicken is almost done cooking, brush it with your BBQ Sauce and cook for about 2 minutes more, until the glaze is set.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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