You looking for an easier way to cook your chicken? You have to try this Traeger spatchcock chicken method. It ensures you can an even cook with super juicy and tender chicken each and every time.
Make sure you follow my steps below, as the first time you spatchcock a chicken might a bit overwhelming however once you mastered it, you’ll be cooking chicken like a pro for every cookout!
Why You’ll Love This Traeger Spatchcock Chicken Recipe
You are sure to fall in love with this Treager recipe once you try the tender, flavor-packed, and juicy chicken.
Furthermore, this easy recipe will cut your cooking time and allow you more time to enjoy your whole smoked chicken and spend time with your guests!
Lastly, this recipe allows for leftovers that can be re-vamped into delicious dinners that you can use for dinner or lunch all week long!
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 with the breast side facing 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 Temperature to Cook Spatchcock Chicken At?
Your Spatchcock chicken should be smoked at a high temperature in your Traeger grill.
Hence, preheat and cook your chicken at a temperature of 375°F.
What Internal Temperature Do You Need to Reach for Spatchcock Chicken?
To be considered safe, the chicken meat must reach a temperature of 160°F. If you don’t already own a good meat thermometer, it is highly recommended that you invest in one.
To check the internal meat temperature accurately, insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the chicken breast and thigh without touching 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 the difference in the sizes of chickens, could affect this time. So always ensure that the meat’s internal temperature is 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.
1. You can add a butter or oil baste on top of the chicken skin to help crisp up the skin.
2. Increase the smoker’s temperature to 450°F for the last 15 minutes of cooking time to give the chicken one last blast of heat, which will help 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 before you freeze it and place individual pieces in freezer bags.
Remove as much air as you can from these bags before closing the zipper.
How to Use the Leftover Chicken?
The possibilities are endless when figuring out how to use leftover chicken.
You may cut up any leftover chicken and add it to a soup base for a weeknight dinner or even pack up some cold chicken with fruit and bread and head to the park for a family picnic!
What to Serve With Spatchcock Chicken?
Some delicious sides that pair best with spatchcock chicken are
This beautiful Traeger Spatchcock Chicken is crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor! It’s super easy to prepare and takes less time than roasting a whole chicken!
Just check the thickest part of the chicken breast for doneness and let the meat cool before serving. Then, sit back and watch your guests polish off their plates!
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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