Grilled Spatchcock Chicken with Cilantro-Citrus Sauce

By Casa de Suna

Published Jun 21

Spatchcocking is a simple way to make a whole chicken cook quickly and evenly so the meat stays extra juicy.

The citrus marinade helps tenderize the meat while adding brightness. If you’re cooking over charcoal, push the coals to one side and cook the chicken over indirect heat on the other — low and slow is the goal here.

How to Make It

Difficulty: Easy

Overall Time: 2 hr 45 min

Prep Time: 30 min + 1 hr marinating time

Cook Time: 40 min + 15 min resting time

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS
Chicken
  • 1 whole chicken, about 4 lbs (1.8 kg)
  • 1⁄2 cup fresh, strained orange juice
  • 1⁄4 cup fresh, strained lemon juice
  • 1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
  • 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
  • Freshly ground black pepper
Cilantro-Citrus Sauce
  • 1 1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro with tender stems, lightly packed
  • 1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped mint leaves, lightly packed
  • 1⁄4 cup fresh, strained orange juice
  • 1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh, strained lemon juice
  • 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 jalapeno, seeds removed and chopped
  • 1⁄2 tsp kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. For the chicken, set the chicken, breast-side down, on a cutting board. Using a sharp pair of kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to fully remove. Flip the chicken over, then firmly press down on the breastbone to flatten. Pat dry with paper towel, then transfer to an extra-large zip top bag. (Alternatively, chicken can be marinated in a large baking dish).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ctirus juices, oil, garlic, 1 1⁄2 tsp salt and orange and lemon zests. Season with fresh pepper. Pour over chicken. Seal bag, massaging chicken to fully coat. Refrigerate, at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours.
  3. Preheat grill to medium.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Pat chicken dry with a clean kitchen towel. Season chicken well on all sides with remaining 1 1⁄2 tsp salt and pepper.
  5. Oil grill and barbecue chicken, breast-side up, with lid closed, until chicken is cooked through to 165°F, about 40 to 45 minutes. (The chicken does not need to be flipped). Move chicken to a cutting board. Tent with aluminum foil and rest for 15 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, for the cilantro-citrus sauce, add cilantro, mint, orange juice, olive oil, lemon juice, jalapeno and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Process just until sauce is smooth with some flecks remaining (do not overmix).
  7. Cut chicken into pieces. Arrange on a serving platter. Serve with cilantro-citrus sauce.

Tell Us Your Thoughts

You May Also Like