Best 2 Grilled Spatchcocked Greek Chicken Recipes

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Grilled spatchcocked Greek chicken is a delectable dish that combines the succulent flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with the smokiness of the grill. This unique method of preparing chicken involves butterflying the bird and flattening it, allowing for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. The result is a tender, juicy chicken bursting with the vibrant taste of Greek herbs and spices. Whether you're a seasoned griller or a beginner, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to create an unforgettable grilled spatchcocked Greek chicken that will impress family and friends alike.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GRILLED SPATCHCOCKED GREEK CHICKEN



Grilled Spatchcocked Greek Chicken image

We're big fans of spatchcocking - that's when the backbone of a chicken is removed and flattened out. The beauty of this extra step is that all parts of the chicken finish cooking at around the same time, so no more dry breast meat!

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds) spatchcocked
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons and zest of 1
3 garlic cloves, finely grated
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 scallions, sliced
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh dill

Steps:

  • To spatchcock the chicken, use strong kitchen scissors or poultry shears and cut down either side of the spine. Pull out the spine, turn the chicken over and press down on the breast of the chicken to flatten it out to one thickness.
  • Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Put the chicken in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag in a rimmed dish. Pour in half of the marinade, reserving the rest for serving later. Seal the bag and rotate it around to evenly distribute the marinade. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously all over with salt and pepper; let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Prepare a grill for medium indirect heat: For gas grills (with 3 or more burners), turn all the burners to medium-high heat; after about 15 minutes turn off one of the middle burners and turn the remaining burners down to medium. For charcoal grills, bank one chimney starter-full of lit and ashed-over charcoal briquettes to one side of the grill. Set up a drip pan on the other side to avoid flare-ups. (Be sure to consult the grill manufacturer's guide for best results.)
  • Place the chicken skin-side up on the indirect side of the grill with the legs facing the hotter side. Cover and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) reads 150 to 160 degrees F (almost cooked through), about 50 minutes.
  • Move the chicken over to the direct-heat side of the grill. After 2 minutes, flip the chicken to char and crisp up the skin side, another 3 or 4 minutes. Check that the temperature in the thigh is now at least 165 degrees F. If it is not, then move the chicken back to the indirect side, cover and cook until the final temperature is reached. Remove from the grill; let rest 20 minutes before carving.
  • Stir the scallions and dill into the reserved marinade. Drizzle over the chicken or serve on the side.

GRILLED SPATCHCOCKED GREEK CHICKEN



Grilled Spatchcocked Greek Chicken image

Speed up cook time on a whole chicken by spatchcocking it. It is simple to do and only requires a sharp pair of kitchen shears and 5 minutes of your time. Grilling over indirect heat keeps the bird moist.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Greek

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
ΒΌ cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 (4.5 pound) whole chicken, spatchcocked
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, rosemary, and tarragon together in a measuring cup.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  • Place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour 1/2 of the oil mixture over the chicken and reserve the remaining 1/2. Using your hands, massage the oil mixture into the chicken skin. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill chicken skin-side up over indirect heat for 50 minutes. Move chicken over direct heat and grill 5 minutes. Carefully flip chicken over skin-side down and grill until skin is brown and crispy, about 5 more minutes. Transfer chicken to a serving platter and let rest for 10 minutes.
  • Drizzle reserved oil mixture over the chicken. Carve and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1213.4 calories, Carbohydrate 1.8 g, Cholesterol 158.9 mg, Fat 115.3 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 39.3 g, SaturatedFat 27.1 g, Sodium 151 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

Tips:

  • Brine the chicken: Soaking the chicken in a brine solution before cooking helps to keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Use a flavorful marinade: The marinade not only adds flavor to the chicken, but it also helps to tenderize it.
  • Spatchcock the chicken: This technique involves cutting out the backbone of the chicken and flattening it out. This allows for even cooking and helps to reduce the cooking time.
  • Cook the chicken over indirect heat: This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the chicken rest before carving: This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Conclusion:

Grilled spatchcocked Greek chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can create a flavorful and juicy chicken that your family and friends will love.

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