SPATCHCOCKED CHICKEN WITH WALNUT-DILL PESTO

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Spatchcocked Chicken With Walnut-Dill Pesto image

This recipe is simply amazing. It's not as difficult as it sounds. Learn this technique to wow your guests! A spatchcocked bird is one that is split so it becomes open and flat - a perfect candidate for grilling. You'll need poultry shears to prepare this recipe. Time does not include marinating time.

Provided by Crafty Lady 13

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 roasting chickens (3-1/2 to 4 lb)
1 bunch fresh dill, washed, stemmed and chopped (save a few dill sprigs for garnish)
1 bunch fresh basil, washed, stemmed and chopped
5 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/4 cup romano cheese, freshly grated
2 slices lemon zest (1/2 by 2 inches)
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon coarse salt (to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
lemon wedge, for serving

Steps:

  • Remove the packets of giblets from the body of the chickens and set aside for another use. Remove and discard the fat just inside the body and neck cavities of the chickens. Rinse the chickens, inside and out, under cold running water and then drain and blot dry, inside and out, with paper towels.
  • Spatchcock the chickens: Place the chicken on its breast. Using poultry shears, start at the neck and cut lengthwise down one side of the backbone to the tail. Next, repeat that cut along the otherside of the backbone. Remove the backbone and save it for stock.
  • Now, fold the chicken open, like a book, with the skin side down. Use a paring knife to cut along each side of the breastbone. Run your thumbs along both sides of the breastbone and pull the white cartilage out.
  • Turn the skin side up and trim the wingtips and any loose skin. The chicken is now spatchcocked. Place the chickens in a nonreactive roasting pan.
  • Prepare the pesto: Place the dill, basil, garlic, walnuts, cheese and lemon zest in a food processor and process until very finely chopped. With the machine runing, add the oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and 3/4 cup water. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as necessary; the pesto shuld be highly seasoned. Set 1/2 cup pesto aside. pour the remaining pesto over the chickens, spreading it on the meat with a rubber spatula. Turn the birds so you coat both sides. Let the chickens marinate in the refrigerator, covered, for as little as 2 hours or as long as overnight, turning once or twice to coat with marinade; the longer the chickens marinate, the richer the flavor will be.
  • Set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat to medium. When ready to cook, brush and oil the grate. Arrange the chickens on the grate, skin=side down. Grill for 12 to 15 minutes per side, turning once with tongs and a spatula. the chickens can be a little awkward to turn; you'll need to use both utensils. When you turn the chickens, spread the reserved 1/2 cup pesto on top. You'll probably get flare-ups as the melting fat hits the fire. Keep the birds moving to dodge the flames. If the skin browns to much, lower the heat or move the chickens to a cooler section of the grill. The chickens are done when an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh (but not touching the bone) registers about 180 degrees F.
  • Transfer the chickens to a plater, let rest for a few minutes, garnish with the dill sprigs and lemon wedges, and serve.
  • Tip 1: Any bird can be spatchcocked and grilled in this fashion, from qual to turkeys.
  • Tip 2: Feel free to make the pesto with rosemary (1 cup of leaves) or another fresh herb.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 477.4, Fat 45.3, SaturatedFat 8.7, Cholesterol 60.9, Sodium 426.8, Carbohydrate 2.6, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 0.5, Protein 16.1

Cruzlynn Swartz
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken. The pesto is flavorful and the chicken is moist and tender. I will definitely be making this again.


Allen Arquette
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I'm not a big fan of chicken, but this recipe was amazing! The chicken was so moist and flavorful, and the pesto was the perfect finishing touch. I'll definitely be making this again.


Hassan ali Mirani
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This was a delicious and easy recipe to follow. The chicken was moist and tender, and the pesto was flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


Moazzam Farooqi
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I love this recipe! The chicken is always cooked perfectly and the pesto is so flavorful. I always get compliments when I make this dish.


the lit Tik tok people
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This recipe is a great way to impress your guests. The chicken is so flavorful and the pesto is the perfect finishing touch. I highly recommend it!


Smkhursheed Mughal
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I've made this recipe a few times now and it's always a hit. The chicken is always juicy and tender, and the pesto is so flavorful. I love that I can make it ahead of time, too.


Abu Tizita
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This recipe is a keeper! The chicken was cooked to perfection and the pesto was so flavorful. I loved the combination of walnuts and dill. It was a really unique and delicious flavor.


Kharazzaman Noyon
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I'm not usually a fan of chicken, but this recipe changed my mind! The chicken was so moist and tender, and the pesto was amazing. I'll definitely be making this again.


Iiii Hhhh
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the pesto was the perfect finishing touch. I will definitely be making this again.


Younes Barkat
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I made this recipe for a dinner party and everyone loved it! The chicken was perfectly cooked and the pesto was so flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


Drona Official
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This was a great recipe! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the pesto was delicious. I especially liked the addition of dill. It gave the pesto a really nice fresh flavor.


sumon
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I've made this recipe several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The chicken is always moist and tender, and the pesto is the perfect complement. I highly recommend this recipe!


heema baral
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I tried this recipe last night and it was amazing! The chicken was cooked perfectly and the pesto was so flavorful. My husband and I both loved it.


Naim Hasan Aupo
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This spatchcocked chicken with walnut-dill pesto was a hit with my family! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the pesto added a delicious nutty flavor. I will definitely be making this again.