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Garlic and Herb Spatchcock Grilled Chicken

This garlic and herb spatchcock grilled chicken is a masterclass in outdoor cooking, delivering exceptionally succulent meat with a perfectly charred, aromatic skin. By removing the backbone and flattening the bird, you ensure even cooking and maximum surface area for the fragrant rosemary and garlic infusion. This high-protein dish is a fantastic centrepiece for any summer gathering, offering a sophisticated alternative to standard barbecue fare.

Spatchcocking is an excellent technique for those looking to shave time off their roasting or grilling without sacrificing flavour. The addition of an extra breast ensures there is plenty to go around, making it a practical choice for meal prep or larger family dinners. Serve this homemade favourite on a large platter with a vibrant, zingy chimichurri sauce to balance the savoury richness of the poultry.

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Ingredients for Garlic and Herb Spatchcock Grilled Chicken

  • 1 bunch rosemary

  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 1 (1.6kg) whole chicken

  • 1 (675g) skin-on, bone-in whole chicken breast

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • Chimichurri Sauce (for serving)

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat with both direct and indirect heat zones, preferably with hardwood or hardwood charcoal. Separate leaves from 5 rosemary sprigs, then coarsely chop leaves. Tie remaining sprigs together with kitchen twine to form a brush. Combine garlic and oil in a measuring cup.

Place chicken breast side down on work surface. Spatchcock chicken by cutting along both sides of backbone with kitchen shears; reserve backbone for stock. Turn chicken over, breast side up, and splay open. Press down on breastbone with palms until you hear it crack and chicken is as flat as possible. Tuck the wings behind the breasts, then tuck in the legs so the bottoms of the drumsticks are pointed away from the body and chicken is as flat as possible.

Brush all sides of both pieces of chicken with the garlic-oil using rosemary brush. Sprinkle all sides with chopped rosemary leaves, salt, and pepper.

Grill both pieces of chicken, skin side down, over direct heat, until skin is golden brown, crispy, and lightly charred, about 5 minutes. Flip both pieces of chicken over, transfer to indirect heat, and baste with rosemary brush dipped in garlic-oil.

Continue to grill chicken, basting occasionally, until skin is golden brown, juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 74°C, 45–60 minutes for whole chicken and 25–35 minutes for chicken breast. Let chicken stand at least 10 minutes before carving. Arrange chicken on a serving platter and serve with chimichurri sauce alongside.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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