Spatchcock chicken is simply a chicken that’s been split and flattened. Where the term “spatchcock” comes from is under debate. Flattening the chicken makes it cook faster, and adding herbs and jalapenos ups the flavor factor. The leftovers make incredible  chicken salad.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 to 55 minutes
Total Time: 55 to 65 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6  

Ingredients

• 1 chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground  cumin
• 1 tablespoon  olive oil
• 1 tablespoon  paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon  dried oregano
• 2 lemons
• 1 – 2 jalapenos (optional)

Here’s how to make it:

• To prepare the chicken, cut along both sides of the backbone and remove (kitchen shears work perfect for this). Turn the chicken over and press down until it cracks and is flat. Season the entire outside with salt and pepper.
• Zest one of the lemons and juice both. Combine the garlic, cumin, oil, paprika, oregano and zest and 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice. Mix well. Rub all over the chicken. Gently loosen the chicken’s skin and put some of the mixture underneath. Place the used lemons underneath the chicken along with the jalapeno, if using.
• Put the chicken into a baking pan. Cook in a preheated 400-degree F oven until done, about 45 to 55 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Allow chicken to rest about 10 minutes before cutting.

Credit: 30Seconds