Spatchcock chicken with lemon, thyme and garlic
A whole flattened chicken cooks fast and stays juicy, with crisp skin and bright lemon.
- Time1 hr 15
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.40 a head
- Oven200°C (180°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Place the chicken breast side down. Cut along both sides of the backbone with strong scissors and remove it. Flip over and press hard on the breastbone to flatten.
- 2
Mix the zest, juice, garlic, herbs, paprika, oil, salt and pepper. Rub all over the chicken and under the skin. Leave for 30 minutes if you have time.
30 min - 3
Set the barbecue for indirect heat, or heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Put the potatoes in a tray and sit the chicken on top, skin side up.
- 4
Cook for 50 to 55 minutes, until the skin is golden and the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh.
50 min - 5
Rest for 10 minutes under foil, then carve. Serve with the potatoes and juices from the tray with the halved lemon grilled on the side.
10 min
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.