How to Spatchcock a Small Chicken
3104 days ago
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Spatchcock is a funny word, but it may very well change the way you cook whole chicken, forever.
With some durable and sharp kitchen shears, like Cutco's Super Shears, you'll be able to cut through the chicken in a way that opens it up for faster, even cooking. It's a great way to grill chicken because it really allows marinades or rubs to infuse with the meat.
Another benefit of spatchcocking is that it leaves the skin intact, which results in crispy, evenly browned skin and succulent, juicy meat.
Also try this technique on a whole game hen or small turkey.
Learn More: For other great knife how-tos for grilling download our free Knife Know-How: Grilling guide.
Directions
- Choose a smaller chicken or game hen (under 2 pounds)
- With the chicken sitting breast side down, identify the backbone of the chicken.
- Use Super Shears (kitchen shears) to cut along one side of the backbone from neck to tail.
- Repeat the cutting along the other side to remove the backbone (save for stock).
- Open the chicken up to find where the breastbone starts
- Using a Boning Knife, make a small slice through the cartilage and pull the chicken open to expose the breast bone, which will allow the bird to lay flat.
