• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kudos Kitchen by Renee

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Main Course Recipes » Chicken and Poultry Recipes

    Published: Jul 20, 2014 · Modified: May 17, 2024 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 19 Comments

    Lemon Oregano Spatchcock Chicken

    Lemon Oregano Spatchcock Chicken is a new way to open your mind (and chicken) to a faster and more delicious way to cook a whole chicken.

    Lemon Oregano Spatchcock Chicken Recipe

    *Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2014. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.

    Love roast chicken but hate the amount of time it takes to cook? If so, why not try spatchcocking the bird? I know, I know, it's a funny word that always elicits giggles and comments, but what it actually is, is a cooking term for removing the backbone from the chicken and then flattening it out so that more surface area comes in contact with the heat, which greatly decreasing the cooking time.

    This spatchcocked chicken can be cooked either in the oven or outside on the grill.

    *Note - Use caution when cooking this on the grill because it's prone to flare-ups due to the olive oil and chicken fat that will drip onto the fire. Also, because the surface space of a spatchcocked chicken is so large, be prepared with either a flat baking sheet (no sides) or a super large spatula for when it comes time to flip the chicken if cooking it on an outdoor grill.

    If you're cooking this in the oven, no need to worry about flare-ups or flipping. Just place your chicken on a rimmed baking sheet and you're good to go!

    Lemon Oregano Spatchcock Chicken Recipe

    Save this for later.

    We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

    Email forwarding service for saving information.

    LEMON OREGANO SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN   {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
    Prep Time:   10 minutes        Cook Time:  50-60 minutes

    1 5-6 pounds whole chicken
    olive oil
    4 lemons
    dried oregano
    salt and pepper

    -Using the sharp kitchen shears, locate the backbone and carefully cut down one side, and then the other to remove it in its entirety.
    -Open the chicken flat and place it on a rimmed baking sheet.
    -Squeeze lemon juice liberally onto both sides of the flattened chicken, along with salt and pepper to taste.
    -Allow the chicken to sit for 30 minutes to marinate in the lemon juice.
    -Drizzle both sides of the chicken liberally with olive oil and a healthy amount of oregano.
    -Preheat the grill to medium/high and place the bird on the grate, open side down and cover. *Note - if cooking in an oven, preheat to 375 and cook for approximately 50-60 minutes.
    -After about 30 minutes, flip the bird to skin side down and cook, covered for an additional 30 minutes. *Note - this is the point you'll have to watch out for flare-ups so the bird won't burn, So stick close and be prepared to move it around if needed.
    -Your chicken is done when the juices run clean and the internal temperature of the leg/thigh area is 165 degrees.
    -Serve and enjoy 🙂

     
     

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

    FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, YOUTUBE, KUDOS AMAZON SHOPPING,

    and PINTEREST

    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

    Selfie of Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    Custom Renee Signature

    More Chicken and Poultry Recipes

    • A yellow plate with a serving of chicken artichoke pasta and a fork.
      Chicken and Artichoke Pasta with Avocado
    • Golden brown Japanese Fried Chicken Nuggets in a white bowl.
      Japanese Fried Chicken Nuggets
    • A delicious serving of French Spaghetti in a white bowl with a fork.
      French Spaghetti with Red Wine
    • A hearty slice of Mexican Turkey Taco Lasagna on a yellow plate with a fork.
      Oven-Ready Turkey Taco Lasagna

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Please tell me what you think... Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      By submitting this comment you agree to share your name, email address, website and IP address with Kudos Kitchen by Renee. This information will not be used for any purpose other than enabling you to post a comment. *

    1. Anne @ Webicurean says

      August 05, 2014 at 3:30 pm

      I have yet to spatchcock a chicken, but I need to correct that soon--I can't wait to try this recipe!

      Reply
    2. Bobbi Burleson says

      July 25, 2014 at 8:12 pm

      Gorgeous! I love doing my chicken this way. Especially in the smoker, so much easier to work with 🙂

      Reply
    3. Dionne Baldwin says

      July 24, 2014 at 10:17 pm

      I had never heard of the term for this until I read this post. I like to be resourceful but I don't often get this creative when I cook a whole chicken and need it done quickly since I don't like actually touching the chicken. I know,, it makes me sound like a sissy but I am still willing to give this a try! Your chicken looks gorgeous!

      Reply
    4. Julie @ Texan New Yorker says

      July 23, 2014 at 10:34 pm

      I adore a good spatch-cocked chicken, and not only because I get to say it aloud! I love the flavors you used here, it sounds divine! 🙂

      Reply
    5. Laura Hunter says

      July 23, 2014 at 8:34 am

      I saw someone do this a while ago and felt so inspired. I haven't yet tried it but hopefully when life calms down with work before the baby is born I will get onto it.

      Reply
    6. Christy @ Confessions of a Culinary Diva says

      July 22, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      Great recipe and instructional photos! Like Liz I've not done this in years, but you just reminded me how great it is!

      Reply
    7. Kimberly says

      July 22, 2014 at 4:14 pm

      This is one of my favorite ways to prepare chicken ... and lemon and oregano sounds perfect to me!

      Reply
    8. Tara Noland says

      July 22, 2014 at 1:06 pm

      I haven't spatchcocked a chicken yet but I now have to try this, great video too. Your chicken looks divine!!

      Reply
    9. Martin Redmond says

      July 22, 2014 at 12:50 am

      Funny, I've cooked a chicken this way a few times using a recipe from Cook's Illustrated, but I'd never heard of the term spatchcock until I saw your recipe. Anyway, I know how tasty a chicken is cooked this way. It cook faster, the skin is crisper and it's so juicy. Great recipe!

      Reply
    10. Becca from It's Yummi says

      July 21, 2014 at 1:52 pm

      I have yet to try spatchcocked chicken, but if your photos are any indication, I'm in for a treat!

      Reply
    11. Liz Berg says

      July 21, 2014 at 12:05 pm

      I haven't spatchcocked a chicken in years, but your recipe has reminded me how much I love this preparation. Lemon and oregano are the perfect flavorings, too!

      Reply
    12. Melanie | Melanie Makes says

      July 20, 2014 at 9:08 pm

      Such a great flavor combination - looks amazing!

      Reply
    13. Sarah Reid says

      July 20, 2014 at 7:04 pm

      PERFECT!! My stepbrother's fiancee is Greek and would love this

      Reply
    14. Mallory @ Because I Like Chocolate says

      July 20, 2014 at 5:59 pm

      I had to spatchcock so many chickens in culinary school, and I don't even eat the stuff! Looks good though 🙂

      Reply
    15. Christie Campbell says

      July 20, 2014 at 5:10 pm

      And here I thought it was just butterflying it. Learn something new every day! I love these flavor combinations. SO YUMMY and refreshing.

      Reply
    16. Constance Smith says

      July 20, 2014 at 4:48 pm

      Now that's a gorgeous chicken!

      Reply
    17. Sherron Watson says

      July 20, 2014 at 4:46 pm

      Oh my--this looks amazing! I have yet to spatchcock a chicken and this is inspiring me to try one soon. Especially on the grill. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    18. Sherri Jo says

      July 20, 2014 at 2:43 pm

      I love to spatchcock chicken... I even did it with a turkey once! Of course, my silly kids think it's a dirty sounding word so every time I do it there are many comments from the peanut gallery :-/

      Reply
    19. Cheryl King says

      July 20, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      Sounds yummy! I do love a good roasted or grilled chicken. I had never heard of spatchcock chicken before and I rarely make a whole chicken at a time, but if I ever decide to give it a try, this is definately a method I'll consider! I would love it if you would drop by and share this with my recipe link party The Yuck Stops Here this week. The party starts Tuesday evening at 8pm ET and can be found on my blog, Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos. HUGS

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee holding a cast iron skillet cornbread.

    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

    More →

    Fast and Easy Dinners

    • A salsa sloppy joe sandwich in a small cast iron skillet with avocado slices and a sesame seed bun.
      Salsa Sloppy Joes
    • A stack of Burrito Dogs with some ketchup and mustard in the background.
      Burrito Dogs (aka Dogs in a Blanket)
    • Four Caprese Sausage Sandwiches on a platter with tomatoes and fresh basil.
      Caprese Sausage Sandwich
    • A stack to Burgerdillas on a wooden cutting board.
      Burgerdillas - Burgers in Tortillas

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When I find a great product or service I like to share it with my readers. For additional information please view my privacy policy.

    Copyright © 2025 Kudos Kitchen by Renee

    1 shares
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Email
    • Save
    • Flipboard
    • Threads
    • Messenger
    • Bluesky